Love 101: Box Set (Love 101 #1-4)

by J. Nichole

  Burying my face into the mattress I scream as my body trembles around his penis. One last thrust and he collapses beside me. "Girl, you're learning. Must have been watching pornos all summer." He laughs as he reaches down to hand me my shorts. "I promised I'd feed you and get you to class on time, but I'd rather sit here and let you show me some more of your moves."

  With my eyes closed, I just murmur, “Mmm hmm.”

  With a soft kiss on my forehead, Chris whispers, "Let's go get you some food."

  Although I'd rather lie in bed and fall asleep in Chris' arms, I reluctantly stand up and glide my shorts back on. "Can we get a Mexi Chop?"

  Chris grabs his keys and wallet and nods his head. “Anything you want.” After pulling on his gym shorts we head out the door.

  Thankfully, Sean is nowhere in sight. I’m sure he didn’t want to stick around for any unpleasant interactions. Oh well.

  The heat hits me like a brick wall as soon as Chris opens the front door. I cup my hand over my eyes to block the blinding sun. “Seems like the temperature rose about twenty degrees already.”

  “Gotta love good ol’ Tallahassee,” Chris says with an exaggerated southern accent.

  On our way to Chubby’s, Chris and I shoot the shit about the new freshmen on campus. I hope my girls and I didn’t look as willing as these girls. I guess, with the heat, I can’t half blame them for wearing damn near nothing to class, but some girls just take it too far.

  “Does campus feel different now that you are a sophomore?” Chris looks at me with a goofy smile.

  “Not really. Although I didn’t like the dorms, it was convenient being able to roll out of bed and walk to class. You should have told me finding a parking spot on campus is like winning the lottery.”

  "Good analogy. At least you planned your classes out so that you aren't going back and forth." With a devilish look he continues, "Even during your breaks, you can come down to the frat house and entertain me."

  “I thought, being a grad student, you’d be more occupied.”

  The line at Chubby's is short, and as we pull up to the window Chris orders us both a Mexi Chop. Then he turns to me with loving eyes and says, "I told you, I will always have time for you.”

  My heart gushes, and I lean over to peck him on his lips. I can only hope that his interest doesn’t wear off now that I’m a sophomore. His ex-girlfriend, Courtney, warned me that we wouldn’t last past freshman year. But then again, she’s his ex-girlfriend.

  Chapter Two

  My door opens, and I look up from my desk. Jennifer and Monica walk through with blankets wrapped around their shoulders holding bags of chips. "Study break!" Monica gushes.

  Jennifer plops down on my bed, ready to indulge in the bag of chips. Before she pulls her hand from the bag I snatch it and say, “Not in my bed. Let’s go into the living room.”

  Jennifer rolls her eyes and hops off my bed, pushing past me towards the living room. Monica laughs and follows her. "Anybody see Nicole today?"

  "I haven't seen her in a couple of days. She sent me a text yesterday and said she was staying with some new guy she met." The look of disgust on Jennifer's face is undeniable.

  “Jennifer, fix your face. You know how Nicole is, why are you even upset?” Half smiling I look at Monica for confirmation.

  “Laila is right, Jennifer. Our girl walks on the wild side. Just as long as she is safe I couldn’t care less what she does.” Monica sits up on the couch. “Now pass me that bag of chips.”

  Taking a handful of chips before giving the bag to Monica, Jennifer says, "I just hate that she always says she's trying to change, but in the same breath she is asking about the next dude."

  “Enough about the missing roommate. I’m hoping I can snag a guy soon. I could use some testosterone in my life after being in this apartment with you ladies,” Monica says.

  “It’s only been a month.” Jennifer shakes her head. “This year is going to be long if you are already tired of us.”

  “Damn, Jennifer. Stand up and pull that stick out your ass.” Monica rolls her eyes. “I didn’t say I was tired of y’all. Just need some dick in my life.”

  I burst out laughing. “Girl, you are a mess. Maybe we should take a road trip soon. After all, we do have cars now. Y’all want to go to the Atlanta Classic?”

  Monica hops off the couch and dances in a circle. “Heck yeah. I’m down.”

