Monday, September 8th, 2014

Cocoa's POV

We were having a good time on our break. Then, I just had to look up at the break room entrance and see dumb and dumber enter, meaning Channing and Wendy. I can't believe he is still with her. Then again this is Channing.

Before I said anything, gulp, I grabbed Landry's muscular arm. Goodness, they are muscular. He was confused until I said,

"Guys, don't look now but the cheater and his heifer walked in."

Landry looked like he was going to burst a blood vessel. "That's the guy that cheated on you?! And, he's with her over you?!"

The guys all started pounding their fists. "Listen you all, promise me that you will not get into a fight with either of them. Channing is my past, and I want to leave it there so I can move forward. Understand?"

I started massaging Landry's arm, and he began to calm down.

Landry's POV

"I promise not to start a fight with him. But, I have to ask again, that's the girl he cheated with? What a joke." Wait until he gets on the football field. And, I hope he is an offensive player. I am going to introduce him properly to the team.

Okay, she really needs to stop stroking my arm because I want to throw her over my shoulder and leave the break room.

"I'm calm now. Thank you. Cocoa here said you guys may be interested in trying out for the football team. Tryouts will be held this Saturday afternoon at the stadium. And, you guys are all invited to the party later in the evening."

"I just got a text from coach, and cheer tryouts are also Saturday, but at 10:00 am. Hope you ladies can make it. You can wear whatever you are comfortable in," Heather said.

"Thanks, Heather. I will be there. Here is my number." Cocoa says.

Dang. I wish I could be there too. But, maybe they will finish in time to possibly watch the practice. I really want to be with her. Cocoa is beautiful, from head to toe. She could be poor or rich, but to me, it doesn't matter. I want her. I will have to bring my A-game to ask her dad about dating. I took down her number too. She gave me a side eye.

"I will need it to text you Saturday for our date."

All of her friends said in unison, "A date?!"

"Landry asked me to be his date for the party on Saturday. I said yes."

"Good for you, girl. Landry is major upgrade over him. Treat my girl right, got it? Or I will send my friends after you. Plus, Mr. Richard is no joke." That was her friend, Tosca, I think.

"Got it, loud and clear. But, we are not dating, yet."

"You're a confident one, aren't you?" Cocoa says with arched eyebrows.

"I sure am. And, proud of it. What's your next class at 2:30 pm?"

"My next class is Finance."

"Okay. That is in the Business Administration building. I'll show you though."

"I really appreciate it. I missed the tour of the campus back in August. My family and I went on vacation to the Caribbean."

"It's not a problem. It is almost 2:30 pm, so we better start walking. See you guys later."

Cocoa hugged her friends, took her trash to the trash can, then we left. I saw that Channing fellow looking at her as we were leaving. I threw my arm around her and scowled at him. She didn't say anything, so maybe that is a good sign. And, I don't care who saw it. I am claiming Cocoa Baker as mine.

"Your class is on the second floor." I opened the door and held it open for her. Yes, chivalry is not dead. My father and grandparents raised me to treat women with respect. Just like some women have high standards when it come to men, well I have high standards when it comes to who I want as a girlfriend.

As soon as we reached Cocoa's classroom, the bell rang for those who have 2:30 pm classes. Thankfully my class is in this building.

"Thanks again for walking me to class. My last class is a fun class - Cooking. And, I think it is in the same building as the break area. If I don't see you anymore today, I'm sure I will see you in the morning in the parking lot."

"You're welcome. I'll save two parking spaces for you and your friend who drives the red Mercedes."

"Aren't you a gentleman?" Cocoa waved and went inside, and I made my way to class.

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Thank goodness the first day is over. My class went a little over, otherwise, I would have waited for Cocoa. By the time I reached her classroom in the break room building, they already left. So, I made my way outside to my truck.

As soon as I approached the parking lot, I saw Bryce and her crew trying to instigate trouble with Cocoa and her friends.

Cocoa - "I told you this morning to stay away from me. Why are you here now?! What part didn't you understand?!"

Bryce - "You are a dang freshman! Then you roll up on campus the first day and steal away Landry from me! What does he see in you?!"

Cocoa - "Ugh, Ryce or whatever your name is, I didn't steal anyone. And, so what I am a freshman! Landry approached me and he didn't have a problem with it! And as I remember he told you and your minions he didn't want you. So, get out of my face!"

Cocoa's friend - "It is clearly obvious he likes Cocoa, so back off before I give you a reality check!"

Dacey - Her name is Bryce! Get it right!"

