“That’s correct,” Zack nodded.“If he wants to include you, that’s fine, but it’s not our history to tell.”
She held up both hands in surrender.“I hear you.”
Their evasiveness only made her more curious about Shomari and his problems.How was he their respected contemporary, but didn’t have a home or a job?And they claimed they outsourced work to him.It didn’t make sense.And why return to the island if he had no prospects, which brought her back to the seriousness of her situation.
“I’m warning the two of you again.If he disrupts my business, you’ll owe me for life.”
“You worry too much, baby sis.”Zack removed his glasses and laid them next to his hand.“He’ll be a great addition to Wintertime, and you’ll wonder how you managed without him.”
“I’m not promising to keep him, but we’ll see how he works out.”
“And we thank you for that,” Eli chipped in.
Her gaze strayed to the doorway, and the holly and pepper lights in her darkened living room.“When are you lugs coming home anyway?”
“A week or two before the holidays.”
“Good.I look forward to having you back, not to mention Luca.Mom has already started baking, so there’s that.”
The twins had been in Miami for several weeks, where they were attending an expo and meeting with clients.Their regular business was the reason they were behind on the student assessment app Zack had built for her more than a year ago.He was constantly in fine-tuning mode because his ex had gotten hold of the original program and shared it with someone else.
She wondered whether Shomari knew anything about animation, because Eli was way behind on a short film he’d made around the animated characters he created for her.Her kids loved them and couldn’t get enough.
“We have to leave you, baby sis.”Zack made kissing noises.“We have work to do.”
“Okay.Don’t stay up until all hours of the night and present like zombies tomorrow.”
They broke out laughing, but before they cut the link, Zack said, “Go easy on Mari, He’s good people.Trust us on that.”
So much for thinking they’d give up anything more on the man whose praises they’d been singing.She moved to the living room, sank on the sofa, and placed the laptop on the cushion next to her.
When she realized Shomari had left his wallet, she wondered about his mental state.He had to be deeply preoccupied to walk away without something that important.In the middle of handing it to him, she was certain a little girl came to the doorway, then disappeared.It wasn’t her business, as she’d told herself several times already, nor was she interested in him, so she’d leave that part of his life alone.
But she questioned the disappointment that chilled her like a wet blanket.A frown crimped her eyebrows as one word floated into her mind.
Liar.
Chapter 7
Today,he’dprobablyseta personal record.He wouldn’t be surprised if he were fired on the first day of work.If that were the outcome, he’d deal with it, same as all his other issues.
“Come, baby girl, let’s go.”He gathered Natanya’s belongings from the back of the cab and set her on the ground while checking that he hadn’t left anything.
“Thanks, Earl,” he said, straightening.“I’ll let you know what time to pick me up later.”
“Blessings.”Earl waved at Natanya, who copied his gesture.
Shomari picked up Natanya, scanned the clear sky, and whispered, “Thanks.”
On this new day, his worries had multiplied.Instead of coming for Natanya on Saturday, Christy had followed up her first text with several more to let him know she was out of town.It didn’t take him long to realize that from the beginning, she’d planned to be away for the entire weekend.When he called to speak with her, she’d been uncommunicative and he was certain a man was speaking in the background, but it wasn’t any of his business.What galled him was overstepping his boundaries with friends.
Since he was a guest at the Winters’ home, having Natanya there wasn’t convenient.He’d have said so if Christy gave him the chance.Instead, he’d watched Natanya carefully to ensure she didn’t spill any food or drink on the furniture.Now, he faced the added complication of not only bringing Natanya to work but also having Lizette know he’d had a child in the house, where he was supposed to be staying alone.It wouldn’t take her long to figure out his situation, but he didn’t plan to lie.
Standing around staring at the sky wouldn’t help anything, so he squared his shoulders and headed for the steps.He’d come early, knowing he had to give Lizette an explanation, but wasn’t feeling it.Lately, he hadn’t been enthusiastic about anything.Only God knew what kind of Christmas he’d have with his foul mood and no idea what life would look like by then.
He pushed the buzzer, and the door opened.Sucking in a deep breath, he prepared to face Lizette.She stood at the counter with a woman wearing braids, who resembled her closely enough to be family.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, setting Natanya down.She ran to the nearest wall to look at the cartoon characters that covered the space.Over her shoulder, she peeked at him before running her fingers over the paint.