  "You can hardly be in an apartment with us. You want to be cramped in a car on a four-hour road trip?" In typical Jennifer fashion, she kills the vibe with a negative comment. This semester she has been extra bitchy.

  Monica and I both groan. With a grave look on my face I lean over to Jennifer and whisper, "Maybe you need some…” Jennifer’s eyes widen and her mouth drops. Dammit, I forgot. How could I forget? “Jennifer, I’m sorry.”

  "It's cool. No need to tiptoe around my situation. After all, maybe I am uptight. I'm down for the classic."

  Just as we finish flushing out details, the front door opens. Nicole frolics into the living room. "Am I missing the campfire? What are you ladies up to?" Nicole throws her overnight bag to the floor and slides into the seat beside Jennifer. Fortunately, our cozy living room has at least enough seats for all four of us, but five would make the room feel like a cardboard box.

  Monica perks up. “We just planned our road trip to the Classic.”

  “Road trip? I don’t even need details. I’m all in.”

  The hotel lobby is full of students and alumni, most of them from our school, Lee University, and some from North Carolina A&T. As Nicole eyes a medium build, dark-skinned guy with A&T colors she turns to me and says, “Think Josh will be here?”

  As if the thought never crossed my mind, I hunch my shoulders and scrunch my brows. “I didn’t even think about Josh. I will call Tanya later and ask her if she knows.”

  “Well, there are enough nice-looking guys here. Would have been nice to have someone familiar to flirt with.”

  Jennifer flashes the room card and says, “Let’s go!”

  Before we can get to our room we are approached by a group of guys, and Monica is smiling like a fat kid in a candy store. Her ideal man is standing before her with broad shoulders looking like a linebacker. "You ladies here for the classic?"

  “We sure are, how about you?” Monica answers in her softest voice.

  "We aren't. We are in town for a conference." His voice is husky and with each word Monica is squirming. Hopefully, he doesn't ask her age.

  He passes her a card and as Monica studies it he says, “Call me if you have time for a drink later.”

  It takes everything in my power not to burst out laughing. Unfortunately, Jennifer and Nicole don’t have the same will power, they both burst out laughing then quickly walk away. Monica snaps her head around then looks back at her dream man. “I’ll keep that in mind, Collin.”

  Tucking his card in her back pocket we turn to catch up with Jennifer and Nicole. “Didn’t take long for you to find your linebacker.”

  Monica sighs and with her eyes downturned she says, “Too bad I obviously can’t have a drink with him. God forbid he finds out my actual age.”

  "Don't worry about that. We are here to have fun." My phone vibrates, and as I check the screen I smile. "It's Chris."

  "Hey, babe. We made it to the hotel and I'm missing you already," I tell him.

  “Yeah I miss you too, but I’m glad you made it safe. How’s the hotel?” Chris asks.

  "Lobby is decent. We are on our way to the room now. There are so many L.U. people here."

  “What hotel did you say you were at again?”

  “At the Hampton Inn.”

  “Alright, go check out the room. Promise me you’ll call me later, okay?”

  “Will do. Love you!”

  “Love you too, Laila.”

  Monica nudges my arm, “Boo missing you already?”

  “Yeah.”

  “We’ll have enough fun to make sure you aren’t sulking a
ll weekend.” Monica knocks on the door to our room. We step through the door, past Jennifer. Monica places her hands on her hips, staring down both Jennifer and Nicole as she says, “You almost blew my cover. Y’all have to be slicker than that if I’m going to get some D this weekend.”

  “Be careful, Monica. That man looked very grown,” Jennifer says in a motherly tone.

  “Let’s act like this is Vegas, so what happens here stays here.” Monica looks at Jennifer, narrowing her eyes. “Alright?”

  “Fine with me. Do what you do. Don’t let me stop the party.”

  The room isn’t lavish, but not a dump either. It has a fresh scent and the furniture is contemporary. Looking at the two beds, I sit my bags down near the bed closest to the door. Nicole is kneeling near the window, digging through her bag, throwing out clothes on the floor as she goes.

