He turned to look at her. He said to the caller in the phone, “Yo, hold on one minute.” He then asked Chanel, “You want my number?”
She nodded. She could hardly believe it herself, but he was too cute and he was so nice to her. At first, she felt embarrassed that she had to ask. She didn’t want to appear thirsty or desperate, and by the way he looked at her, she wasn’t sure if it was a bright idea to blurt it out. But then he smiled. “I’ll give you my number only if I can get yours in return.”
Ohmygod! Chanel exhaled with relief of finally breaking that ice between them. They exchanged numbers right there and he said, “Call me.”
“I will. Maybe today,” she said.
Mateo grinned. “I’ll be looking forward to speak
ing with you.” He walked back to his truck and resumed his phone conversation.
Chanel stood there feeling a mixture of shock, bewilderment, and excitement. It was the happiest day of her life. She couldn’t wait to run back to Mecca’s place and tell her the wonderful news.
Chanel hurried into the apartment screaming, “Mecca, Ohmygod! Ohmygod! I can’t believe it!”
Mecca came flying out the bedroom in her panties and bra, thinking something was wrong. She shouted, “Chanel, what happened?”
“I saw him again! I ran into him again!”
“Who? Who did you run into?”
“Mateo. I saw him when I went to the store, and guess what? We exchanged numbers!”
“Damn, Chanel, you had me thinking someone was trying to murder you in here. Shit! You scared the shit out of me.”
“I’m sorry, Mecca. I’m just so excited. We talked and laughed, and it felt so good seeing him again.”
“Damn, you go to the store for some eggs and come back like you’re ready to get engaged.”
“I really like him, Mecca.”
“Chanel, you hardly know that man.”
“But there’s something so special about him. It’s like we connect so easily,” said Chanel.
“Wow. Y’all ain’t even fuck yet and he already got your virgin ass sprung,” she joked.
“Yup!” she happily admitted.
It felt like nothing could ruin Chanel’s day. Her time in Harlem was already beginning to look great. She wanted to call Mateo right away, but she had to fight the urge. She didn’t want to look too desperate.
Three hours later, Chanel called him. She couldn’t wait any longer. She wanted to hear his voice. She locked herself in the bathroom with the cell phone glued to her ear and heard his phone ring several times before he picked up.
“Hello?” he answered.
Chanel’s heart skipped a beat. “It’s me, Chanel.”
“Hey, beautiful,” he replied.
“I was just calling you because I wanted to talk.”
“It’s good to hear your voice,” he said.
“Yours too.”
“So, you live in Harlem now?”
“Not really. I’m from Brooklyn, but Harlem is my second home. And you?” she said.