“You can drive. I’ll text you when I’m out front.”
“Sounds good,” Nuri said, before disconnecting from the call.
She sent a few quick responses to the group chat, then stood and stretched her limbs. Nuri quickly opened her drawer and grabbed her two-piece mauve-colored sweatsuit, and socks to match. She quickly made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, change clothes, and touched up the messy bun that was sitting comfortably in the center of her head. Nuri was naturally beautiful, so she never had to do too much; her soft grey eyes effortlessly heightened her appeal.
As soon as Nuri stepped out of the bathroom, she doubled back to grab her go-to silver hoops. She wore them often because it was the last thing her grandmother had given her before she passed away three years ago. Once done, she stepped back into her bedroom, glossed her lips, and sprayed herself with one of her favorite go-to perfumes,Gucci Bloom.It smelled so good it made her heart sing. The chiming of her phone reminded her of the time. She didn’t have to look at her phone because she already knew it was Brielle. Nuri spritzed herself a few more times, grabbed her purse and keys, then met Bre outside after securing her home.
“Okay, sis! That’s how you feelin’ today?” Bre said, admiring her best friend. “You look so pretty.”
Nuri did a little twirl, popping her imaginary collar. She laughed. “Thanks, sis. You lookin’ good too, and I love that shirt babes,” she complimented, hugging her bestie.
Bre wore black, curve-hugging jeans, and a crimson red t-shirt that said ‘Veta XI-VX’ in gold lettering, and their sorority motto printed on the back:
“Bold and Classy. Fearless and Sassy.”
“Thank ya,” Bre smiled with pride. “You know I gotta represent our sisterhood every chance I get.”
“Facts,” Nuri agreed, hitting the locks so they could be on their way.
H.E.R.’sFind A Waypulsed through the speakers instantly after Nuri ignited the engine.
“Aye’...Got this shit up out the mud still grindin’ like I’m tryna get my weight up. Went and gave too many chances to you niggas I can’t let nobody play us. Yeah, I got in my bag when I looked up ain’t see nothin’ but a bunch of haters…” Bre and Nuri harmonized with H.E.R. on the first verse of the song.
Twenty Minutes Later…
Copeland’s sat on the edge of Cove’s historic district, tucked between a soul food spot and a Black-owned wine shop. The dim lighting, upscale tables with crisp white table cloths, gold-trimmed menus, the scent alone was sinful—blackened catfish, butter sauce, and fried crab claws that had no business looking that damn good. Smooth jazz and soft R&B played just low enough to give the room rhythm. The type of place that made you slow down, even if you were in a rush. Jazz crawled through the speakers like honey, thick and sweet. Nuri and Bre were very picky when it came to certain foods, and they hardly ever favoredbuffet-style restaurants. However, Copeland’s had earned their loyalty years ago.
As they followed the waitress to their table, Professor Silas Sullivan reached out and grabbed Nuri’s hand, slowing her down so he could speak.
“How you doin’, Nuri?”
“Hey, Professor Sullivan?” Nuri returned with a genuine smile.
“Hey, Professor Gaines,” Bre spoke to her English professor.
“What’s going on, Brielle? It’s nice to see both of you,” Professor Gaines replied.
While they all quickly returned pleasantries, Nuri secretly crushed on Professor Sullivan. He’s been her guilty pleasure all year long, but he was forbidden. Professor Gaines was tall, slim athletic frame, long locs, and had a laid-back demeanor. But, there was something distinctly different about Professor Sullivan.
His Aura, Magnetic and Peaceful.
His Demeanor, Calm, and Confident.
His Scent, Sandalwood, and BDE.
There was no doubt, Professor was an alpha male. He was 6’2, fine as hell, and had a presence that was so fucking commanding words weren’t necessary- Nuri’s panties would involuntarily fall at the first opportunity she got to give him the pussy.
“Guess y’all had a taste for some creole food tonight too, huh?” Professor Sullivan asked.
“Yess, we love this place,” Nuri answered. “I’m surprised to see you off campus. You’re always working.”
“As long as I’m breathin’, I’ma always get to the bag. I’ll rest when I’m dead.” Professor Sullivan told her.
“Damn right,” Professor Gaines agreed.
“I know that’s right,” Bre said, signaling with her eyes for Nuri to follow her. “Alright, we’ll see y’all later.”
Bre was the only one in the world who knew about her crush on Professor Sullivan.
