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“Yes.” The ease with which the word rolled off my tongue surprised even me. “It is.”

“Wow.” He seemed genuinely shocked, letting out a long breath. “Does this mean you’re not trying to get up with me anymore?”

I looked at my phone quizzically. “Correct.”

“Oh, that’s… wow!” After a moment, he continued, “You don’t even want to cheat?”

“What!” I almost choked. “Why would you think I would cheat?”

“You remember when you wore that one pair of shoes to that show, and then you changed into a different pair of shoes for dinner? Yeah, that’s cheat energy. You can’t even stick with one shoe for the night, you definitely not sticking with one man.”

Covering my mouth, I held in my laugh. “James. Please.”

“Are you going to deny you give off cheat vibes?”

“I’m categorically denying it! I’ve never cheated in my life.”

“You ain’t never had a relationship in your life.”

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “Valid. But I’m not a cheater.”

“Fine.” He sighed dramatically. “But listen, if you change your mind, I’m here. Give me a call.”

I sucked my teeth. “Bye, James.”

“Nina, I’m serious. Think about it. Bye!”

I disconnected the call and shook my head.

The ending with The Funny One was lighthearted, like everything else with him. That was a stark contrast to the heartbreak I caused with The Romantic One and the stony silence I received from The Smart One. The diverse roster I’d built was pretty elite.

And I gave it all up for Russ.

The thought gave me a funny feeling. I wasn’t nervous or uneasyabout the decision. But the realization that I had completely wiped my slate clean and gotten rid of all my prospects to focus on one man was a testament to my feelings.

And I really don’t know how this is going to work.

Hours later, after finishing my work for the day, I had a conversation with Jazmyn. I told her I’d be bringing Russ as my date on Saturday. Because of Aaliyah’s birthday-date crisis, I didn’t have to worry about either of them prying too much for more information. But as soon as I got off the phone with Jazz, I looked at the photo again of Aaliyah’s date for the night and then called her up.

As she was catching me up with what was going on, I got a text from Russ letting me know he was on the way to my place. Even though a chill ran down my spine, I decided that I wasn’t going to let the dick distract me. We needed to talk.

Clearing my throat, I refocused on the conversation with Aaliyah.

“No, but he looks like someone specific,” I told her as I studied the picture she’d sent me. “Ugh! It’s going to bother me until I remember the man’s name.” It was on the tip of my tongue, but the name was escaping me. I sighed loudly. “I’ll let you know when I think of it.”

“Okay, sounds good,” Aaliyah responded, amused. “And have fun on your date tonight.”

“It’s not a date. We’re just linking up,” I corrected her. “Unlike you, I plan to have my needs met tonight.”

“Mm-hmm. Well, have fun linking up with yourdatetonight.”

I rolled my eyes. “Goodbye, Aaliyah.”

“Byeeeeeee,” she sang in return.

I ended the call and went to get dressed. It wasn’t a date. It was an important conversation. But the lingerie I put on under the charcoal-gray tank dress made it clear that the night was going to end with sex.

Grabbing the visitor pass, I approached my front door. Even though he hadn’t knocked yet, according to his text, he should’ve been parking. I didn’t want him to get all the way up to the door and have to go back, so I went outside.