His Type

"What's up with your sister?" I hear Grayson Norse ask my brother as I try to hide in my bedroom. I can hear my brother smack his lips, clearly tired of getting asked this question.

"She's just weird, man," I hear my brother, Titus, say.

It's a typical reply from him whenever anyone questions what's "wrong" with me. I feel my heart drop to my stomach. Even though it's not like I don't know what my family thinks of me-- that I'm too quiet, too bookish.

Too... unimportant to truly be part of the Leon family tree.

"She's not weird."

I nearly freeze in shock at what I just heard. My ears perk up. I check to make sure I'm hearing correctly.

"She's just quiet, man. I can tell." Grayson's voice is still there, and I can't believe he's actually defending me. The fact that he's defending me to my own twin brother, however, should be sad.

But I'm REALLY not prepared for what happens next.

"I'm trying to see what's up with her," Grayson continues. "I want you to hook me up."

My body begins to shake. WHAT. THE. HELL. Did Grayson Norse just ask my brother to set him up with me? This is the first time in my nineteen years of life that one of my brother's friends has questioned me.

Of course, Sasha gets this kind of attention. She's nearly famous with her countless modeling gigs that our mom set up for her over the years. Gabriella also gets it because she looks like Lisa Bonet. And Dreida? She's so pretty that a famous actor once asked her out when she was on Spring Break in Miami.

But me?

This is the first time someone's shown interest in me.

"Hell no!" I'm not shocked when Titus proclaims this.

"I'm not hooking you up with Niecey!"

My heart is still racing in my chest as I try to listen from my bedroom.

"Why not? I know she doesn't have a boyfriend," Grayson says. My heart keeps pounding.

Titus lets out an incredulous laugh.

"Ha! Shanice, have a boyfriend? Yeah, right!" he says, because it's the funniest idea. Even I can't believe Grayson would be silly enough to insinuate that I would.

"Then let me talk to her," Grayson presses.

I think my heart almost freezes. This has to be a joke.

"Heellllll nooooo!" Titus shouts again, but this time, he sounds more shocked than I am that Grayson might actually be serious.

"I can get her to open up," Grayson says.

I begin to shake at just hearing him continue to try to talk about me.

Is this real?

"Why do you want to date Shanice? Niecey ain't your type," Titus asks, his voice suspicious. He's just as baffled as I am.

I hold my breath, curious about the answer too.

"She's kind of pretty," Grayson says.

I almost gasp.

Me? Pretty?

"She just needs a little work," Grayson continues.

"A little work? My sister ain't a science project, Gray," Titus says. I imagine him scrunching up his face like he does when someone says something he doesn't like.

"Project?" Grayson repeats back, laughing.

"I guess I didn't think of it like that."

"What?" I hear my brother snap.

"She's got that quiet librarian type thing going on," Grayson adds. My heart beats even faster.

"Man! Fuck you!" I hear Titus shout. "Stop talking about my sister like that!"

"You're the one that just called her weird, nigga. Don't act all 'big brother' like now," Grayson retorts.

"She's still my sister!" Titus cries.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I want you to introduce me. C'mon, man. Let me talk to her."

They fall quiet, and I can't imagine what's going on now.

This has to be a joke.

"If you introduce me, I'll ask Candace to invite Amari over here," Grayson suddenly says.

Amari Hickerson is one of the prettiest girls on our college campus. She has hazel eyes, medium dark brown skin, and a model face. She's part of the majorettes who dance at the football games and has nearly every guy's attention. I sit with her in some of our shared classes, so I've seen firsthand how crazy the guys go over her.

None of them go more crazy, however, than Titus. He has an obvious crush on her. But Grayson dated her first. They dated for a while at the start of our first semester in college, but for some reason, they broke up.

That's why I'm all ears to hear Grayson bring her up.

"Man, get out of here," I hear Titus say.

"No, for real. I'll tell Candace to get her to come," Grayson says. "Then you can make your move."

My brother is quiet. And I am, too. Because this is so confusing to me. Why would Grayson, who dated Amari, be offering to hook Titus up with her?

"You swear?" Titus asks after a while.

My heartbeat jumps.

"Yes, nigga," Grayson's voice carried a weary edge, the kind of exasperation that comes from endless patience running thin.

"Why did you break up with Amari, anyway?" Titus asks, to my surprise.

