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  Running from Love

  J. Nichole

  Copyright © 2018 by J. Nichole

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  To survivors of sexual assault, may you receive all the love you deserve.

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  Contents

  Running from Love

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Epilogue

  ✩✩✩✩✩

  About the Author

  Also by J. Nichole

  Running from Love

  By J. Nichole

  Chapter One

  Buying furniture together was a good idea when we decided to shack up against our parents’ will. Now with a half empty apartment, I should have thought through the consequences of that plan. Of course, if I knew then we weren’t going to make it I wouldn’t have agreed to move in with him.

  When we decided to part ways, he took the sandy brown love seat and matching couch that sat across from one another in the living room. I kept the queen-size bed with a plush, but firm, mattress, the dresser, and nightstands. When he didn’t argue about my choice I was happy to not have to find a mattress that was as comfortable as ours. Finding that one took weeks. Weeks of Derrick and I visiting the same mattress store laying on variations of firm and memory foam, until we found the one that we could agree was perfect for the both of us.

  Unfortunately, the comfortable mattress won’t do anything for my friends who come to visit. Laila will appreciate a place to sit when she’s in town next weekend. With my keys in hand I walk out of the apartment on my way to the furniture store.

  “Where are you going, Jennifer?” As if it’s any of her business, my nosey neighbor lingers in front of her door until I respond.

  “Headed to the furniture store.” Before she can ask any other questions I continue walking toward the stairs.

  Out of habit, I place my sunglasses on to shield my eyes from the Texas sun, and crack my windows to let the fall breeze blow through the car. On my way out of the apartment gate I consider the fact that paying the high-priced rent will soon be a luxury I don’t have. With Derrick and me splitting the rent it wasn’t too bad for either of us, but now it’s far from practical.

  Whoever said being an adult was overrated was absolutely correct. From paying student loans, a car payment, and rent, the money I have remaining is not much more than what I had as a college student. After this visit to the furniture store I may be eating Ramen noodles for the remainder of the month.

  The Furniture Warehouse clerk greets me sweetly, but I know she’ll give me little space as I browse through the showroom. Instead of avoiding her I ask, “Do you have any grey couches?”

  “We do. We have a few options that will come in grey.” She leads the way before asking, “Looking for contemporary or traditional?”

  “Contemporary for sure,” a familiar voice responds. I turn around to find my best friend Erica, who snaps, “Right?”

  I nod my head in agreement. “Glad you made it.” The clerk leaves us alone while we sit on the contemporary set that comes with a couch, love seat, and a coffee table. The color is what I imagined but fitting all the pieces in my living room will be difficult.

  “I still can’t believe you and Derrick aren’t together anymore.” Erica crosses her legs and relaxes into the cushions.

  “Believe it.” I sigh. Erica and I have known each other since our freshman year at Woodlands High. Cheering on the same junior varsity squad, we became quick friends. Although she made the unfortunate decision to attend a university here in Texas, when I moved back after graduating from Lee University we reconnected like we hadn’t been apart for four years.

  “What are you going to do now?” Erica shifts on the couch before standing.

  “You don’t like this set?” I hadn’t planned to spend my Saturday furniture shopping. “I’ll check out the others,” I say looking at the store clerk. “I was talking about what you are going to do with your love life.” Erica looks between the store clerk and me. The store clerk leads us to another section of the store and points to a set that’s the same shade of grey.

  I run my hand across the back of the couch before stepping in front of it to take a seat. “Guess I’m back on the dating scene.” It’s been years since I had to consider getting to know a guy. I dodged most of the attention guys shot my way in college. The few guys I did go out with couldn’t convince me they wanted anything more than to drop my panties after dinner.

  Erica groans. “And if this shit isn’t for the birds.” The store clerk giggles before clearing her throat and walking away from us. “Finding a man in real life is like ten times harder than finding one in college.”

  With my head cocked I try to relate to what she’s saying. “In real life?”

  She waves her hand in the air. “Yup. College was nothing like adult life. It’s some super-fantastical life. One I would happily return to right now.” She stabs the couch with her red fingernail. “And while I’m there I’d make sure I had at least two dudes on my team, maybe even an extra on my bench.”

  We both burst out laughing before I stand and say, “This couch is too stiff. I need something contemporary that doesn’t make me feel like I’m sitting on a brick.” We walk through the showroom and continue to play Goldilocks till I find a couch that’s comfortable enough to crash on.

  “Glad you found something. All this walking worked up my appetite.” Erica leans on the counter as I sign the credit card slip for my new purchase.

  Wagging my receipt in the air, I say, “After spending most of my check on this furniture I can afford a kid’s meal from Chick-fil-A.” I raise my eyebrow at her. “You up for it?”