Cocoa - "Look here minion, I don't care what her name is. Leave me alone. I don't have time for this. Let's go, girls."

Bryce was about to put her hands on Cocoa as she walked away. I need to stop this quickly. So, I ran over to where they were standing.

"Bryce, do not touch Cocoa or her friends! How many times do I have to tell you I am never, ever going to date you?! You need to find someone brave enough to date you because it will never be me. Now, if any of these ladies tell me you are bothering them, it is not going to be pretty for you and your idiots!"

The three of them finally walked away.

"Thanks, Landry. I'm Tosca."

"You're welcome. They have been after me since the beginning of last year and it is driving me crazy. There was one girl that I really liked, but those three chased her off and the girl transferred to another University. I really like you and I will not let you get away from me too. And, I have something to tell you."

"We'll see you tomorrow, Cocoa. I'll take Mercedes and Li Ming home." Her friends gave Cocoa a hug and then they left.

"So, what do you want to tell me?"

"Some friends of mine went to Lakeside last year and I attended the homecoming game. There names are Brett and Marcie. I sat on Lakeside's side. When you ran out of the tunnel, I couldn't really pay attention to the game at all. I watched you cheer the whole game, especially when you cheered with your mom and sisters. I wanted to find you after the game but noticed you were with that Channing guy. I have too much respect for another's relationship. I was even at the graduation ceremony as their guest. I never thought I would see you again. When I saw you get out of your Mercedes, I was not passing on the chance to talk to you. And, I must admit I was hoping you would be single. And, to know that you are single makes me happy. That is how I know who your dad was."

"Well, what can I say to that? Tosca told me someone was staring at me, and was looking to talk to me after the game. I have to admit that I do think you are hot and want to give you a chance, but I have trust issues. I told Channing upfront that I am not having sex before marriage. I guess he couldn't wait. That's his problem. I am sticking to my promise. I always say that upfront to anyone who wants to date me because I refuse to have a child out of wedlock."

"I can respect that."

"If you are willing to respect my promise, then we can be more than friends and I can trust you. Now, as for Saturday, it is best that you ask my dad now instead of later. We can actually start on our project for Business Administration since we are partners. You can follow me home. My sisters and Mom will be fine. It's my dad and brother mostly you have to worry about."

Cocoa walked to her Mercedes, and I walked over to my Escalade. Once she got in and pulled out of her spot, I pulled out of mine and followed her to meet my football idol.

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Cocoa's POV

As soon as we pulled up to the house, we saw my dad getting out of his Denali. Leilani and Lalita were outside, sitting on the porch until they saw daddy. They ran to give him a hug. All three of them suddenly turned their heads our way as we got out of our SUV's.

My sisters were blushing, and dad had an unreadable expression on his face. We then approached my dad.

Neither one of us is shy, so baby sis Leilani, says, "He's cute, Cocoa. Don't hurt my sister." She even had her hands on her hips.

Landry replied, "I promise I won't hurt your sister. You have my word."

Lalita added, "You better not or I will have our brother beat you up. Let's go, Lei."

Lalita dragged Lei back to the front porch.

"Daddy, this is Landry Miller. Landry, this is my dad."

Landry stuck his hand out to shake hands with my dad, but my dad left him hanging. Talk about tension.

"It's nice to meet you, sir. I am a middle linebacker for the football team."

My dad crossed his arms and said, "Yeah, you're the kid who won college player of the year."

"Yes, sir. I do a lot of film study with my dad and my coach. We watch some of your old game tapes from the Football library. I learned a lot watching you play."

"Daddy, Landry is my partner for a project we have for Bus. Admin."

"No going up to your room with no boy, understand?"

"Yes, daddy. We were going to work on our project in the study room. And, Landry wants to ask you something."

I elbowed him, then he asked, "Mr. Baker, I know I just met Cocoa today. But, I have noticed her since the homecoming game at Lakeside. I really like her. My football team is hosting a 'Welcome Back to University' party. I asked Cocoa to be my date but wanted to officially ask for your permission."

"We'll see about that," Was all he said before going inside the house.

"Well, he didn't say no. Come on in. I'll introduce my sisters and mom."

As we walked inside the house, we heard Lei telling mom, "Cocoa has a cute boyfriend in the house."

Landry smirked and I sighed as we walked into the study room.

About two minutes later, mom and Leilani entered.

"What's this I hear about a boyfriend?"

"Mom! You know how Lei is. This is Landry Miller. And, Landry, this is my mom, Alyshea. He is in my Business Admin class and we have a project already. He is my partner. And, wanted you and daddy's permission to take me to a party on Saturday as his date."