For a second, I forget my own part in this weird conversation, and I become all ears, eager for some campus gossip. I, too, was confused when I no longer saw Grayson Norse holding hands with Amari Hickerson on campus.

They went together like a salt shaker and pepper shaker. He was on the football team, and she was the pretty dancer/cheerleader. Their breakup was like a freak accident: unexpected and making no sense. The fact that Grayson Norse was now inquiring about me romantically only added to the confusion.

There was a long silence as I waited, holding my breath, for his answer. My breathing was so quiet I wondered if I wasn't actually holding it.

"She wasn't my type," Grayson's voice came out so assuredly that it made my head spin.

"I thought she was," my brother replied, his voice a mix of confusion and wariness, like he didn't quite trust his friend.

I was even more shocked when Grayson answered with a simple, yet confident, "You guessed wrong."

xxxxxxxxx

"I'm telling you, she's not going to be interested. My sister, Shanice, is really weird. All Niecey cares about is her books and her grades," Titus finally says.

My heart is beating out of my chest.

I can't even pretend to concentrate on the book I was reading--the one I was trying to finish before I decided to eavesdrop after hearing my brother come home.

But I don't have time to think as I hear loud footsteps thudding up the stairs. My heart hammers, and I can't breathe when I hear a knock at my door.

I can't even move.

Another knock.

I shakily stand up, my hands sweating.

I should ignore it. I shouldn't open the door immediately.

But none of my family knows I can hear them from my room. That's why they talk so freely about me. That's why I know I'm considered a disappointment to the Leon family other than my academic achievements.

But I have to play it cool.

So, I stand up and walk toward my door.

Just. Act. Natural.

But when I open it, it's not Titus standing in front of me.

It's Grayson Norse himself.

He's all smiles.

His dark, black skin frames his pearly white teeth, and he has two dimples on each cheek. He's wearing the same letterman jacket I see my brother wear around the house and at pep rallies on our college campus.

"Hey, Niecey," he says, calling me by the nickname only my family uses. "What's goin' on?"

I just stare up at him.

I know how I come off. With my glasses and my quiet demeanor, I'm basically unreadable. An ability I've developed to survive in a family full of greatness when I am anything but great.

I call it my invisibility cloak. And I'm so glad it's covering me now as I pretend I didn't just hear the entire conversation he had with my brother downstairs.

"Nothing much," I say coolly. "Are you looking for the bathroom? It's down at the other end."

I decided to play dumb.

Because why would I assume he came upstairs to see me?

Grayson's smile only gets bigger--if that's even possible.

I've seen him use that same grin on girls in our classes, the ones who easily smile back. I have no idea how to handle it now that it's directed at me.

Acting oblivious is the only response I know.

But seeing him treat me like he does the pretty girls on campus makes me wonder if this isn't a joke.

Maybe he really is interested in me.

Could I actually have my first-ever guy crushing on me? Am I really getting the attention usually reserved for my sisters?

I can't deny his friendly demeanor.

He has no reason to smile at me like this otherwise.

But even I don't know what he could possibly see in me.

I catch a glimpse of myself in my full-length mirror. All I see is a mousy-looking girl in a turtleneck, glasses, dark cocoa skin like his, and frizzy microlocs to my waist that I've been too lazy to retwist. My mother would scold me if she were here, but thankfully, she's been out of town for weeks. I don't have to get them done anytime soon.

All I know is: I can't be Grayson's type.

"No, I actually came to talk to you. I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight," Grayson continues.

My heart freezes. But I don't show any emotion. My protection mode is lethal and perfected.

"Oh? Are you and my brother doing something that would require my presence?" I ask, almost robotically.

His smile only widens.

But why?

What is he up to?

What is he thinking?

"No. Actually, I meant just you and me," he clarifies, his grin still in place.

He pauses, waiting for my reaction.

I'm thankful when I give him none--even though my hands are nearly sweating buckets.

"Oh," I say simply.

Another long silence.

"Well, what do you say?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

I clear my throat. That's the only reaction I've given this entire time. Goddammit, I want to kick myself. I need to be stoic.

"Sure..."

I nearly faint.

Did I really just say that?

Grayson's grin grows even brighter, if that's possible.

"Good," he says. "We'll leave around seven. That should give you some time to get yourself together."

My heart is pounding.

"I'll meet you downstairs," he adds, then flashes me a teasing smile. "Make sure you put on something nice--a dress or something."

