Take a Chance

by Miyeko May

Tiffany is the entire reason that I am even on this vacation,

Tiffany is my sister but also my best friend, with less than two years in age separating us we grew up very close.

two days before we were set to leave, Tiffany caught the flu. The fever, chills, promising yourself you won’t take your health for granted once it's over, version of the flu.

here I am standing outside an airport in Mexico, sweating out my edges.

“Cassandra?” A smooth, deep voice asks from my right.

find the man I had been ogling moments ago looking at me expectantly.

recognition hits me.

I knew those damn kids were a bad omen.

after graduation neither of us moved back and instead we decided to stay in Rosewood together.

Yet, here the past was standing right in front of me in the form of Cyrus Levine.

The Levine brothers were the epitome of “the popular kids'' at our school.

Just because we’re in the same place doesn’t mean that we have to interact right?

when his knee brushes mine my body heats, electric energy flowing through me.

“You asked me why I was here. It’s for my brother Blake’s wedding.”

“And what brings you here, Mighty Mouse?”

“It means that you and Tiff were damn near attached at the hip and I doubt that’s changed now.”

“What do you say I get you another drink and then as old classmates we can catch up? So I can get to know THIS Cassandra.”

I like plans, knowing what’s next, and having things figured out. Plans work for me, they mean certainty and control which brings me comfort.

instead of giving the

excuse I had already been forming in my head, I say, “Okay”.

In high school, Cassandra always had my attention, even though she was never checking for me.

She was quiet and kept to herself and her small circle of friends.

the adorable scowl that she sends my way are both familiar.

“You’re staring,” she says plainly,

“I’m a pilot. I’m based in Indianapolis but I fly all over the country.”

I started my small business there. It's a small skin care company.”

Lovely Day is like my baby.

“I was tired of Black people, Black women especially being thought of last for everything.

I wanted to have a place where Black women are catered to.”

I’ll take tequila and mister ‘I only drink dark’ can have whiskey.”

“Who has the hardest verse on No Hands?”

This has me cracking up so much...this is def my era of music ad Roscoe Dash lines popped automatically in my mind lol

Wale has the best lyrics out of the three of them and its not even a question.”

The conversation continues easily between us. I can see Cassandra relax more as the night carries on, possibly from the liquor.

“I know, I just want to make sure you’re good. Can I do that?”

Whether she knows it or not, I already had a great night, because of her.

He just seems real interested in catching up with you.”

“So what are you doing for dinner?” Maia asks when we’re standing up to leave the pool.

Yes Maia help your brother in law out lol

“We rented out a part of the beach for a group dinner with our friends and family. You should join us.”

“Girl its not an intrusion, you’re really cool and it’ll be a fun time,” Amber offers.

“Plus I’m sure that Cyrus would love to see you.”

“The problem,”

I was supposed to be here drinking mojitos and relaxing alone. Not running into old classmates and their family.”

“Girl bye, I am not here for your foolishness.

“A girl makes one pros and cons powerpoint and she never hears the end of it,” I say with a laugh.

“Honey, I know you’re scared but let’s not block your blessings.”

“You gone finally let her know how obsessed your ass was with her back in the day?” Blake teases.

“I like her for you,” Maia says next to me.

“You’re staring again.”

“I can’t help it, but I’ll stop if you want me to.”

“Because I have always been serious about you Cass, you just never believed me.