They were headed back to the house. Her day had been more than fun. She was really have a great time. Everyone seemed to be really nice, although the women were kind of nosey. Not really nosey, she could tell they wanted to know if there was something going on between her and Derek. Maleeyah could see the disappointment when she let it be known there was absolutely nothing going on between her and Derek
�The wives are really nice.�
�They thought you and I were dating didn�t they?�
She smiled, �How did you know?�
�Because lately they, and their husbands, have been on this kick for me to get married and settle down.�
�Their husbands too?� That surprised her. She always had visions of married men envying their single friends warning them not to fall prey to a woman with a subscription to Modern Bride.
�Yeah, the guys find it hard to believe that you and I are friends.�
�Why is that?�
�You know the age old belief that men and women can�t be friends.� They pulled into his driveway but he didn�t turn the car off and they sat there.
She scoffed, �I don�t believe that.�
�You don�t?� He answered in disbelief.
�What? You believe that too?�
�Yes, and you of all people should too.�
�And why is that?�
�Do you have male friends-�
�Yeah�
�Let me finish. Do you have a male friend who has not tried to or wanted to get with you?�
�Yes.�
�Think about it. A guy who even though he never said or tried something you knew he wanted to take it there because you caught a look he gave you or a comment but you just tried to act like you were oblivious to it; hoping he wouldn�t act on his feelings and cause an uncomfortable situation where you would have to turn him down.�
She thought for a moment
�See?� Then his phone rang. �Yeah, I�m back. I�m in the driveway, be there in a second.� He hung up and looked at her expectantly.
She attempted a dangerous shot at saving her argument. �You and I are friends and there has never been anything between us.�
He shrugged his shoulders, �A Marvin Gaye-Al Green mixed CD and a few drinks would change that.�
�That�s different; that�s two drunk people.� She pretended to be insulted, �And what do you mean by a few drinks? You have to get drunk to dare get with me?�
He laughed and got out of the car, not answering her question. She shook her head and smiled. He made her happy, he made her laugh. He was perfect.
**
She was making a burger when Jorge came over and began to prepare a plate.
�Hi Maleeyah.�
�Hi Jorge.�
�You know you should get some real food. Have one of the steaks and leave those burgers for the kids.�
She shook her head, �I�m in a burger kind of mood.�
He nodded and there was silence for a moment. Ever since her conversation with Derek in the car she was curious about what the other guys were thinking about her.
�So Derek showed us the article about the two of you after you had dinner? You haven�t had any problems because of that have you?�
�No, no problems.�
�That�s good. Any woman who gets involved with Derek always gets caught up in the media stuff.�
�Even his female friends.�
�He doesn�t have any female friends.� He stopped abruptly and she could tell that just slipped out.
�Why not?�
�Why not what?�
�Why doesn�t he have any female friends?�
�Because men and women can�t be friends.�
She laughed, �You believe that too?�
He nodded, �Yeah, maybe its different for women but for men, its impossible.�
�And why is that?�
�Because if a man finds a woman attractive he thinks about more than just being her friend. At the very least, sex is always on the mind.�
She frowned slightly, �So Derek doesn�t find me attractive?�
The look on his face was priceless and she let him off the hook, �Its ok. I don�t think less of myself because Derek hasn�t tried to get in my pants. I find it a sign of respect, that he thinks more of me than someone to have sex with.�
She glanced in Derek�s direction and smiled at a very animated Derek entertaining the group that was around him.
�He is a good guy. In fact,� Jorge leaned in, �I have a nice little story you can tease him with.�
**
Derek was in the kitchen trying to bring some order to some of the chaos that had exploded.
�Need some help?� she asked.
He shook his head, �No, its ok. Most everything is done except for the kitchen.�
�No maid to clean up after you?�
�Actually she comes once a week during the off-season and twice a month during the season. But I wouldn�t leave this for her; that�s not fair.�
She leaned on the counter next to him. �So considerate. I�m impressed.�
�My goal is to impress you.�
�You�re doing a great job�Candy man.�
�Candy man? Why did you call me that?�
�I was talking to Jorge and he told me a story, which I�m hoping by the way is some urban legend, of how you two were in a club and some guy asked you for some candy and you thought he meant actual candy.�
He groaned, �I was young.�
�No one is that young. What grown ass man asks another grown ass man for some candy? You thought he was asking for a lollipop?�
�Oh shut up.�
She kidded him as she helped him with the kitchen. They were soon joined by Maria and Laura who told him they wouldn�t have to clean his house if he had a wife. She wasn�t sure but Maleeyah was almost certain they shot a few glances her way as they talked to Derek.
051 | No Ordinary Girl