And then, to my complete and utter shock, his eyes slowly trail over me. My body reacts with an involuntary jolt.

"I like your hair down like that," he says. "Keep it that way."

I'm too stunned to respond, not that I even know what to say. But I don't have to.

I watch as he walks away.

Leaving me dumbfounded.

And all I can think is--why in the world did I agree to this?

The words had slipped out before I could stop myself.

Which makes me wonder...

Do I want to date Grayson Norse?

Truthfully...

Yes.

I do.

In what world wouldn't I? He's attractive, on the football team, and majoring in Political Science. It doesn't quite compare to my major in Mathematics, but it'll do.

And I am a Leon girl. We're supposed to be surrounded by the best because we are the best. Or at least, that's what my father has drilled into our heads since birth.

So, of course, dating Grayson would mean something. It would be like finally becoming one of the best.

But I never imagined in a million years that someone like him would even notice me.

I've always been invisible.

Only Sasha, Gabriella, and Dreida meet the impossible beauty standards set by our pageant-queen mother. I've never been up to par.

And yet...

I hear voices downstairs again.

I nearly hold my breath as I listen.

"You really asked her?" Titus says, sounding skeptical.

"Yeah," Grayson's voice rings out.

"And what did my sister say?" Titus sounds like this is all some kind of joke. And honestly? It does feel like one.

He never expected Grayson to actually go through with it.

"Of course she said yes, fool!" Grayson says.

"What?!" Titus nearly shouts. There's a loud thud--as if he's dropped something.

"Yeah... I think your sister likes me," Grayson continues, clearly amused.

I nearly have a seizure when he says that.

"She couldn't resist my charm."

He's enjoying this.

"Man! I didn't think you would actually ask Shanice out! You're really serious about this shit? I thought you were just messing around! I thought this whole thing was just you being funny." Titus sounds like he might pass out.

"Nah, nigga, I told you--I want to talk to her. I think she has potential," Grayson says, laughing.

Potential?

What does that mean?

"Man, you better not be trying to treat my sister like some kind of project!" Titus snaps, repeating what he said earlier.

There's real irritation in his voice this time.

"I'm not playing!" Titus continues. "My pops doesn't let the girls date just anyone! He's gonna kill me if I let her go out with you. I thought you were bullshitting!"

My heart is knocking against my ribs.

"Well, good thing I'm not just 'anyone.' Mr. Leon knows me. Your pops loves me," Grayson says, clearly offended at the idea that he's not good enough. "Or, you know... you could just keep your mouth shut, and he won't have to worry."

Silence.

I hold my breath. Maybe I'm hyperventilating too loud to hear what's happening.

"I need to run this by my mom if you're really gonna take her out," Titus finally says.

"Man, I'll call Brookelle myself," Grayson replies, casually dropping our mom's first name like they're old friends. "You know she loves me. Besides, don't bother her--she's vacationing in Paris. She needs to relax. It's just a little date. One time. That's all. Calm down."

"How do you even know my mom likes you like that?" Titus asks suspiciously.

"Man, everybody's mom loves me like that. If you know what I mean. And yours especially does," Grayson quips.

The hidden meaning in his words is not lost on me.

I hear a sudden shuffle--then laughter.

"Nigga! Don't make me kick you out of my house!" Titus yells.

There's a brief silence.

Then Grayson speaks again, voice smooth and persuasive.

"Come on, man. It's just you and Shanice at the house, right? You don't even have to follow all those bougie rules your parents set. Just let me take her out--one time. No one even has to know."

Silence.

Then--

"C'mon, man. I am giving you a chance with my ex, Amari. The least you could do is be grateful and let me take your sister on a date."

More silence.

Then--

"Okay."

I nearly stop breathing.

What am I going to do?

xxxxxxxxx

I shakily glance at the clock on my dresser. 7:00 PM.

I haven't left my room since Grayson Norse asked me out on this date.

I take a deep breath.

I'm wearing a simple black dress and black heels--both gifts from my mom for my birthday.

Technically, this is my first date.

But does it even count?

As I put on one of the 24-karat gold hoops my dad bought me, a knock sounds at my door.

When I open it, Titus is standing there.

His expression flickers with surprise.

That's when I realize--I'm not wearing my glasses. I put on some makeup. And I let my hair down.

Like Grayson told me to.

Even though my locs are badly in need of a retwist, I don't think they look too bad.

Titus just stares at me for a second.

