SURPRISE MEETING WITH LEN

Ivy's POV

As soon as I sat down and opened the menu. The waiter came and took my drink order. While scanning the menu and trying to decide what I had a taste for; I felt a presence staring at me. I pretended not to notice the person, who decided to sit right across from me, hoping they would stop staring and just leave.

"Didn't think I'd see you here," the familiar voice said.

I immediately looked up and gazed at this person's face.

"The world is too small." I said, with an amused grin on my face.

"Do you finally remember who I am?"

"Yes, it's Len right? Nice to see you again. The last time I saw you was after-"

"My Grandma died. You look good," He nodded.

Shit….oh SNAP….HIS GRANDMA? Oh MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD….It's LEN the grandson of the….And I gave him a…..be cool, be cool, be cool…calm down, calm down…okay be Professional you; I said to myself.

"Even though it's late, I'm sorry for your loss. I liked your Grandma a lot and couldn't bare to go to her funeral. It was too raw for me. I am sorry.

You look really good. You've really bulked up since last time I saw you." I said with a half-smile.

"Yeah, that's what exercising and taking care of your body will do to for you."

We sat in an uncomfortable silence for what seemed like an eternity. For some odd reason, I have butterflies in my stomach. I always got them when he came around or when I would see the back of him.

He was an extremely handsome man then and even more now. Today he was wearing a black leather jacket, white button-down shirt and some heavily starched blue jeans. His dreads were fresh and sitting on top of his head in a man-bun. No grill…thank GOD! But his eyes are now a dark brown, umph! Why is that?

"Are you living here in Miami now?" He asked.

"No, I came here to conduct some business for the company I work for and planned my vacation around this trip. I'm leaving tomorrow night."

"You still living in Cali"

"Yes, just me and my baby."

His eyebrow raised, "I thought you moved away. You got a kid?"

"No, I only moved out of the neighborhood and yes; I have a beautiful baby girl. She's my world."

"Well congratulations. You don't mind me sitting here do you?"

I chuckled, "Not at all. It beats sitting here alone and having men hit on me."

"Well in that case lunch is on me."

"Thanks."

"Do you live here in Miami?"

"No, even though I love Miami's energy and I have businesses here, I still prefer the West Coast. Much like you."

With a quick smile, I ask; "So, where on the West Coast, if I may ask?"

"And yes, you may ask. Compton is home."

Not believing what I just heard…..

"Compton, really?"

"Yes… I have several businesses there and throughout California; so why not Compton?"

"Oh no reason in particular, I was just asking."

I am thinking the whole time, should I tell him that I live in Compton as well????? Naw, I'll save this bit of information for another day.

The waitress came back, took our order and we began chatting again. It was nice just to sit down and have a simple conversation with a man. Back then I was always afraid to talk to him because I was too shy and didn't want to let people in. Plus, I didn't think that I was pretty enough to compete with all the other girls that were around him. But all that changed when he approached me way back during the 4th of July picnic.

We talked a lot about when he used to come and visit the group home. I never knew that he was a foster child as well. I always thought Miss. D was a relative of his because they were so close and acted like family. I had to laugh when told, about all the things he and his friends used to do. All the pranks and punishments that followed.

Come to find out, his dad was murdered; when he was young, and his mom died while she was in jail. I could sympathize with him about a lot of things. It's been a while since I've been able to connect with anyone and it feels wonderful; like a breath of fresh air.

What was supposed to be a quick bite to eat, turned into hours of endless conversations. By the time we looked up, it was already six o'clock in the evening. We took the rest of our pizza to go and began walking out.

"Well Mr. Samuels, it was nice seeing you again; under different circumstances of course."

"Likewise Ivy, it was nice seeing you again as well." Len began to think for a second, "I'm not holding you up from anything am I?"

"No, but I'm sure you have things to do; am I right"

He sighed, "Unfortunately I do within the next hour. But let me get your number. If you don't mind"

"You think I want you calling me?" I teased.

"No," he paused, "but I want to call you."

"Really? That surprises me. I don't usually give out my number; but for you…. I'll make an exception."

He handed me his phone and I added my number to his list of contacts.

"Now, just to be sure you didn't give me a fake number, I'm calling you."

Just then my phone rang, he quickly took it out my hand and type something in quickly, then handed it back.

He explained, "My number is saved underneath the name 'Daddy'."

I laughed, "That's too cliché honey. Besides, who said I'll be calling you Daddy?"

He shrugged, "I know you will sooner or later. It's only a matter of time."

"Interesting. If you say so. Well, have a good night Mr. Samuels and I hope to hear from you later."

"You will, I personally guarantee it. Bye Miss. West."

I turned around with a wave and began walking towards the hotel. But just to give him even more of a sight to see; I switched my ass just a little harder for show.

When I reached my room and had put away my pizza, I heard my cell phone notification system alerting me that I have received a text:

Mandy Lynn: be ready by 10:30. You and I are going out tonight. So get ready bitch.😁😁😘😘

Just when I thought I could finally relax, pack and prepare for my trip home tomorrow; I receive this text forcing me to go out. Damn it!