“If I had to approximate, you don’t know how to deal with having her so close. No more late-night conversations on the phone or texting.” Bread sets a carton of eggs, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream on the counter.
“Since when do you say ‘approximate’?” I skip over him raiding my fridge.
He lifts a shoulder. It’s sparkling from all that damn baby oil. “Heard Miriam say it once. The shit stuck. She’s cool, Cap. Likely won’t stay single for long.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I’m out my seat, hands on my hips. Ain’t no way a man drenched in oil will school me in my house.
Shins chuckles. “It means don’t be an idiot and let a good thing pass you by.”
“Moping like Lance after his wife died,” Bread huffs. His fingers hover over a cereal box. “Too far?”
Shins and I nod.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the theater during the funeral scene inThe Best Man Holiday. My mother and aunt were sniffling with big tears like Monica Calhoun died for real. I won’t lie and say it didn’t make me squirm. The shit was sad.
“Miriam wouldn’t want me anyway.” I kick at the rug with my slipper.
Knowing Lisa, she gave Miriam and Marcela a full outline of what we did together, including footnotes. Her beauty couldn’t mask the jealousy that broke through her smile when she heard I was out with someone else. Popping up at my crib unannounced already had me off of her.
I never fuck anyone in Miriam’s circle. No wonder she thinks I’m handing out dick like breath mints.
Shins and Bread get the redacted version of my history with Miriam and what happened during our trip. By the time I’m done, they’re both on the ground, hollering.
“Bro, you met your match,” Bread cackles, soaking his baby oil into my hardwood floor. “She pulled a you by kicking you out and leaving you on read.”
I scoff and step over their gyrating bodies to grab water. “You make it sound like I’m heartless.”
It’s true that I don’t like for women to spend the night. I prefer to pay for their car service and text to make sure they get home safely. Miriam handled my ass the same way. She doesn’t do small talk or lead with emotions. I expected a long conversation about what we did and what it means for our relationship. If we want it to mean something. She said she was fine, ate her brownie, and went to sleep.
It was back to normal the next morning, like we didn’t rub our body parts together. Three days later, and I’m in a robe and sweats, pissed off at rom-coms.
How does she not feel the way I feel?
“Welp.” Bread swings two reusable grocery bags over his shoulder. “Hopefully she’s still on the market after Friday, so you can figure it all out.”
My frown deepens. “What’s Friday?”
“Valentine’s Day, the holiday you always dodge by running off.” He yawns. “Miriam’s sister hosts an annual district auction. It’s a fundraiser to bid on items, including Buffalo’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. I did it last year and spent the weekend caked up with an attorney who helped me get out of parking tickets. I signed you up this year.”
“You did what?” I shout.
“Shit.” He chuckles and grabs an apple from the bowl. “I knew there was something I forgot to tell you. Show whoever the winner is a good time, dick out or not.”
If we didn’t need Bread in the season opener against Houston, I’d put him in a deep grave. Not only did I forget about Valentine’s Day, but I now have to take a stranger out for charity.
We fly out first thing tomorrow, which means I won’t be around to intercept whoever goes for Miriam.
“Stop stressing Antonio out,” Shins chides. “Who says she’ll participate?”
“Shiit. I’d make her participate if I were her sister,” Bread says. “She’s fine, smart as hell, and thick. Maybe Maid Miriam will find someone to scoop her up like homie in the kilt.” He points to the television. “Women like her don’t stay single forever. Going to get my dick sucked. See you bright and early.”
Bread bops out like he didn’t just fuck up my mental while stealing from my refrigerator. Miriam has been off-limits for so long, I wouldn’t know how to approach her.
Would she say yes to giving us a try?
Am I ready for an us?
Shins pats my shoulder. “Need a hug now?”