  “Nicole, what are you doing?” I say.

  She jumps up, concealing her hands as she walks towards the mini bar. "It's either her or me. Jennifer, if you don't drink this, I will." Extending her arm to hand Jennifer a glass, she winks. "Couldn't come to the classic empty-handed."

  Slowly rubbing her forehead, Jennifer rolls her eyes before snatching the glass from Nicole. “Better be more where this came from.” With two gulps, whatever Nicole poured into the glass is now gone.

  “Don’t worry, if we run out I’m sure Monica’s old man won’t mind being our supplier.”

  “Hopefully that won’t be the only thing he is supplying this weekend,” Monica whispers.

  “Alright, well on that note. What’s first on our agenda?” Hopefully, Monica's promise holds true. I have to stay busy to keep my mind off of Chris all weekend.

  After taking a swig of liquor, Nicole grabs her purse. “Let’s grab lunch. And the lobby was popping. I’m sure we can go down there and mingle after we eat. Then tonight we have to hit a club.”

  Rubbing her belly, with a big smile Jennifer suggests Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles. Without hesitation, we all agree and make our way to the car. I just started losing my freshman fifteen after a summer of strict dieting and exercise, but I can't deny myself chicken and waffles.

  On the drive to the restaurant Nicole acts as our tour guide. Although she isn’t from Atlanta she’s visited more than any of the rest of us. After ten minutes driving through downtown I have counted at least fifteen different Peachtree streets. This is confusing as shit. If I didn't treasure my car I would pull over and let one of the girls drive. Nicole and Jennifer have both been drinking, and Monica has only had a license for a hot minute, so I keep steering.

  "Okay, we should be coming up on it soon. There it is on the right. Just pull into the parking lot." Nicole points in the direction of the restaurant, but instead of the restaurant, I notice all of the homeless people walking around. Nicole looks at me and follows my gaze. "Don't worry about them. They are harmless."

  Piling out of the car we turn the corner from the parking lot and meet the line for Gladys Knight’s. “Guess I wasn’t the only one who wanted the famous chicken and waffles for lunch.” Jennifer looks at us with a cheesy smile. “Hope you don’t mind standing in line.”

  "We are here now, might as well wait." Monica peers ahead, looking at the line. "Besides this is a perfect place to people watch." Eyeing a few queens in front of us dressed to the nines, she winks.

  While we wait, I send a text to Tanya to ask about Josh.

  Laila: Hey girl, do you know if Josh will be at the classic this weekend?

  Almost immediately, Tanya responds.

  Tanya: I don’t know haven’t talked to him in a minute.

  Laila: Alright that’s cool. If I run into him I’ll let you know ;)

  Monica is still people watching and calling out all the crazy outfits on the chicks and queens.

  “I don’t know if we can compete with these girls this weekend.” I point across the street to a group of girls strutting in six-inch heels.

  Jennifer, Monica, and Nicole all look at me and pop their lips. Nicole says, “You don’t have to compete. You have a man!”

  “Damn shawty. You do? I was hoping when we got inside we could join you.”

  I turn around to see a group of guys eyeing us.

  “I do. But my girls here are single.” Judging the reaction of the girls maybe they’d rather I didn’t share that information. Not even Nicole is jumping at the bait to flirt with them. Thankfully, a large group of people exits the restaurant and we are inside at the hostess stand before things get too awkward.

  “Laila, that car looks familiar. I thought Chris was staying in Tallahassee.”

  I turn to look at the car Jennifer is pointing out. “No, that’s not his car. It does look like it though.” I park a few rows over and we head into the hotel. The lobby still hasn’t cleared.

  Monica strolls in front of us before she turns around. "I'm not ready to go back to the room. Who wants to sit in the lobby with me?"

  Nicole glances around and says, “I guess we could relax over there on the couches.”

  “I think I need a nap.” Jennifer rubs her eyes. “That food gave me the itis.”

  I went overboard eating chicken, waffles, yams, and mac and cheese. I’m feeling full too. “I’ll go with you to the room, Jennifer. I could use a nap.”

  “Ah y’all are whack. Sleep is for suckers!” Monica shakes her head. “We are supposed to live it up this weekend.”

