Chapter 8.

Jazmine's POV

It's Friday. After work I throw on more casual, not too dressy clothes for the museum. I'm wearing a flannel button up with a white shirt under, blue skinny jeans, and Nike air max. My hair pulled back into a middle part, slick bun the same for work. My phone starts ringing after I am dressed, it's Cairo.

"Hey babe."

"Hey beautiful I miss you."

"Miss you too. How's work?"

"Kinda' tiring. Did you find someone to go with?"

"Yeah...Cindy." I just say the first person that comes to mind.

"Oh that's good. I've got to go soon, anything else you wanna say?"

"It should be you coming with me," I say clearly showing an attitude.

"I wish I were but I can't." 'Obviously' I roll my eyes.

"It's almost becoming consistent Cairo, that you are never here."

"I don't have to argue babe. I'll call you later tonight. Ok?"

"Fine."

"Don't forget I love you."

"Yeah love you too."

"Bye. Have a nice time."

'Bye." Cairo hangs up the phone.

"Have a nice time my ass." I mock his stupid pretentious voice. I was starting to get tired of him and his work. That's why I'm going with Huey, at least he can be here for me like an actual Friend. Anyways a few minutes later Huey tells me he's outside. I lock my front door and head downstairs to the ground floor. As soon as I get outside I see Huey walk out of his black Enzo Ferrari convertible. Wearing a black, long sleeve graphic tee, black jeans, white forces, and to top it off a gold rope chain. I'm convinced this man never has an off day.

Huey meets me on the passenger side of his car, I face him as he stops in front of me. Not knowing which way to properly greet him I decide on a hug. I wrap my arms around his neck 'Bad choice!' I caught a whiff of his light cologne and I didn't want to let go. A handshake would have been sufficient because I was definitely crossing a line but I didn't care. I haven't seen my friend in a while. Huey awkwardly putting a hand around my lower back and patting snaps me back into reality. I let go of him.

"What? You're not happy to see me?"

"I'm just not used to that kind of … affection?"

"Well you better get used to it because I'm a hugger" I cross my arms. Suddenly Huey comes closer and I gulp nervously at our close proximity. Lightly brushes my body. His hand reaches behind me, our noses practically touching. 'What is he doing?' Huey opens the door for me.

"I've noticed." Is all he says, gesturing for me to get into the seat. I relax immediately.

"At least you have some gentleman nature." I smile looking up at him.

"Of course. I respect women." Huey walks back to the passenger side. I think back to the first time I met him and gave him a skeptical look.

"Well in special cases."

"What like Special ED, special or?"

He looks at me unbelievably, "Just special."

"So you think I'm special?" I look directly into his eyes to mess with him. Huey looks away flustered I'm pretty sure.

"I didn't say all that."

"It sort of seemed like you did," I tease.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Dubois."

"It's ok to admit it."

"Why do you care so much?" Huey asks and it catches me completely off guard. I was just joking. he didn't have to take it there.

"I-I don't."

"Sort of seemed like you did." I sit there looking at him confused. When I see his mouth turn it to a smirk I realized he was mocking me. 'Sometimes he was so hard to read.'

"All I'm saying is... If you think I'm special Huey, just say thattt." I give back the same playful energy.

"Yeah. Short bus, special." He retorts in an almost mumble, just when I thought I had him. I gasp shocked that Huey would say something of that nature. That was rude but funny. I laugh a little in response and Huey pulls off.

The ride is mostly quiet. I've noticed that Huey doesn't really talk 's also calm and collected when he drives, no scowl on his face. He drives with one hand. This shouldn't be attractive but it is. Although then again men driving in general is kind of a turn on. Especially the cute ones. I'd be lying if I say I didn't think Huey was good looking. It wasn't a crime or cheating to find other men attractive while in a relationship. I mean Cairo was always liking other females pictures on Instagram and they were not shy about commenting how fine they thought he was. It irritated me but I was the only one he was with. That's what I had to remember at the end of the day.

After 30 minutes we arrive, the museum looks big from the outside. Huey opens the front to inside for me and I thank him. The both of us go to multiple exhibits during the time of the African American history trip. But one of the paintings catches our eyes out of all of them. It's a painting of a black girl and boy but separated in a sky full of stars.

"What do you think this means?" I question Huey.

"Well it's apparent that it's a love story. But in 1776- 1865, slavery era there were no happy endings hence why the two are separated. But in the end they have hope to keep them going, symbolized by the stars." It's official Huey is smart as hell. His interpretation is spot on.

"Wow Huey that was deep."

He just shrugs, "Also it could be paying respect to Harriet Tubman. You see the North Star?"

I shake my head no, "Where is it?"

Huey takes my hand in his and points to it, "There."

I suck in a breath feeling his warm big hang wrapped around mine.

"See it now?" I nod, It's the brightest star of all of them. How did I not notice before? Huey brings my hand down and when I look down I realize they are still entangled. Then I look up and I'm met with those beautiful maroon eyes that pour into mine.

