“Even if I am, it’s clear that you like him.”
Lifting out a large slice of cake, Lizette protested.“Not really.”
“Child, I know you almost better than you know yourself, and I say you’re interested.”
“Trust me.”Lizette laid the knife down and wrapped the cake with care as though her life depended on it.“I’m not.”
Mom stood straight and peered at her.“And why would you not be interested in a fine man like Shomari?That’s if I may ask.”
“For one thing, he’s grumpy and for another …” She stopped and stood straighter.“He works for me.”
“Why do I sense that’s not the reason you’re reluctant?”
“It isn’t.Well, that’s a big part of it.In my book, work and love don’t mix, but …” While washing the knife, she considered how to voice her opinion.Finally, she faced Mom.“You wouldn’t know this, but Shomari can be grumpy.I mean really grumpy.”
“Is there a reason you know about that’s making you worry?”
She nodded.“He has a little girl and doesn’t get along with her mother.”
“Okay, and?”
“Does there have to be something else?”Lizette asked, walking back to the counter.
“I think there is,” Mom said gently.
Lizette sighed and tipped her head back.“He’s broke.I don’t know why or how, but from what I can figure out, he hasnothing.”
Mom stared at her as though she’d sprouted horns.“Let me get this straight.You would refuse to give this man the time of day because he’s poor?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Then what are you saying, because baby girl, I don’t understand.”
When she offered nothing, Mom squeezed her shoulder.“Look at me.”
Their gazes met before Mom continued, “When I met your father, he had a full scholarship ride in university.Didn’t have much other than his brilliance, but we fell in love and built everything we havetogether.”
“Your parents were doing okay, so your situation was similar to mine, correct?”
She was sure Mom hid a smile when she answered, “What we have isn’t yours until we leave this earth, or you need help.”Her gaze went hazy as she admitted, “Tony and I had some challenging times, but the will to succeed was always there.Now I’m not saying you should roll out the red carpet for Shomari, but what I’m asking younotto do is overlook a good man because he’s in a bad situation.”
Puzzled, Lizette studied her mother.“Why would you want your only daughter to go down that road, and let’s be clear, I’m not saying I’m interested.”
Mom pursed her lips, as if her amusement wasn’t obvious.“I won’t comment on you lying to yourself.”Her smile slipped away when she continued, “But I’d be disappointed if you let your prejudice override your heart and good sense.”
Chapter 12
Lizettewasavoidinghimsince he spent the evening with the Winters a week ago.Maybe he was being oversensitive, but something wasn’t right.He’d been inside Lizette’s office in his downtime, helping her with the proposal.Each time she excused herself and went somewhere else until he finished.He hadn’t done anything to offend her, at least he hoped he hadn’t, but wanted to know what had gone wrong.
Lizette wasn’t the kind of woman who played games, unless … He couldn’t ignore the fact that whenever they came in contact, whether through handing items to each other or brushing past in the hallways, he had the weird sensation of touching a live wire.And from the way her eyes popped wide each time, she felt it too.
The door opened, and he laid the newspaper aside.
Lizette walked in, surprising him, and laid a cup of coffee on the desk.“I thought you could use a pick-me-up.”
The fragrant smell reminded him that he hadn’t eaten since early that morning.
“Thanks.Just what I need.”