  “Lucky for you I’m overqualified and underpaid. Chick-fil-A will be just fine.” We agree to meet at the nearest location.

  Over our nuggets and fries, Erica describes her latest escapades with Houston’s finest. She’s randomly met a few guys in passing, others on dating apps, and when she’s desperate she’s recycled a couple of guys from our high school. “And of all the guys you’ve dated, you’re still single?” I sit back in my seat and watch as Erica’s face sours.

  “I don’t know what it is. After a date or two I lose interest in them.” She picks at a fry before throwing it in her bag. “I think I should move, maybe I need a different mix of guys to choose from.”

  “When Laila comes next week she’s dragging me to a dating event.” With a wide smile and wink, I ask Erica to join me.

  “It’s here in Houston,” she exclaims carefully. “I just said I need a new group of guys.”

  I shake my head. “You can come to help me shuffle through the guys then.” When Laila described the event to me I wasn’t excited about the idea, but she’s determined the event will throw me back into the scene.<
br />
  “Sure,” Erica agrees before adding, “I’m game to help you, but I’m not participating.” We stand and hug before leaving out of the Chick-fil-A. “What’s up for the rest of your weekend?”

  “I have to practice this choreography for class next week.” In my spare time I teach hip-hop to a group of wild teen girls at the same studio I danced at as a kid. “What are you up to?”

  “A date tonight.” She laughs. “And if he’s nice, brunch tomorrow.”

  Cracking up, I dismiss Erica’s craziness before hopping in my car to head to the apartment. Waiting at a light near Allegro Coffee Shop, I turn into the parking lot instead of continuing on to my apartment.

  During the week, Allegro can be packed with characters of all sorts hustling in for a morning fix. On a Saturday, it’s quiet and the pressure of rushing through your order is removed. This Saturday is no different with only a few people ahead of me in line.

  After I order my large English Breakfast tea with cream, sure to keep me energized during my choreography walk through, I stand waiting for my cup. Scrolling through my music selection, I hear the barista call out ‘Aiden’ before a black guy standing inches taller than me walks up to grab his order. When he turns to walk away I realize he has on slacks and a button down shirt, more formal than the rest of us gathered near the counter. My nose scrunches up just as we make eye contact. His eyes narrow but he doesn’t break his stride as he walks out.

  My gaze returns to my playlist but an image of Aiden remains. When my name is called I snap out of my haze and grab my tea, leaving behind the idea that the moment that just passed was just that, a moment. The odds of ever seeing Aiden again are slim to none. I rarely keep a routine, changing up my day-to-day to keep my over-protective dad satisfied.

  Maybe, just maybe, I look at my clock in the car, two o’clock next Saturday I can find my way back to this coffee shop. I laugh at the idea of trying to stage an interaction and shake my head. Next weekend Laila will be here, and although she’d be all in for helping direct Cupid’s arrow, I’ll leave it to fate.

  My phone rings as I park my car, and instead of answering it over the speakers in the car I take my phone out of my purse. “Nicole, what are you up to?” Nicole and I don’t speak daily, but when we do it’s like we haven’t skipped a beat. She doesn’t hold back on her criticism of my life and I don’t waver if I feel her free spirit is flailing in the wind.

  “What’s this I hear that you broke up with Derrick?” I’m sure Laila or Monica have been keeping Nicole informed of everything that I’ve failed to tell her. Since graduating, we all moved to separate states, not even close to each other. The days of just walking to the room next door, or congregating in the living room, to gush about our daily lives are over.

  “Derrick was safe. He was what I needed to start a new relationship, but there was something missing between us.” Nicole listens as I tell her about Derrick but I know her mind is churning. Nicole and I have always been polar opposites when it comes to romance, or lack of romance with a guy. In college she had no issue with kicking it with multiple guys. I, on the other hand, thought she should settle down. I barely dated, and she thought I should be out exploring. Our differences often led to disagreements.

  “In short”—she sighs—“he wasn’t dicking you down right?” She giggles when I groan at her take-away of my problem with Derrick.

  “So crass,” I say. But I consider her assumption.

  “Listen. As prudent as you are, I’m sure you try to make yourself believe that having your ankles behind your ears isn’t what you need in your life, but baby, you are missing out.” My belly rumbles with an uncontrollable laugh. “See, I knew that’s what it was. I could tell by his posture he wasn’t delivering anything in the bedroom.”

  “His posture?” I look at the phone and roll my eyes. “Really?”