"Aww such a cute couple." An old black woman startles us. Huey and I both release hands in comprehending why the lady made that comment.

"Oh sorry ma'am we're not together." I find myself blushing for some reason.

Huey awkwardly rubs the back of his neck, "Yeah she has a boyfriend."

"Yes and it's certainly not him."

"Okay I think she gets the point," Huey murmurs as the old lady eyes us.

"Still in that denial phase just like me and my husband were. You'll get over it."

"Joanne I've been looking all over for you. What are you doing?" An older man approaches the older lady. I'm guessing her husband.

"Bruce don't these two remind you of us." Ok I'll admit the woman was a light complexion and mulatto like me. The older man and Huey shared the same skin tone as well though he didn't have much hair. The old man takes a look at both of us.

"I'm so sorry if she's been harassing you two. Come on Joanne, let's go."

"Ok ok." The woman, Joanne goes to walk off with her husband then comes to me.

"You may already be in a relationship with someone else but...Hold on to what you two got, right here. It's something special. I know young love when I see it and you don't see much of it these days." Her words hit me. 'Could Huey and myself have a special connection.' Maybe but I can't act on it.

"Woman!"

"Coming!" The woman joins her husband. I look at Huey and burst out laughing as he snorts of his nose.

"That was funny us two dating. A real joke!"

"Yeah I hate to break it to you Dubois but you're not really my type," Was he serious? I shouldn't care but I do. What's wrong with me? I'm not ugly. He really did mean it that day I left his house. He's probably into darker shade women secure in their blackness. Not insecure lowkey. Not a half breed like me who's always struggled with both sides of myself. I took pride in being black now but not when I was young. 'Crap' Maybe he did have me figured out. But then he smirks thank god he was only messing with me. I playfully swat his arm.

"You know you want all of this" I laugh.

Huey rolls his eyes and I contain my laughter.

"What's the name of this painting anyway?" I say looking at the name of the display. 'North Star Lovers.' A wave of realization washes over me. I hit Huey's arm.

"Ow. What was that for?"

"You read the name of the painting. Didn't you?"

Huey scowls, "No I'm just intelligent."

I roll my eyes, "Whatever, cheater."

"I didn't cheat."

"I believe you… cheater" I mumble the last part.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." I say rapidly with a grin on my face.

Huey sucks his teeth, "You ready to go? I should probably take you home. Got work tonight."

It was getting late and the museum was closing soon, I didn't want the day to end but I had work too.

"Ok let's go."

Huey's POV

While I'm driving away from the Museum, I realize we haven't eaten all day. It doesn't matter to me I eat late at night most of the time anyway. But Jazmine is probably hungry after a long day, I should have asked her way before we even went.

"You want to go get eat something real quick?"

"Could we please? I'm starving." Jazmine commented quickly. Like she was oddly excited about it for some reason.

I nod my head, "Where do you want to go?"

"Ummm… I know this good chicken place downtown." She suggests and I frown.

"I'm a pescatarian but we could still go."

"Oh… I'm sure they have fish and garden salads and other alternative options too." This shocks me most people would judge me for my diet choice 'Ironic I know.' or some wouldn't even know what that means. Jazmine is smart or maybe I was so used to being surrounded by ignorance.

"Sounds fine. Tell me the directions when we get close."

"Okay and I'm going to put our orders in so we won't have to wait so long," I nod in response.

After twenty minutes we reached the small restaurant, it didn't smell like straight chicken so I guess that was a good sign. Jazmine walks to the counter.

"Hi I'm here to pick up an order that I called in earlier."

"Name? and What did you order?"

"Jazmine. The chicken dinner with the side salad and shrimp with rice."

The cashier looks over a paper, "Okay it will be done in 5 minutes. You can wait and pay over there." The lady points to a few feet to the side of her

"Alright, thank you so much," Jazmine smiles at the woman. The lady didn't deserve that kindness if you ask me. She had that I'm ready to clock out attitude. I could tell this place was ghetto, why did Jazmine come here?

We walk out of the line to the wait area, "You know you shouldn't give your real name at restaurants."

"And why not?" Jazmine looks at me confused.

"Because they don't need to know. That's how they judge if you're white or black. Gives them a chance to spit in your food or something along those lines."

"Wow you are literally paranoid." I just shrug in response. I'm not paranoid, I am mindful.

"Besides I know how to code switch so they won't know the difference. And technically I'm white and black sooo is your point still valid?" She says smartly and I roll my eyes.

"Once you have black in you. You're simply just black," I bluntly state. White people don't care if you have some white in you once you have black in you. You are deemed a nigga.

"Whatever telling them my name isn't that serious, Huey. It's Just… everything doesn't have to be a mystery." I look at her puzzled. What does she mean "a mystery"? It's silent after that because I didn't know exactly how to respond to her comment. Not to mention they said five minutes which was feeling like ten right about now. Can this damn food hurry up? I have shit to do.

