Page 51 of Arris, Jayme & Dyani
“Okay, Arris.” I rolled my eyes with a smirk.
He didn’t smile with me. “I’m serious. If you want or don’t want to do this, cool. But let it be because that’s your choice, not because of grown ass Darryl. That nigga has to live his life just like you have to live yours.”
I exhaled. “I know.”
“And I don’t need an answer right now, or even today, but I wanted to let you know what was going on, see where your head was, and see if there was anything you wanted to talk about or find out so you can sit with shit and see how you’re feeling.”
“Look, I like you and I like Jayme and I’m not against anything but…” I paused while I thought carefully about my next words. “I’m not sure how things would work out long term or if I’d even really be interested in something like that long term.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with that.” He gave me a small smile.
I exhaled and fidgeted in my seat.
“So, what does that mean?”
“As of right now? Nothing. The ball is in your court and we can still hang out just like we’re doing without a title or some shit like that.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay.” I nodded.
“You want to see the tattoo I’m supposed to be doing tomorrow morning?”
“Of course.”
I sat up and he dug his phone out of his pocket to show me. It was a huge back piece that seemed to be more beautiful the longer I stared. He pointed out a few details he’d added and told me about what parts he was most excited to tackle and I appreciated it. I liked hearing him talk all excitedly about what he had going on. I liked that he wanted to tell me about something he was passionate about. I knew he was just trying to bring our conversation into safer territory.
By the time we finished eating, I was more sure than before that there was something worth discovering between us, and honestly, I wasn’t against seeing if there was something similar between me and Jayme as well.
Arris walked me to my car and casually kissed me at the door before opening it for me. I had a huge smile on my face the entire drive back to my place.
I shed my clothes at the door and collapsed onto the couch, still tired from the night before. I was asleep in seconds.
When I woke up, my apartment was dark and it took several long moments for me to adapt to the lack of light and come back to my body. I dragged myself up, cut the lights on, and headed to the bathroom to pee, brush my teeth again, and splash water on my face.
I’d slept the entire day away. I was obviously not built for long nights and early mornings anymore.
I checked my phone while I drank water. I had one message from Darryl and one from Arris.
I went to my text thread with Jayme instead though and debated reaching out to her. I’d already spoken to Arris, but Jayme was her own person and he was right. If anything happened with me and Jayme, it would be because we chose for it to happen.
Our relationship wasn’t dependent on him.
I exhaled and just rushed through a quick text.
Happy Birthday, Jayme.
She liked the message almost immediately and I watched her response bubble pop out.
Thank you!
I locked my phone and set it down. I put my clothes in the washing machine and took a quick shower. I rummaged in my fridge for a snack, then sat at my island for a moment before I went back to my messages with Jayme yet again.
Me: Do you have any birthday plans?
Jayme: Nope. Recovering and baking with Blake.
