“So where are you from, Bishop?” Nadira asked.
“Born and raised here.”
“Oh.” She sat up in her seat. “And what about your family?”
“Also from here,” I said simply.
“Bishop is one of four boys,” Asante offered.
Nadira whistled. “Whew. I don’t think I could handle it.”
“So you have children?” I asked.
“I do! One daughter.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “What about you? Any kids?”
“Nah. None.”
“Do you want any?” she asked.
“Yeah. I think that would be cool one day.”
“Just waiting for the right person?”
“Something like that.” I turned to Jhene. “What about you?”
“No husband, boyfriend or kids.”
“I feel that.” I lifted my beer toward her and she snickered as she lifted hers in response.
We both took quick drinks then turned back toward Nadira, but Asante took over. He was good at facilitating conversation and he kept me and Jhene included just enough for things not to be awkward but made sure he was directing the question. I took that to mean his sister had reservations about me. I thought about asking her what they were but didn’t want to overstep especially when things were still open between us.
When they switched from trivia to karaoke, Nadira and Jhene got up to perform while me and Asante watched. I foundmyself smiling and laughing throughout a good portion of it and Nadira was somehow able to get Asante to perform a song with her too before we finished up eating and headed out.
We walked the women to their cars and Asante hugged his sister tightly and shook Jhene’s hand.
“It was nice to meet you,” I offered.
Nadira nodded as she shook my hand.
“Can’t wait until the next time.” She held my gaze while she let that sentence settle in.
“Hoepfully.” I nodded once, making it clear that I didn’t plan on dipping out anytime soon.
She nodded once. Then, she hugged Asante again.
“Be careful,” she said quietly.
Asante nodded and yanked her door open.
“I love you. Let me know when you make it home, alright?”
“Yeah. I will.”
We stood side by side and watched as they headed out. Then, we looked at each other.
