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“Rasheed? That’s one of Jason’s best friends from LA. I told you about him and Tyler around the time of your birthday when they came to visit.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that was him.”

“Yeah, he’s super cool, and everyone loves him already. I think Grandma has a crush on him…”

The more she talked, the more her words went in one ear and out of the other. This man saw me,and my nipples, in a gas station parking lot on the verge of a panic attack, and now I find out he’s my brother-in-law’s best friend? Great. Just great.

We made our way back out, and when I looked in his direction, Rasheed gave me that cocky grin again and waved.

Jesus… help me.

Rasheed was annoyingly, effortlessly here. There.Every-damn-where. After lunch, Mama took us on a tour of the grounds, and guess who just so happened to stand next to me the whole time? Rasheed. Who helped carry chairs, rearrange things, and pick up behind people with me? Rasheed. Who handed me lemonade when I got hot outside? Rasheed. He didn’t get me sweet tea like everyone else. No, he got me my favorite drink. He got me lemonade.

And he wasn’t even flirting. He was funny and helpful and charming. It was god-awful. Everything about him was effortless and natural and that made me deeply suspicious. Not because I thought he was faking but because he seemed so real and genuine.

By the time everyone went their separate ways after the late lunch, Mama’s side of the family made their grand entrance. I took the longest shower possible and listened to a couple morechapters of the audiobook version of The Streets Will Never Love Me Like You Do while I got ready. Since I knew there would be a photographer here, I put on a silk, strapless dress and did a light, glittery makeup look. Paisley wanted her bridal party to have their hair up for the wedding, so I was taking full advantage of being able to wear my hair down for the rest of the events. I used my flat iron to style my hair in Hollywood waves since I’d forgotten my curling iron at home and didn’t feel like borrowing someone else’s.

I took a few pictures and posted them to my social media before chilling in the sitting area of my room. Before I left, I checked my notifications one last time, because I knew I wouldn’t be on my socials anymore this evening. It didn’t surprise me to see the amount of comments and likes I’d gotten so far, but Iwassurprised to see someone who wasn’t my friend had liked and commented on it. Skeptically, I clicked on Houston J’s profile, refusing to believe it was my Houston. Or my ex Houston, at least.

Sure enough, it was him. He’d followed me and sent a friend request, and seeing as I’d blocked him on everything, it caught me off guard seeing his name and photos. We hadn't talked since I called things off. He'd called and texted from other numbers and dropped by that first week, but when he realized I was serious, he stopped. Unable to resist, I accepted the request and sent him a DM.

Miss Pres: Didn’t I block you?

Houston J: Yeah. That’s why I made a new page.

Miss Pres: Not sure why. I told you we were done.

Houston J: You meant forever? I thought six months would be enough for you to forgive me.

As much as I didn’t want to, I smiled. Unfortunately, the last six months were more than enough time for me to get over Houston. I realized we held on to each other for as long as we did because we didn’t have any major issues, but the small ones added up.

Houston was dangerous.

He was the kind of man I could easily slip into a friends with benefits situation with because he looked good, had good dick and a good job, and was genuinely a cool guy. Now that I was being more honest with myself about what I wanted, that was no longer enough. Plus, his mama tried to play in my face, and I’d been raised to respect my elders. I could only imagine the games she’d play when he got married.

Miss Pres: Yes for forever. I don’t think I need to forgive you for prioritizing your mother. I just can’t be with a man who doesn’t prioritize me.

Houston J: I know where I fucked up. I should have done something with her on any other day but your birthday bae. I know how important birthdays are to you, but I was trying so hard to hold her down that I dropped you.

Miss Pres: Thank you for acknowledging that. It means a lot to me. ??

Houston J: You mean a lot to me.

Miss Pres: You meant a lot to me but we can’t go there again.

Houston J: Can we be friends?

Miss Pres: You know we can’t be real friends Houston.

Houston J: And you know I’ll never let you go. If you block this page, I’ll just make another one and find you again. Until you married you available!

Houston J: I will always find you Presly.

Miss Pres: Houston please. ?? Let me go.

Houston J: Is that what you really want?

Miss Pres: Yes!!!

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