  “If I’m going to live anything up I need some rest to hang with y’all. I’ll make sure to eat light the rest of the weekend.” I wink at Monica then walk off with Jennifer.

  “Those too are hot mamas… always on the prowl.” Jennifer laughs.

  The room feels refreshing and the pillow looks enticing. I lie across one bed and Jennifer lies across the other. She grabs the remote and tunes the channel to a movie. “Jennifer, I’m glad we have some time alone.” I roll over on my stomach, resting myself on my elbows. “Are you alright?”

  Jennifer tugs at her ear. “Yeah. I’m good. Why do you ask?”

  "Well, you've been a little uptight since we've been back at school."

  Jennifer turns her head towards the window. “I don’t even know if I want to get into it right now.” She sighs.

  "Get into what? If it makes you feel better I think you should talk about it." I get up and join Jennifer on her bed. "Did something happen at home this summer?"

  Jennifer sits up and as tears roll down her face she starts whispering. “I should have just reported him.”

  Rubbing her back I say, “Your ex?”

  “He did it again. He raped another girl. Except he was brutal.” Sobbing, she collapses on my shoulder.

  I take a deep breath. “You couldn’t have known he would do it again. It was the best thing for you at the time to keep it under wraps.” I pull her face forward to look at me. “You have to forgive yourself.” I wish Nicole had left her liquor. I stand and walk over to the mini bar. I grab a glass and a bottle of water.

  Jennifer lies back down across the bed and I hand her the glass of water. “Let’s get some rest.”

  Instead of lying on the other bed I join Jennifer and close my eyes. Dear God, give her strength. I listen for Jennifer’s breathing to steady before I let myself rest.

  There's a knock at the door. I look at Jennifer to make sure she isn't disturbed. I slide out of bed and rush to the door. They have the key why are they knocking? As I snatch the door open, ready to curse them out, I am pleasantly surprised.

  “Chris, what are you doing here?” I jump into his arms then pull him through the door.

  “Some of the bruhs decided to take a last minute trip.”

  Looking him over I give him a suspicious look. “But how did you know what room I was in?”

  Laughing, Chris pulls me into a tight hug. “You told me what hotel. I was going to call when we got here but I saw your girls in the lobby.”

  “Your car is outside?”

  He looks at me from the corner of his
eye. “How’d you know?”

  “Jennifer pointed it out when we came back from lunch.” Glancing over my shoulder, I say, “Speaking of which, she’s sleeping. I don’t want to wake her.”

  "I should get back to the room. I'm starving, and I think we are heading out. I don't want to keep you from your fun this weekend. Just promise me at the end of the night you'll sleep in my bed?"

  Smiling seductively I whisper, “Promise.”

  Chris turns to walk out of the door, and before I close it behind him he leans down to kiss my forehead. I’m in heaven.

  Still hoping to get in a nap before Nicole and Monica come back to the room I lie across the empty bed.

  Monica and Nicole's laughter is echoing through the room. I rise and throw a pillow over my head. What the hell?

  Nicole plops on the bed beside me. “You’ve been sleeping long enough, ladies.” Half slurring her words she tugs at my pillow. “Waaaake Up!”

  I roll over and just stare at Nicole. “What the hell have you been doing?”

  Monica staggers from the bathroom.

  "We met new friends." Monica lies out on the floor. "Oh and we saw your boo. Jennifer was right, that was his car outside." She burps. "I'm ready to hit the club." Just as she says 'club' her head hits the floor.

  “Damn Monica. Are you okay?” Jennifer finally stirs, getting a glimpse of the room.

  “I’m okay.” Monica rolls over on her back. “I’m okay.”

  “Tell us about these friends you met.” Eyeing Nicole I try to will her to focus.

  “We met a few guys in the lobby from A&T. They were having a little get together in their room.” Her eyes close. “They have a suite.” She smiles with her eyes slightly closed. “It’s nice.”

  “Okay, well maybe you two need to take a nap and sleep off a bit of that liquor they shared with you. We can’t go to the club with you both this drunk.”