Chapter 7 #2
“It is. When you told me you were his neighbor, it clicked because he’s been talking about you.
Right away, I could see why he was so taken with you, because you’re absolutely gorgeous.
I tried to play matchmaker and had two dates lined up for him.
Girl, after I met you, I canceled those dates so damn quick. ”
“Oh my God! Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack. There was no sense in wasting those women’s time. Graham is really into you, so I really hope you give him a chance.”
Kindra picked up her phone and moved her fingers over the screen. I looked at Naomi, and her eyes were understanding. She had jokes for days and had no problem speaking her mind, but she also knew what I’d gone through with Victor and understood my hesitancy regarding relationships.
“One date at a time, Sis. You know how to spot an asshole now, so if he shows any signs, you can bow out gracefully, with your heart fully intact.”
Before I responded, several kids and a few adults rushed into the party room. For the next hour, it was organized chaos, but the birthday boy and his friends looked to be having a great time.
After we sang Happy Birthday and had cake and ice cream, Kindra gave Trey the option to open his gifts or play for the final hour. He chose to play, and the party room was left to the adults once again. Naomi and I helped Kindra clean up while Graham and DJ took Trey’s gifts to the car.
“We may have to reschedule our dinner plans,” Graham said when he returned.
“Okay.”
“You’re not gonna ask why?”
“If you want me to know, I’m listening.”
“That son of yours beat me in four out of five rounds of Basketball Shootout, and not by just a few baskets. He barely missed.”
“What does that have to do with taking me to dinner?”
“He took all my money.”
“You were betting real money? Why would you—”
“Chill, baby. I’m fucking with you. We didn’t bet real money, but that lil nigga can shoot. Does he play basketball?”
“He’s been to some camps, but he doesn’t like sports.”
He pulled his head back in surprise. “Really?”
“He loves to draw and paint, but his father has put him in football and basketball camps in the past. He doesn’t enjoy either of those sports at all.”
“Interesting. Has he tried any others?”
I shook my head. “He asked to take an art class this summer, so I doubt he’s interested.”
“You think he’d like boxing? The renovations are going smoothly, and I should be reopening by the end of summer.
I’m starting a youth mentoring program for boys and girls to teach them the art of boxing but also give them a positive way to relieve stress and built-up aggression.
They’ll also learn the importance of structure, discipline, respect, and things of that nature. ”
“Wow! That sounds like it’ll be an amazing program. Keelan is a good kid, but I think that would be good for him.”
“Good. I’ll give you the details once we get up and running.”
“So, are we rescheduling dinner?”
“Hell nah. It was hard enough getting you to agree, and this might be my one and only chance to convince you to let me be your man.”
“You look pretty, Mom. You should dress up more.”
I looked at myself in the full-length mirror we had in the hallway, and I had to agree with Keelan . . . I looked pretty, and I should dress up more. I didn’t have many dressy clothes in my closet, nor did I have time to shop, so I decided to keep it simple.
The fitted, black cocktail dress was made of a satin-like material and stopped at my knees. The ruching in the middle camouflaged my small pooch perfectly, and my final accents were silver open-toed heels, a silver purse, and silver jewelry.
“Thanks, Son. I don’t go out much, so there’s no reason to get this dressed up.”
“Do you like Mr. Graham?”
Keelan was seated on the floor next to Que’s bed, rubbing his coat. I turned to look at him, and his eyes were already on me.
“He’s nice.”
“Yeah, he is, but do you like him?”
“Why?”
“Because he likes you.”
“How do you know?”
“I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
“Boy, you’re ten years old—”
“Almost eleven.”
“Almost doesn’t count. You’re ten years old. What do you know about how he looks at me?”
“His eyes get all sparkly, and he smiles really big. That means he likes you.”
Keelan was too much for me and way too observant for his age. I was nothing like him as a child.
“Auntie Mimi should be here any minute. Go and make sure you have everything in your bag, take Que out back to use the bathroom, then put him in his cage.”
“Okay, Mom.”
He got up and disappeared into his room. I finished admiring myself in the mirror, taking a few selfies to send to my mother and sister, and possibly post to social media.
I hadn’t been on a single date since I left my ex over two years ago, and most would say it was about time. Yet, I refused to think of this as anything more than two new friends having dinner. Anything more was too much for my brain and heart to process.
Naomi and Graham arrived at the same time. When my sister finished hyping me up about how good I looked, she left with Keelan. Before she backed out of the driveway, she sent me a text that made me laugh out loud.
Nay:
If he offers you a seat on his face, you’d better take it!
“What’s so funny?” Graham asked.
“Nothing. Are you ready?”
“You’re breathtakingly beautiful.”
“Thank you, and you look very handsome, especially your braids.”
“Thank you. This nice lady who lives across the street from me hooked me up a few days ago.”
“She did a great job.”
We shared a laugh. The night after we had dinner at his house, he came over with all his hair products, pleading for me to do his hair. Lucky for him, I wasn’t busy.
“I know I only live across the street, but I parked in front.”
I giggled. “That wasn’t necessary, but nice. Are you ready?”