"Jazmine! Your order is finished!" Finally, but damn they were loud as hell. We walk to the counter and hands Jazmine the food while I pay. Jazmine tries to object but I would never let a woman pay for my food, my grandad taught me that. The two of us sit in my car eating our meals. The food was alright I'll admit but not the best. I put the rest of mine away for later. Jazmine on the other hand quickly devoured her meal. The girl can eat. She was on her last piece of chicken at the moment.

"Damn is it that good?" I ask amused, looking at her taking another large bite.

She finished her food, "Shut up. One, I love food and two, I didn't eat all day. I told you I was hungry."

"I know… I should have offered you something before we left your house."

"I'm just exaggerating. But their food is good."

"Eh, it was ight' and their service is terrible" I say truthfully.

"How so?"

"You didn't hear how the cashier spoke to you?

"So she was a little rude. She was probably just tired." I shook my head. Sometimes I wonder about this girl. How is she so nice? Especially to people she doesn't know. People who don't deserve it. Me being one.

"Not an excuse."

Jazmine folds her arms, "You know you're not the nicest either." I never put on a front that I'm kind. You either take me how I am or oh well and one thing about me is I don't kiss ass.

"That's because I don't have to be. It's in her job description to be friendly and nice to customers."

"You're a real know-it-all." I shrug and start my car. Call it what you want. I call it stating facts.

After a few minutes of driving I remember I didn't even ask Jazmine if she had a nice time today. It was her planned trip after all.

"Did you enjoy yourself at the museum?"

"Yes the experience was so fun and enlightening. Always interested to learn more about our culture and history."

I nod, "Glad to hear that."

"What about you?"

"Same, even though I knew more than half of that stuff already." Jazmine shakes her at me smiling. What? It's true. I'm more than enough, educated on the topic of black history and culture.

"I just wish Cairo didn't ditch me at the last minute for work." I actually feel bad for her. Cairo can be an idiot sometimes.

"Yeah that's just like Cairo, can never count on him."

"What happened to you two? You don't seem that friendly with him."

"I'm never friendly and nothing. We just grew apart as we got older." The second part wasn't a complete lie, we did fall off but for another reason. A reason that didn't need to be discussed with his girlfriend.

"Well the other night you came over to my house drunk," I cringe at Jazmine's reminder. Not my best moment at all.

"You just had to mention that." I interrupt her.

"Anyways," she pauses, "You were saying how he wasn't a good guy for me and all around. Then you started to say how he's un- something and passed out before you can finish... Do you remember?" Even though I would like to forget that night completely I myself am interested and what I was going to say. I try hard to think back to that day and I kind of remember. I'm sure I was going to let it slip out that Cairo was known for being unfaithful and untrustworthy. I'm about ninety-five percent sure Cairo was cheating. But I can't tell Jazmine this because there's a slight chance he changed his ways and their relationship isn't my business. It wasn't my place.

"I probably was going to say he's unreliable. Look at tonight for example." I lie. Jazmine gives me a weary look. I was never a great liar because I don't need to most of the time, I'm very blunt.

"I somewhat agree he can be a little inconsistent but he tries at least. His business career and all." That was bullshit she knew it and I knew it. I'm about 95% sure Cairo was cheating. I would call her out for acting blind but I don't want to sound like the jealous guy friend. Nevertheless, those "business trips" were code for cheating, every nigga knew that. However, Jazmine is a female and most females are gullible and stupid when they were "in love. Although I didn't expect Jazmine to fall for the act, I would've thought she was brighter than that.

"Don't have to explain anything to me, I understand. Work can be tiresome."

"Definitely."

A few minutes later, I pull up in front of her apartment building. The outside of her building is actually nice just like the inside. There's not a lot of that in Chicago. I open the car door for Jazmine and she smiles.

"Thank you. Not just for that but for everything. You really came through for me today and it means a lot. I really appreciate that Huey." Jazmine beams at me brightly. Her smile is contagious to anyone, but me of course because I don't smile. Though it does give me a funny feeling inside my stomach. Jazmine could probably lighten anyone's day with her straight pearly, white teeth. Or have Crest sponsor her or something. I inwardly shrink. Why was I so focused on her smile? Tons of girls smiled at me. She shouldn't be any different. This has to stop.

I clear my throat, "Um it was no problem. I'm always down for my people's history.

Jazmine nods, "Noted. Well see you soon. We should definitely do this again." I nod my head in agreement. Jazmine was actually one of the few I could stand to be around. For the second time today she embraces me. I don't return it. Hugs have never been my thing.

Jazmine giggles, "Okay let me stop making you uncomfortable. Good night Huey."

I smirk, "See you later Dubois."

Jazmine waves and walks towards her building's entrance. I watch her as she walks away as a man my eyes travel down. 'Call it a natural response.' It's a nice view, I snap my eyes back up realizing it's wrong to be staring. It's official I need a random hook up tonight.

A/N: Mannn These two are in denial. What do you guys think of this chapter? Let me know in the reviews. Btw some of y'all reviews are funny asf. Thanks for the support!