"I knew your mom, Addison. The last time I saw you, you were about 10 years old. You grew up to be very handsome. It's nice to see you again, Landry. How is your mom?"

"Mrs. Baker, my mom passed away when I was 11 years old."

"I'm so sorry. You can call me mom. And, you have my permission. I am not going to grill you like my husband. I want you to treat my daughter with the respect she deserves. And, Cocoa you treat Landry with the respect he deserves. Dinner is almost ready. You are welcome to stay and join us."

"Yes, ma'am. And, thank you." Mom left, but Lei stayed, so I introduced her.

"This is my youngest sister and protector, Leilani. But, we call her Lei. Lei, this is Landry."

He walked over to shake her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Lei."

She was blushing like crazy. "Hehehe."
Lei shook his hand and skipped off.

"My other sister is Lalita. My brother lives in New York, so the next time he visits, I'll invite you over."

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"Cocoa, mommy said dinner is ready in the dining room." Lei enters and tells us.

"Okay. We are coming!" I turned back to Landry. "We have to wash our hands first. I'll show you where the bathroom is."

We left the study and went to wash our hands in the bathroom on the first floor.

After washing our hands, we went to the dining room.

Lei and Lalita sat on one side. Mom and dad sat on opposite ends of the table. So, Landry and I sat next to each other. My dad patted the chair next to him for Landry. My sisters started snickering.

Mom made pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy and salad. To drink we had Strawberry iced tea - my grandma's recipe. She told me as soon as I get my bakery, she is going to hand down the recipe for me to make.

It was quiet for a while until my dad started asking Landry questions.

Richard's POV

"What is your GPA? And, what are you aiming to do after you graduate?"

"My GPA sir is 3.5. One thing I don't do is let football mess with my grades. My dream is to play in the NFL, but my schooling is to help me open my own restaurant."

"And, why should I let you date my daughter?"

"Sir, I first saw Cocoa at the last homecoming for Lakeside. I couldn't take my eyes off her the whole game. I tried to find her after the game, but I saw that she was dating that Channing guy. I respected her relationship. I vowed the next time I saw her that I was going to talk to her. When she stepped out of her Mercedes, I couldn't pass up talking to Cocoa. I really like your daughter, Mr. Baker. I always wanted someone with qualities like my mom - beautiful, sweet, smart, and kind. I know without a doubt that Cocoa has those qualities."

"I want you to sign and date this application to date my daughter." I passed it over with a pen. Alyshea and Cocoa both sighed, but I didn't care. I will not have another situation where Cocoa is hurt.

Leilani and Lalita were snickering. "You two shouldn't laugh because the same thing will happen to you when you start wanting to date."

They stopped really quick. I was already going to say yes, but I wanted to see how serious he was. He signed it and passed it back.

"Son, this was a test to see how serious you were about Cocoa, and you passed. I know you are a good kid because Alyshea and I had a chat. And, I also checked you on the school's website. If you break my trust, it will not be good."

"Thank you, Mr. Baker. I promise I won't break your trust."

"Good boy. Now, let's enjoy dinner."

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Cocoa's POV

"It's getting late, so I am going to be heading home. Good night, Mr. Baker and thank you again for permitting me to take Cocoa out on a date."

"Good night, Mr. Miller." I left with Landry to walk with him to his truck.

"Thanks for the dinner tonight. I had a nice time meeting your family. I have three older siblings – two sisters and one brother. But they are married and live in Texas, California and New York. So I spend a lot of time with my friends. I'll see you tomorrow morning at our parking spot. If you ladies finish your tryouts, maybe you would like to come see the football practice."

"You're welcome. Maybe I will come watch your practice. And, thank you for showing me to my classes today. Drive safe and text me when you get home. I know my dad is watching out the window, so we better hug."

"I am going to win your trust. You'll see. No matter how long it takes, I will do it."

We gave each other a hug, Landry then got in his truck, and he pulled off to go home.

I ran back inside the house and gave my dad a hug.

"Thank you, daddy."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. You seem excited about this Landry kid. I didn't see this excitement with Channing."

"It just feels different this time. With Channing, I always had several people warning me about him, even Cam. But, so far it feels different with Landry. I know it is only one day at University. But, he seems to really care about me. That doesn't mean I am going to jump into a relationship with him immediately. He said he is going to win my trust, no matter how long it takes."

"That's my girl. Good night, Cocoa."

"Good night, daddy." After saying goodnight, I headed upstairs to bed. I'm ready for whatever comes my way. I can't wait until Saturday comes.

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