Every Kind of Way

17.

"Grandma's favorite phrase." Asha chuckled. "But other than where we at now, he's treated me well. He's sweet, annoying, gentle, and considerate. A gentle giant at best."

Sydnie hummed, "Can I get a name?"

"No you cannot. Not yet." Asha paid for her food and waited for it to be handed out the window. "I really like him so hopefully it moves enough for you to get a name. So in due time."

"I'll accept it. I don't want to hold you too long I was just calling to see how you're doing. I'll talk to you later and I love you."

"I love you too." Asha grabbed her food and pulled off. "And tell Elijah he can text or call me back. I'm sick of being abandoned."

Sydnie chuckled, "He's been so caught up in them Taekwondo classes that he barely charges that phone. I'll let him know."

Asha allowed the song she'd been listening to pick up where it left off while she drove toward the park near the house. She didn't have class and had work from home again. Instead of staying in the house to get her work done she decided to be out in the sun even if it was cold. Once she pulled up, she climbed out with her tote and plate, going over to one of the gazebos. She quickly set up shop then pulled the hood of her jacket over her head to keep the wind from freezing her ears.

While knocking out a few tasks and eating her food, a text from Trevon appeared on her laptop screen. The two had been talking consistently since the party – on his account – because he made it known he wanted to pursue her. She was honest about where her head was and he let her know he was a competitor and played to win. But he also wanted her to give him the green light for him to pull out all the stops before he went ham for no reason. Asha wasn't ready to do it until she received clarification from Sanchez.

She wasn't really interested in forming a bond with anyone else but one thing she learned from her last situation was not to play herself. There was always someone ready and willing. All she had to do was ask the necessary questions and move accordingly based on the response. Don't turn potential into a false reality.

The sound of muffled music and tires against the cement made her turn over her shoulder. She hadn't expected anyone to come to the park at this time because kids were in school and most adults were at work. When she saw the Kia Optima she pushed her hood off her head like it'd help her see clearer, but sure enough Sanchez climbed out. She watched him take his backpack from the back seat then make his way toward her. A smile crept on her face as she watched him walk over – she never really noticed how cute his walk was.

She got up and met him a few feet away from the gazebo. They both had goofy smiles on their face – him amused by her stance. It was obvious she was excited to him as she smiled and moved her legs back and forth to keep from running up to him. Once he was close to her she threw her arms up for a hug. He scooped her up in a hug and walked them under the gazebo while she gave him kisses. She missed him and wasn't going to act like she hadn't.

"What you doing out here?" she asked after he placed her back on her feet and she sat down. "Don't you have class right now?"

"Yeah," he sat down beside her with a soft grunt. "I went to the one before mine so I could catch you."

"So you could catch me?" she slightly frowned.

"You said we ain't really been hanging out." she looked at him in confusion because she hadn't voiced that to him yet. "You tweeted it last night, Asha."