I pull on my usual invisibility cloak, my unreadable expression shielding me.

"You better not tell Mom and Dad that I'm letting you go out with Grayson," he finally says.

"I'm surprised you even let him come up here," I say flatly. "Let alone ask me out."

"Man, see! This is why I can't stand your ass. Miss Goody Two Shoes. You should just be lucky someone even wants to date you," Titus snarks.

I roll my eyes.

"I only said 'yes' because it would've been impolite to turn him down. But seeing as you're breaking all the family rules by letting boys upstairs when your sisters are home... I guess I have no choice but to break a few, too." My tone turns dry, sarcastic. "Mom and Dad did leave you in charge, after all. So they must trust your judgment."

Titus groans.

"See? This is why me, Gabriella, DeeDee, and Sash could never have fun when Mom and Pops were away. Because of you! Little Miss Tattletale," he snaps.

I shrug and roll my eyes again.

Then he hesitates. Like he wants to say something but doesn't know how.

"Gray's taking you out," he says carefully. "And while you're gone... I'm having a few friends over."

Oh.

That's why he was hesitant.

"How many is 'a few'?" I ask pointedly.

Titus groans again.

"Man, can you just act normal for once? Maybe if you had some friends, you wouldn't be trippin' like this!"

I let the insult roll off me without a flinch.

"Mom and Dad strictly forbid large gatherings in the main house," I say matter-of-factly. "So whatever 'activities' you have planned, keep them in the guest house. And I don't want to worry about my things being messed with while I'm gone."

Titus glares.

"You're going on a date without Mom and Pop's permission," he snaps. "So don't act like Little Miss Perfect."

I glare back.

It's the only emotion I'll allow myself to show.

"Keep. It. To. The. Guest. House." I say tightly.

Titus rolls his eyes.

"Alright."

Silence settles between us.

Then, finally--

"Grayson's waiting in the driveway," Titus says.

"He's parked out front."

"Thank you," I say, voice still tight.

I step into my closet to grab a light jacket.

But just as I'm about to leave, Titus surprises me.

"You look good, Niecey," he mutters. "Make sure to call me if he tries anything. I'll drop whatever's going on here and drive over to kick his ass. But he should know better. I already talked to him."

I blink.

The sudden show of brotherly love catches me off guard.

My emotionless mask slips.

"T-Thanks, Titus," I whisper.

Then I hurry away--before I drop my armor any further.

XxxxxxxxX

Grayson is at the front of the driveway, his Dodge Charger revving as I walk toward it. I can't make him out because his windows are so tinted, but as I get closer, I can just about see him staring at me from inside behind the driver's seat. However, when I reach the door, he doesn't get out to open it.

I hesitate but then tell myself that it's fine. I can open my own door.

I'm slightly agitated that he didn't get out, but when I get inside Grayson's car, his eyes immediately light up. I can't lie; it makes me feel a little better.

"Heyyyy, Niecey," he says as he looks me up and down. His eyes, for some reason, linger very long on my lap, where the hem of my dress meets my legs.

I immediately feel slightly self-conscious because I've never worn a dress this short before. Without thinking, my hands go to pull it down, as if the material will magically cover me any further. I suddenly feel exposed as my legs are fully on display.

For some reason, Grayson chuckles, and his eyes flash back to mine. But I still feel uncomfortable.

I feel a shudder wash over me, the same one from earlier, but I shake it off as he continues to grin at me. Those same white teeth and dimples disarm me, like they do everyone on campus.

"You kept your hair down like I said," he says, his eyes now appraising my microlocs like he did my dress and legs. "Good girl."

I'm struck by another funny feeling, but nothing prepares me for him reaching out his hand and grabbing a handful of my locs. I'm startled as he gives my head a forceful tug, sending my head back a little. My hands fly up to try to get him off of me.

I cry out.

But he just chuckles at my reaction.

He lets go, but I'm still patting my head, trying to recover from what just happened. Did he really just do that?

"I just wanted to make sure it was real," he says, staring at my face.

I look at him, my hands still in my hair. I've never had anyone pull my hair before, especially not so randomly. I've had my microlocs since I was four, but even then, no one ever thought to actually pull them. I guess because my hair was always considered dirty and gross until it reached a certain length, so kids just weren't interested in touching it in case they became dirty too. I've seen other girls get their hair pulled, but that mainly stopped in elementary school. So, I never thought I'd have to worry about it happening to me. Especially not in college.