Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

I squeal and bounce on my bed. Nat’s laughs and hands me back my phone, I immediately text Omarr to meet tonight at my apartment.

God, I hope this works.

***

Nik and I met for lunch today like always.

He kept watching me with narrowed eyes. He knew something was up.

I was a little too skittish and anxious and no matter how hard I tried to soften my body, I was as rigid as a broom handle.

As we were walking back to Safira Nik asked, “Everything okay, babe?”

I didn’t trust myself to answer him so I just jerked a nod and smiled.

Everything will be okay, Nik.

Mark my words.

***

Nat and I have just walked through the door. Its six o’clock and I have half an hour to get ready for my meeting with Omarr. I jump in the shower but I don’t sing ’Working 9 to 5’ today. That’s my happy day song; today may not be such a happy day. I have to get my head in the game. Once out of the shower I find clothes that Nat has laid out on my bed.

Oh, God. Yuk!

They’re the skimpiest clothes I own. There’s a black thigh-high mini dress which I’ve only ever worn with tights underneath and a pair of white pumps. Nat storms into my room with handfuls of makeup and hair products. She teases and primps my hair then applies a lot more makeup that I ever would.

She sprays me with perfume just as the doorbell rings.

She holds my shoulders steady and says, “Relax. I’m just in the next room. You know what to do. We’ve gone over this a hundred times. ”

I nod. This was my idea. My stupid freaking idea!

WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING?!

It’s too late now, answer the damn door.

I close my eyes and breathe deep. I count. One—two—three—four and open the door.

Omarr leans against the doorframe looking so damn gorgeous.

Too bad he’s bat-shit crazy.

I put on my best sultry smile to match my sultry voice and say slowly, “Wow. You look good enough to eat, handsome. ”

Omarr’s eyes bug out and his mouth parts slightly.

Oh, yeah. I got you. Hook, line and sinker.

He clears his throat and asks, “Can I come in?”

Still smiling, I step aside but not a lot, as he walks in my body grazes his and I press forward against him.

I put a hand on his chest and lean close to his ear, my lips rest on his earlobe and I whisper, “We need to talk. In private. ”

He looks stunned but nod slowly as if he’s in a trance. I wink and nod my head toward the hall. As we reach my room I yell out, “Nat, I’m in my room with company. ” A few seconds pass and Nat responds a muffled, “Okay. Do not disturb. I get ya. ”

Perfect. Nat is good at this.