As I stared at the picture, my phone rang. I was smiling before I said, “Hey, Jeremy. You’re on your way?”

“Nah, um, Aaron’s gonna join us, is that okay?”

“Sure,” I said, a little surprised. His roommate had never done anything more than hang out with us at their apartment. But then after thinking about it for a second, Aaron was going to be returning to Arkansas after graduation. Maybe Jeremy just wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.

“So, while I finish up here, he’s gonna pick you up and take you to Restaurant R’evolution.”

I shot up straight on the bed. “Really, Jeremy. We can’t afford that.”

“What do you mean we? Did I ask you for anything?”

“Okay, you can’t afford that. And what about Aaron? I know he doesn’t have any money.”

He laughed. “Ginger Allen, you don’t know anything. Can’t I take my girl out once for a nice celebration?” He didn’t give me room to answer before he added, “And I already told you, just buckle up and enjoy the ride. Aaron will pick you up in about ten minutes.” And then, he hung up without even saying goodbye.

Really? Was I even dressed fancy enough for Restaurant R’evolution?

This was so odd. One thing about Jeremy was he wasn’t impressed with fancy restaurants or designer clothes. He kept his eleven-year-old car not because he had to — he made enough as a youth pastor to have a newer car. But none of that fazed him.

Then, I smiled. This was spontaneous and it would be fun, so I was going to do what Jeremy said. I was going to buckle up.

*****

“What’s up, Aaron, you got stuck with limousine duty, huh?”

“It’s not a big deal. How many times have I taken you back and forth?”

“And I always appreciate it. So,” I said when he began to edge his Ford truck from the curb. “We’re going to Restaurant R’evolution?”

“Yup.”

“Is Tasha gonna join us?” I asked about his girlfriend.

“Nope. She’s hanging out with her family. They got here this morning.”

“Bummer. She’s gonna be sorry she missed this.”

“I guess. I’m not into restaurants all that much. As long as there’s a McDonald’s or Chick Fil A nearby, I’m good.”

I laughed; this was the reason why he and Jeremy were friends. Aaron tuned his radio to WDUB, Dillard’s radio station and when I heard the notes of that intro, I bobbed my head. Leaning back in the seat, I closed my eyes and jammed.

“I’m lost without you,” Robin Thicke sang, but my voice drowned his out. “Can’t help myself.”

“Sing, girl.” Aaron laughed, but I didn’t care. I kept on singing.

And the words made me lean back, close my eyes, and drift back on a memory to the first time I’d heard this song. About two years ago...the night I laid eyes on Jeremy Williams....

"Will you come on?" Dru said, as she yanked me into the hotel lobby.