You broke the boy code now you need to Holla at your boy.

Let’s talk about it…

Dwight and Gerald have been friends since their freshman year in high school. Both played high school sports. Dwight acquired a love for baseball from his father Ben. Ben once dreamed of playing professional baseball. However, Ben’s dreams were shatter when Dwight’s grandfather became ill. As the oldest child, Ben had to drop out of high school to work odd jobs to support his parents and siblings. Ben was working in the automotive industry when he married Dwight’s mother. Dwight and his father frequently attend the White Sox baseball games in their hometown, Chicago. During Dwight’s high school years, Ben influences him to play baseball in hope of his son becoming a professional baseball player. Dwight love baseball; however, he did not love it as a career choice. He did not want to become a professional athlete.

In high school, Dwight’s friend Gerald was appointed captain of the basketball team. Gerald and his coach observed Dwight’s skills on the field during baseball season. They felt he would be a great asset as a basketball player because of his height, his upper body strength on hitting the ball out of the park and his speed in running. Gerald and his coach tried to recruit Dwight. Although Dwight declined the offer, him and Gerald remained friends. Both were lead players in their field. Throughout school, the girls would chase after them. On several occasions they found themselves romantically involved with the same girls. They decided to come up with a boy code in dating girls within their circle. They created a dating chart similar to a family tree. Dwight name was on the left side of the chart and beneath his name were three color categories. A Girl name listed in the red category means the relationship is currently or once was serious and therefore is off limit to Gerald dating. A Girl name listed in the yellow category means the relationship was romantically fun but not serious. It’s okay if Gerald chooses to date a girl listed in the yellow category. A Girl name listed in green category means it is a talking only relationship with the potential to becoming something more. Gerald is not allowed to talk to a girl in the green category under Dwight’s name because the relationship can potentially become a red category. Gerald name was on the right side of the chart with the same three-color categories beneath his name; having the same meaning as on Dwight’s side of the chart. Throughout high school the dating chart worked well for them both.

As the two friends were approaching graduation; they vowed to remain friends and continued to follow the rules of the dating chart they created. Gerald was drafted to play professional basketball. Because of Dwight’s fascination with computers and its infrastructure he enrolled into a trade tech college to study Information Technology (I.T.). During the first week of attending college, Dwight was amazed to see the same five female students enrolled in many of his courses. He assumed that Information Technology was a predominant trade for men only. What would make a woman select this trade, thought Dwight. Anyhow, it’s good to have someone other than men to look at during class. Dwight was very impress with his classmate Stephanie. She was a very active student who engage in answering the instructor questions and also asking many questions for clarity purposes. Also, he was very impress with her knowledge and ability to retain what she was learning. Dwight decided he wanted to get to know Stephanie on a personal basis. He was attracted to her beauty and to her intelligence. She would be a good person to study with thought Dwight. One day, after attending the last class of the day with Stephanie, Dwight decides to approach her: “Excuse me, your name is Stephanie; correct?” Yes, that is correct; states Stephanie with a smile on her face. She thought Dwight’s approach was cute. “I noticed you and I have several classes together; therefore, I am wondering if you are looking for a study partner or someone in class who is willing to share notes you missed in your absence.” Stephanie paused for a brief moment before speaking. “Well, I’m not looking for a study partner, I do pretty well on my own; however, it would be good to have someone to share notes in case one of us is absence. Would you like to exchange email address for the purpose of sharing notes, asked Stephanie?” Sure, that would be great states Dwight. After exchanging email addresses, Stephanie thought for a quick minute then tells Dwight; if you feel having a study partner would bring clarity to certain topics discussed in class, I would be happy to go over the class lecture notes with you.” Dwight was happy to hear Stephanie except his offer. Although she did not agree to a study routine; at least she agreed to discuss complicated topics with him. “Sound good, states Dwight.

