***

That same night, in my room, I came up with the decision to accept Rick. He'd waited as expected. Why beat around the bush again?
I got my phone and called him.

"Hello, Rick?"

"Hello honey, you already miss me?"

I laughed.

"You wish. I wanted to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"When is our second date?"

He was silent for a while and I chuckled.

"What?"

"Our second date. When is it??"

"Oh my gawd, are you accepting my invitation for a second date??."

"Yup."

"Wow! I'm really happy right now. This is great. I'll meet you during breakfast tomorrow so we talk better. Okay?"

"Okay." I smiled to myself.

"You just made my night."

"Good for you." I chuckled and hanged up before he could add another word.

Who knew what? If things worked out, maybe he'd be my next boyfriend.
Yasmin then entered the room. Of course I told her everything and she was more than pleased.

***

At breakfast the next morning, we three sat at the same table as usual. We chatted as we ate. At a point, Yasmin got up to go buy something and so I decided to tell Lucas about my relationship with Rick.

"I accepted a second date." I stated all of a sudden.

The eating Lucas looked up from his plate, lost.

"Huh?"

"I accepted a second date." I replied with a smile.

"Uh, with?"

"Rick of course."

Lucas's eyes widened slightly and I smirked, amused.

"A second date?? With him??"

"Yup. Did so yesterday. He's supposed to meet me now so we talk."

"Wow. That's– well, I hope you know accepting a second date is wanting to go further in a relationship."

"I know. He's been patient all this while. And plus he's nice."

"Yeah, he's– nice." Lucas said in an odd manner before leaning back into his chair. I stared at him.

"What? You're not happy for me or–"

"No, no, no. I am happy. For both of you. It's just..."

"Just what?"

"...surprising. How did he do it? I mean you seem to have developed feelings quite fast for him. He too but I understand because you're really pretty and stuff but your quick acceptance of him surprise me."

I chuckled.

"It surprises me too. It took me longer time to fall for King but with Rick, it was quite fast. Not like I'm deep for the guy but let's just say I appreciate or like him a lot."

"Wow. Nice choice. He's great."

At that moment, Rick walked up to our table.

"Good morning." he smiled and I smiled back.

"Hey."

"Can you follow me to–"

"No, you can stay here and talk. I'm done eating by the way." Lucas suddenly cut in, grabbing his bag and tray. I smiled at him

"Thanks."

He just nodded and left. Rick sat in his seat.

"How are you, love?"

"Love, aye? I'm fine. And you?"

"More than fine."

"Good to know."

He smirked at me and then grabbed my hand.

"I really like you and I like that you wanna go far just as much as me." he started.

"Uh huh?"

"I really appreciate it. I'm happy for real." he chuckled and I joined him.

"I can see that."

"Harlem, you might think I'm taking things a little too fast but before we go on that date, I want us to be official."

I stared at him.

"Official as in?"

"I want you to be my girlfriend."

My brows shot up and I laughed, nervously. He too.

"Don't laugh, honey. I'm serious."

I smiled at him.

"You're serious, dude?"

"More than."

"Hmm." I looked at the hottie in front of me. And plus, he was really a nice person on the inside too. Why waste time?

"So?"

I smiled at him again.

"Well, we could give it a try. Why not?"

Rick's expression lightened up along with a bright smile on his lips.

"Are you telling me, yes? Is that a yes??"

I laughed.

"What do you think it is?"

"A yes?"

"Affirmative."

His smile increased and I laughed.

"Yes! Great. Tell me this is really happening!" he joked and I laughed.

"It is."

"Oh my. We're together. Can I kiss you now?"

"Hell no." I giggled, "Not in front of this crowd. After the date, we'll see if you deserve one." I teased.

"Alright. Then let's have that date tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Tonight. Can't wait." he smiled. He was so handsome.

"Hmm, okay. Tonight. Don't get all hype though." I laughed.

"Hahaha, okay." he stood up and kissed my forehead, " Will pick you up at eight."

"Alright."

He smiled at me one last time before walking away.

Immediately he left, Yasmin and Lucas returned to the table. Yazz had a huge smile on.

"Guuurrrl, tell us! We saw both of y'all all smiley and stuff. And that forehead kiss at the end! What happened??" she asked happily. I laughed.

"Well, if you really wanna know–"

"Yes??"

"I said yes.."

"Yes to what??" Yazz asked

"To being his girlfriend??" Lucas asked in turn.

I laughed.

"Yup."

"What the hell..." Lucas said in surprise as he leaned into his chair. I laughed at his funny reaction.

"AAAAaHhhh!" Yazz screamed, forgetting where she was.

"Shhh!" I mused.

"Y'all are a couple?!"

"Yeah. Sort of. After tonight's date, it'll be very official."

"Yes!"

"Wow..." Lucas muttered and we both turned to him, amused.

"Hahaha, you're expression is priceless. You're shocked?" I laughed.

"Uh, no, no." he chuckled, "It's just– well– wow. I'm happy for you. For both of you. You'll make a cute couple."

"Darn right! They'll make an awesome couple!" Yazz added happily.

"Thanks, guys. Let's wait and see how turn out tonight."

"Girl, you're lucky! You've found someone better than King. Am I right Lulu?"

We turned to Lucas who seemed lost until we'd spoken to him.

"Huh?? Oh, yeah, yeah! She's found someone better."

I chuckled.

"Luke, are you alright? You seem a little lost." I mused. He laughed a little.

"Me? Oh, don't mind me. I'm always lost."