  “Yes. Don’t get me wrong. Derrick is a good dude.” Nicole is right. Derrick is a good dude. He’s the guy my dad wants me to marry, the guy he trusts with my heart. He has a good paying job thanks to his computer engineering degree from Lee University, and he has dreams to one day start his own business. “If he ever took off his kid gloves with you I’m sure he would be everything you need.” I gave Derrick a hard time when we first met. He laid his game on strong, and it was met with my strong blocks. His persistence was resounding. Finally, after weeks of blocking him, I decided to give him a chance. My wall started crumbling around me after only a couple of dates.

  “You’re right. Maybe I’ll keep my past to myself with the next dude.”

  Nicole sighs. “It won’t change what happened to you. And you should never let your guard down with any dude, but I think you’re right. Maybe don’t come out the door sharing all your business.”

  “I’m probably getting ahead of myself. First there needs to be a guy around to share my business with.”

  “Leave it to Laila, I’m sure she won’t leave Houston until she has identified a man to steal your heart.”

  We both laugh and I say, “Well seems like she came through for you.” Nicole and her man, Bryan, have been together for a while and have Laila to thank for their introduction.

  “No complaints from me. Speaking of Bryan, I should get going. We’re meeting for an early dinner before going out tonight.”

  “I’m happy for you Nicole.” With a wide grin I continue, “Have fun tonight.” I can only hope Laila can do for me what she did for Nicole. When I saw Nicole and Bryan together I just knew I was missing out on something in my relationship with Derrick. I knew there was something more.

  Chapter Two

  In a corner with a full view of my first, and right now only, love I watch taking notes. The ladies dance across the floor, a few of them stumbling over the new choreography. We’ll practice this piece for the next few weeks before they learn the final steps of the choreography.

  As the music ends the girls still and look to me, chests heaving as they try to catch their breath. “Not bad, right?” I ask as I take my place in the front of the room.

  Starting at the top, I count off, “Five, six, seven, eight.” Without skipping a step I show them the moves again. When I finish I tell a few girls who were stumbling to walk it through with me again. At the end of class I feel my age but I don’t dare show them I’m hurting. I stand, my back tall, with a stoic smile on my face.

  “Ms. Kelly.” Janice, one of the girls who stumbled all over the floor tonight, looks at me with her eyes cast down. “Do you think I’ll be able to get this in the next couple of months?”

  “If you practice at home I’m sure you can. You have the first part, I’m sure you can learn the rest of it. A couple of months isn’t a lot of time if you just depend on being in here learning it. You have to put in work at home.” Janice nods her head and before leaving out of the room she asks, “Will Mr. Derrick be at our performance?” Her eyes grow wide when I shake my head. “Did y’all break up?” She winces as she waits on my response. I nod my head. Most of the girls in my class are in their last year of high school and think they are old enough to be all in my business. When they saw Derrick at our last performance they were overly excited. I had to hear about them gushing over him for a week after. “He seemed nice enough.” Janice shrugs before walking towards the door. “Maybe there is still hope for my brother.”

  “Girl, get out of here.” With my hand wafting through the air I walk behind her. Janice’s brother, inches over six feet, carved muscles, and a deep voice that speaks to your soul, would be right up my alley. If only he wasn’t still in college. I would let it slide if he was about to graduate, but he’s a sophomore. I can’t do anything with him now, but in a few years if I’m still single I’ll have to follow-up with Janice.

  With a short break before my next class I scroll through my profile on the dating app, a pre-requisite for the speed dating event this weekend. I have finally convinced myself that I’m not looking for a husband, hell I’m not even looking for a boyfriend. My profile,
on the other hand, reads as if I’m a hopeless romantic looking for love. With a few tweaks, any guy who reads it will hopefully know this is all for fun.

  “Ms. Kelly, you on DateNight?” Rori asks, startling me. My phone falls to the floor as I try to dismiss the dating app. With her hands in the air she says, “My bad, didn’t mean to scare you.” These damn girls are always in my business. I don’t remember being this nosey with my dance instructor. The little glimpse I had into her personal life was limited to what she did full-time, and that was only because sometimes she’d have meetings that would run late and we’d start class before she arrived.

  “Y’all are so nosey,” I say as I put my arm around Rori’s shoulder.

  “My bad. I just saw the logo and I heard there was an event this weekend.” She stretches her neck to look at me. “You going?” With my eyebrow arched and my head cocked I give her the universal none of your business stare. “Let me just go over here and get in formation.” She laughs as she stretches her arm across her chest.

  The rest of the girls file into the room lining up around Rori in their respective spots. They don’t stumble through their choreography as much as the previous class, but they still have work to do to perfect the moves. Before dismissing them I encourage them to practice at home just as I did the earlier class. Snatching up my bag and phone, I make my way to the exit. My appetite is always on one-hundred after class, which doubles as my exercise for the day.