Page 3 of Big Nick Energy

“But it doesn’t make it worse.”

She laughed. “Anyway, so now that Nick is single again, how are you going to make your move? Beyond making eye contact.”

I peeled off the leggings and stepped out of them. “I haven’t fully decided yet…”

Nick Williams spent his college years dating a string of slim-thick sorority girls that looked like carbon copies of each other. He was always warm and friendly, but each time he looked at me like he was meeting me for the first time.

I left no impression on him whatsoever.

Between the braces, my chubby, child-like cheeks, my teeny weeny fro, and excess body fat, I chalked it up to me not being his type. But then, a year after graduation, he popped up engaged to a plus-sized beauty. And I realized the whole time I was second-guessing my chances with him because of my size, I didn’t have to.

That realization changed everything for me.

I stopped hiding behind oversized clothing and the desire to shrink my body in front of traditionally attractive men. I stopped allowing myself to believe the men I desired wouldn’t be attracted to me. I refused to embrace the idea that I was unworthy of love, respect, and kindness because of my weight. The moment I changed my mind set about how other people saw me, I moved through the world differently. But with my confidence sky-high, I started living my best dating life.

From the time I turned twenty-three, I got every man I ever set my sights on. Granted, I also developed my style and had my own personal glow up. But it was my confidence that changed the game for me. And after almost ten years since I first laid eyes on him, I planned to get Nick Williams, too.

“But proximity is everything,” I concluded.

Her eyebrows flew up. “So, you’re just gonna show up everywhere he is?”

A slow smile spread across my face. “Something like that.”

“How are we going to even know where he is?”

“He’s on the panel on Friday, so he’s definitely going to be at the mixer. Everyone will be at the game on Saturday afternoon. And his fraternity is hosting the party on Saturday night so hewill definitely be there.” I shrugged. “And by that time, he should be mine.”

“I love you,” she giggled with a shake of her head. “I wish I could be so bold.”

“You can!”

“No, I can’t. I could never be so confident in a plan to get with a man in three daysknowinghe doesn’t remember me.”

“I’m about to jog his memory!”

“It’s the delusion for me.”

Laughing, I tossed a pair of rolled up socks at her. “Shut up!”

Paris and I had been best friends since our freshman year in college. Our friendship was automatic and the last ten years had only made us closer. Even though our personalities were different in so many ways, I was thankful that the housing gods paired us as roommates.

As we concluded our conversation an hour later, Paris asked, “What time do you want me to be here in the morning?”

“Get here by nine thirty and we’ll leave at ten o’clock. Hopefully everyone will be at work and off the highway, so it’ll be a quick hour drive. We’ll do an early check-in, get changed, and then do a late lunch before the panel.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t tell me every second of the weekend is accounted for.”

“Noteverysecond.”

“You overplan.”

“I’m overprepared.” I put my hands on my hips. “And have my plans ever steered you wrong?”

Walking out of my room with a laugh, she shook her head. “Not yet, but sometimes a bitch just wants a nap.”

“I’ve factored in naps!”

“Don’t try to preplan my naps!”

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