Two weeks after Dwight and Stephanie agree to discuss complicated topics together, Dwight emailed Stephanie, on a Wednesday, asking if they can meet at the library on Saturday to discuss the network infrastructure. He needed clarity on routers, switches, hubs, repeaters, gateways, bridges, and modems hardware. In taking notes, he believed he crisscross the information provided by the teacher when describing the functions of each hardware. Stephanie agreed to meet with Dwight at one pm. Both were impressed with each other promptness. Dwight brought his A game; he came to work. The two were very engaged as they seriously focus their discussions on the infrastructure topic. They were able to learn from each other. Stephanie was impressed with Dwight knowledge and understanding of the material. She feels Dwight is a person who second guess himself, causing him to question what he knows. Studying with him gave her a new prospective as to who he is as a person. She was happy she accepted his offer to study together. They both couldn’t believe five hours had passed so swiftly. Dwight offers to buy Stephanie dinner. He lets her know that he is not trying to come between her and any significant other she might have in her life; therefore, he offers to pay for takeout or have Uber eats deliver food to her home or take her to a restaurant of her choice. Stephanie giggle; she felt Dwight was being considerate and polite in the way he worded buying her dinner. She tells him; it’s okay, we can go have dinner together; she states, any restaurant is good with me. Stephanie’s giggle caused Dwight to giggle. Dwight chose a restaurant near the library that specialized in Seafood, Chicken, and Steak. Stephanie left her car at the library. She felt it would be safe because the library stays open 24 hours on Wednesday through Saturdays. She rode with Dwight to the restaurant. The first thing Stephanie notice was that Dwight was a gentleman. He opens doors for her, made sure she was secured in her seatbelt before driving off, and he pulled out her chair at the restaurant for her to sit. In addition to enjoying the delicious food, they enjoyed each other company. They talked for hours, leaving the restaurant at 10:30pm. As Dwight drives Stephanie back to the library to get her car, he asked if they could do this again in the near future. Stephanie replied with yes. Dwight asked Stephanie if she would like for him to follow her home to make sure she was safe. Stephanie stated that she only lived fifteen minutes from the library. She promised to text him once she was secured in her home. Stephanie and Dwight became very close; studying together and going out to dinner together. The relationship remained platonic for the entire school year. Once finals were over and they both received passing grades, the relationship became intimate after a night of celebrating.

At the start of summer break, Gerald returned home for a visit to spend time with family and friends before basketball training begin for the next season. His parents rent a hall and throw him an extravagant party. Approximately three hundred people received an invited with a plus one. Because Gerald was well known as one of the lead players on his basketball team, his parents made sure the venue was well secured with security. Each person who RSVP with their plus one, name and picture was entered into a database. The database was used at the venue entrance to match name and picture ID of each person attending before entering the venue. Stephanie attends as Dwight’s plus one. She loves basketball and was excited about meeting her favorite team rookie player Gerald. She was surprised that Dwight had not told her that he is friends with a star basketball player before inviting her as his plus one. Gerald and Dwight were happy to see each other. They embraced in a man’s hug for a few seconds. Stephanie could see based on their greeting they were best of friends. She was shaking in her shoes when Dwight introduced her to Gerald. She kept grinning and expressing that she was a big fan of his. Dwight being one of Gerald’s closes friends was assigned to sit at his family table with Stephanie. Gerald was mesmerized by Stephanie beauty. He asked his friend to take a walk with him. Dwight asked Stephanie if she would be okay alone for a few minutes while he walk with Gerald to the other side of the room. Stephanie replied yes, I would be fine. She watched the two friends walk away and wonder what that was all about. Gerald complimented Dwight on his grown man taste in women. He tells Dwight, she is nothing like what we use to date in high school. No, she isn’t replied, Dwight. So, tell me, states Gerald; how serious are you two according to our high school dating chart. Man, she is a red in my book, state Dwight. Although I haven’t asked her to be my exclusive girlfriend, it has been her and I and no one else for nearly a year. Red tells me you two are sexually intimate replied, Gerald. Yeah man, we are, Dwight states with a grin on his face. Dwight asks Gerald was he dating anyone. Naw man, it’s too soon in the game for me to be seriously dating. The women are lined up for ball players. When I am finish playing the field, I will find someone special to settle down with. In the meantime; game on. Both begin to laugh at Gerald’s statement. Well man, states Gerald it’s good seeing you. I hope you don’t mind me asking your girl to dance. I would like to get to know who my friend is smitten over. No harm in dancing states Dwight. Both heads back to the table. After dinner was serve and eaten everyone being to enjoy dessert with drinks and dancing. Gerald comes around the table and asks Stephanie to dance. Stephanie looks at Dwight for approval. Dwight knobs his head. They both dance to a fast song. As they were walking off the dance floor, a slow song is played. Gerald re-grabs Stephanie by the hand then leads her back to the dance floor. Dwight notice that Gerald is doing a lot of talking in Stephanie ear as they slow dance. Dwight was happy when the song end. As the party was coming to an end. Dwight asked Stephanie if she was ready to go. At this point approximately seventy-five people was left at the venue and appeared to be collecting their things to leave. Stephanie stated she was ready to leave. Dwight excused himself to go to the men’s room before the long ride home. Stephanie had just come back from the women’s room and expressed to Dwight that she will be sitting right there waiting for him. Gerald sees his opening as Dwight walks away. He goes over to Stephanie and tells her that he wants to plan a surprise birthday party for his friend in the next two months. He stated that he would need help in planning the surprised. He asked her if she could assist in bringing him to the surprise party.  Stephanie agrees to assist. Gerald and Stephanie exchanged phone numbers before Dwight returned from the bathroom.

