Chapter 2
Brown, luscious hair flowed down her back, soaked but still beautiful even in the rain. Her deep, melanated skin shimmered under the soft drizzle, like sunlight hidden in stormclouds. Naomi slowly removed her glasses, wiping the raindrops off the lenses.
"Naomi?" Shaw blinked, stunned. "Is that... you?"
"Hey, Shaw. How you been?"
He stood up in disbelief, slowly reaching for her hand. The moment their fingers touched, they couldn't help but smile at each other.
"Girl, gimme a hug," he said, pulling her in.
They embraced.
"The lovebirds back in town," Quincy teased.
"Man, chill out," Shaw laughed.
"I'ma let y'all catch up," Quincy said. "I gotta get back to work."
Shaw and Naomi sat next to each other. For a moment, neither spoke. Then—at the exact same time—they both opened their mouths.
They laughed.
Naomi tilted her head. "How long has it been?"
"About four years," Shaw answered.
"Wow..."
He smiled, eyes lingering on her. "Those four years did you justice. You look good."
"Thank you," she smirked. "I would say the same, but you look like a wet dog or somethin'."
He gave her a blank stare, then chuckled.
"Well, what brings you back to the city?" he asked.
"Work. You know how it is—now that we're both graduates, those bills don't wait on nobody."
"Ain't that the truth."
Naomi leaned forward, studying him. "Can I ask you something, Shaw?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"What happened to that goofy kid?"
He raised an eyebrow. "What you mean?"
"I don't know… it's like I'm not looking at the boy who used to get in trouble with his dad for making me laugh in choir practice. Or the kid who'd bring me flowers just to brighten my day."
She paused.
"I'm looking at a man now. A man who looks... lost."
Shaw looked away. "No matter how much time passes, you still read me like a book."
Naomi smiled gently. "Well, I needed no bookmark."
Shaw laughed. "Well, I can tell you one thing: too much has happened to explain on this bus. How about I take you out later tonight? We can catch up the right way."
"You know I'd love that."
"Aight, lovebirds," Quincy called out. "First stop's here."
Shaw stood. "It was nice seeing you."
"Lemme walk you to the door."
They stepped out into the rain and made their way to her building.
"Here," Naomi said, handing him her umbrella. "I don't want you gettin' soaked. But I do want that umbrella back—so don't miss tonight, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," Shaw grinned. "I'ma see you tonight."
Naomi walked inside and closed the door behind her.
Shaw stood still for a moment, then couldn't help it—he skipped back to the bus like a kid. Everything that happened earlier in the day? It didn't matter now.
Quincy glanced over and smiled. "She got you cheesin' ear to ear, boy."
"Yeah... she just made my day."
Later that evening...
Shaw stepped out of Quincy's bus and walked up the stairs of his apartment. He slipped the key in the lock.
"Mom?... Mom, you here?"
Silence.
He walked into the kitchen and saw her work schedule pinned to the fridge.
"She working overtime again?" he sighed. "She gonna kill herself working like that."
Shaw made his way to his room, flopped on the bed, and let his thoughts drift.
Where should I take Naomi tonight? BusterZone? No... wait, what am I even saying?
Then it hit him—he spent his last few dollars on that Uber to the interview.
He reached for his phone and opened his bank app.
$2.16
He stared at the screen in silence.
What was I thinking? Talking like I had it together...
"Damn it," he muttered, sitting at the edge of his bed. His thoughts spiraled. Worries. Regrets. Doubts.
But through it all, one image kept rising above the noise—her smile.
Her spirit.
Time changes how people look, but it doesn't always change who they are.
That thought gave him just enough strength to stand.
Money or not, I'm going to make this night memorable.
He picked up his phone and texted Quincy:
"Yo Q, you off tonight? I need a big favor."
No time to waste. Shaw threw on a hoodie and headed straight to Ms. Hazel's house.
Knock knock.
"Hello? Who's there?"
"It's Shaw—Tasha's son."
"Oh hey, baby! You done got so big! Gimme a hug."
They hugged.
"What can I do for you, sweetheart?"
"I wanted to know... could I pick some flowers from your garden? Just a small bouquet. It's for someone special."
A warm smile lit up her face. "Boy, you just like your daddy."
Shaw walked carefully through the garden, picking the brightest, most colorful flowers he could find. Afterward, he thanked Ms. Hazel, who asked if he and his mom wanted a plate.
He started to say no—then paused, turned back.
"You know what? I'll take some to-go, Ms. Hazel."
Later, at the barbershop...
Shaw walked in holding the bouquet and food. The room erupted.
"SHAWWW!"
"Hey man, how y'all doin'?" he said, dapping up every hand, chair by chair like family.
"Preacher boy done pulled up with flowers," one of them called out. "You ain't takin' Pops on a date, are you?" They all laughed.
"Nah, for real," someone else said. "What you got goin' on?"
"I got a date tonight."
Silence.
"You? A date?"
"Who is she, she from the city?" Charles, the middle-aged barber, asked.
Shaw smirked. "It's Naomi."
Gasps, cheers, and claps echoed across the shop.
"No way—Lil Mimi from the church? Y'all were a duo in the choir!"
"Larry, you remember their duets? Had the whole church lit!"
"Wait... the date's tonight?" Charles asked.
"Yeah," Shaw nodded. "I got these flowers and food from Ms. Hazel, but I came here for some cologne samples like my dad used to get from you."
"Man, forget samples!" Charles said. "Boys, let's get preacher boy back in the game. Cut, cologne, fresh fit—all on the house."
A wide smile spread across Shaw's face. For the first time since his dad passed, he felt loved. Truly loved.
They cut his hair, helped him choose an outfit, and sprayed him down with the freshest cologne. By the time they finished, it was 6:00 p.m.
"Thank y'all. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Go on, young blood. Be safe out there," Charles said, giving him a nod.
Shaw walked home, texting Quincy:
"It's go time. Stop by my spot first."
Quincy: "Copy. Be there in 5."
Shaw placed the flowers and food carefully on the kitchen counter. He looked up at the ceiling.
"Love you, Dad. And thank you, Lord... for letting me feel joy today."
Just then, his phone buzzed.
He checked it, expecting Quincy—or maybe Naomi.
It was neither.
Unknown number:
"Hey Shaw, this is Nini. You gave me your number earlier at the interview. A friend of mine just had someone walk out on them—there's a position open. It's yours if you want it."
Shaw froze.
This could change everything.
He stared at the screen like the choice would make or break his life.
What do I do?
I can't stand Naomi up—I promised her.
But the job...
This isn't just about me. Mom's barely standing half the time from working so much.
Shaw paced the room. His chest grew tight. A panic attack brewing.
One thing after the next... always piling up.
Ding.
Quincy: "I'm outside."
The pressure mounted.
His breath caught in his throat.
This was supposed to be the one good day.
And now it all threatened to slip through his fingers.