“It depends. You want to get take-out, sit down and eat, or go somewhere with a drive-thru?”
“It’s whatever you want.”
“I think I want hibachi. We can do take-out.”
“Bet. Order whatever you want from wherever you want it from. I’ll take steak medium-well with rice and vegetables.”
Block opened the car door for Symphony. As soon as she got inside the car, she unlocked her phone, so she could order their food. Block left one of his phones in the car, and after starting the engine, he looked through his missed calls and messages. Symphony found herself wondering if that was his work phone or his personal phone. She also wondered how many other women he was seeing. It was too early in for her to be jealous, but she was. In a perfect world, she’d have a man like him all to herself.
She thought back to a few of Brazil’s teammates that spoke to them in passing. “Your nickname is Block?”
“Yeah. You and some family are the only ones that call me Nasir.”
“Would you prefer that I call you Block?”
“You can call me anything you want as long as it’s not disrespectful.”
“I like being in the minority. I’ll stick with Nasir. I don’t want to be like everybody else.”
Symphony gave him the address of the restaurant that she ordered their food from. Her phone rang, and when she saw her mother was calling, Symphony hoped she wasn’t calling with bullshit. Mason was old enough to stay home alone. However, they tried to refrain from leaving him alone for more than an hour or two simply because of the way he’d been acting out and finding trouble. Then, there was always the anxiety associated with wondering if there was bad news about Monique.
“Hey.” Symphony answered as Block turned the music down.
“Hey. Where you at?”
“I just left a soccer game. About to get food.”
“Soccer? I didn’t know you liked soccer.”
“It’s something different to do.”
“Yeah, it is. I know I already owe you $500, but if you give me $300 until next week, I’ll give you back $1,000 instead of $800.”
Agitation made Symphony’s jaw muscles flex. “What do you need it for?” she asked in a respectful tone.
“Why does what I need it for matter if I say I’m going to pay you back?”
“It’s not about you paying me back. I’m not rich, but I’m not pressed for money back from you if it’s going to a good cause. I don’t work to fund casino habits.”
“I love how you’re assuming you know what I be doing. Don’t worry about it, Symphony. You have a blessed day. I’ll give you your $500 by the end of tomorrow.”
Sonya ended the call, and Symphony’s heart sank. It was Monique all over again. When she refused to enable people, they got mad at her. She didn’t have a relationship with her sister,and she didn’t want her mother to be next. Yes, she was a strong and resilient person but dealing with two people that she loved battling addictions was too much.
“You good?” Block took his eyes off the road long enough to glance over at her.
She wasn’t really. Symphony’s entire mood had shifted. Talking about the situation wasn’t going to make her feel better. A perfect day had been ruined just that fast.
“Yeah,” she mumbled, but Block could tell she didn’t mean it.
They rode in silence until he arrived at the restaurant. Block took his seatbelt off and turned to face her. “Don’t let other people’s problems fuck up your day.”
“That’s easier said than done.” The way he was peering into her eyes made Symphony’s heart skip a beat. He was so damn fine she almost forgot the reason she was upset.
“It is as long as you have that mindset. Other people’s problems are not your problems. Don’t let anybody guilt trip you into feeling like you’re supposed to do whatever it is they want you to do.”
She knew he was right, but her feelings were still hurt. Maybe she should have just given her mother the money. Words were tangled in her throat and because she didn’t want her voice to crack, Symphony gave a brief nod.
Her breath hitched in her throat as Block leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I’m glad we have an understanding.”