Gerald started calling Stephanie on a daily basis talking to her about the party as well as personal topics. Stephanie was so excited about talking to a star basketball player like they were old friends, she wanted to shout it to the world. But she couldn’t in fear of Dwight finding out. She knew it would ruin the surprise if he found out. Stephanie felt the only person who would keep a secret would be her best friend, Tracy. Stephanie and Tracy meet every Thursday at 4:00pm for a game of tennis. Afterwards they usually go to the local café for dinner. During dinner, Stephanie tells Tracy about meeting Dwight’s best friend Gerald. She explains to Tracy about Gerald needing her help in planning a surprise party for Dwight. She also tells Tracy about her and Gerald’s conversations. Tracy tells Stephanie to be careful with Gerald, because she believes he likes her or simply wants to sleep with her. Why would you say that states Stephanie? The fact that you have to ask me why I would say that, leads me to believe he already has your attention. No man should be talking to his best friend girlfriend about the personal things you two talk about. It’s clearly a setup. Stephanie, wish she had never said anything to Tracy. She felt Tracy was hating because a star basketball player was talking to her.

Two days after having dinner with Tracy, Stephanie receives a call from Gerald. He asked Stephanie if he could store some gifts for Dwight at her home. Gerald claims he did not feel comfortable with having expensive gifts in his room at the hotel. Stephanie thought it sound strange. She asked Gerald why he wasn’t staying at his parents’ home. Gerald stated that he did not want to draw attention to his parents’ home. Therefore, he decided to stay in a suite at a five-star hotel. Stephanie felt relax with his explanation. As Stephanie was giving her address to Gerald, he interrupted her by saying; “no wait, I don’t want to take a chance in running into Dwight at your place. Can you come to the hotel around 7:00pm today? Stephanie thought to herself, I guess it would be okay. It’s a public place. Okay, replied Stephanie. I will see you at 7:00pm. Five minutes after Stephanie arrives at Gerald’s suite, room service knocks on the door. Gerald tells Stephanie that he took the liberty of ordering dinner for them both. He states, it’s the least he can do for her coming to pick up Dwight’s gifts. Stephanie could see two small gift-wrapped boxes sitting on the table. She thought to herself, what could be in those boxes, they are so small. Her thoughts were interrupted by Gerald asking her would she have dinner with him. Sure, states Stephanie, I’m here so I might as well join you for dinner. Gerald pours Stephanie a spritzer to drink with her dinner. Gerald had ordered lobster tails, sauteed shrimp with asparagus and baby red potatoes. After dinner, Gerald poured Stephanie another spritzer. Stephanie begins to feel a little woozy. She couldn’t understand why two drinks would cause her to feel so woozy. Stephanie declined a third drink. She thought if she sits for a few minutes, she would be okay to drive. She remembers Gerald putting on music. The remaining time she was in Gerald’s suite was like a dream. She remembers brief moments of her being in bed with him; also, taking a shower. She woke up on Gerald’s couch five hours after she had arrived. She was fully clothed. Gerald comes out his bedroom wearing a robe. Hey sleepy head, you finally woke up. Are you okay? Stephanie looks at Gerald strangely, before replying; what happen? What do you mean what happen replied Gerald? You fell asleep. Do you need me to call you an Uber or are you okay to drive? Stephanie tells Gerald that she was okay to drive.

The next day, Stephanie calls her friend Tracy to tell her about what happen. Tracy pushes Stephanie to tell Dwight. Stephanie was scared to tell Dwight but decided it was best he hears it from her. Dwight comfort Stephanie the best way he could. He kept telling her that it was not her fault. Dwight opens the gifts Stephanie had bought back from Gerald. Just as he figures, inside was empty boxes filled with paper. Dwight went to the hotel to confront Gerald. Upon arrival, he finds out Gerald had checked out. Dwight rushed over to Gerald’s parents’ house. Gerald was leaving his parent’s house with two body guards by his side. When Dwight tried to run up on Gerald, the body guards held him back. Dwight begins to yell at Gerald, shouting why man why. Why would you do that to my girl when you have women chasing after you because of who you are as a player. Why do this to me and my girl? Gerald looked his friend in the eyes then tell him; “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Dwight was hurt; however, he knew he had to support Stephanie in any way he could.

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