“Yeah? And did you tell her she was dealing with a bad bitch who wouldn’t even want it if it was easy?” I ask, joining her at the table.
“That’s why I love you, boo. You get me.” She raises her glass to mine. “But enough shoptalk, spill the tea. Every dirty detail about last night. First off, was he hung like a stallion?”
“Girl, whatchu think?”
“Ohh, snap!” She sheds her buttoned-up professional demeanor in two seconds flat. “Tell me he brought it—turned you inside out and upside down.”
“He’s got some serious oral skills. Like master-class quality.” I take a sip of water, my body warming from the memory.
“Daaamn. My coochie is so jealous right now, my panties just turned green. I bet the nasty hit even harder.”
“Never got to it,” I admit. “I fell asleep.”
Her eyes bug out with comical shock.
“In my defense, he made me a strong drink beforehand. But not gonna lie, those orgasms were top shelf.”
“Girl!” She laughs with a slap to her thigh. “You did not fall asleep on that man?”
“I did, but he was good about it.” My fingers idly trace the rim of the glass. “Real good. Made sure my phone was charged and even babysat Queenie while I took Maurice to physio.”
“Wait. Queenie stayed with him? That demon?” she whispers as if the cat curled at my feet can understand.
“Apparently, she likes his scrambled eggs.” I shake my head at the absurdity.
“I guess Dice really is smooth withallthe ladies.”
“Hmph. That’s the thing. I can’t tell how much is real and what’s just game.”
“You falling for him?” Her eyes narrow at me.
“No!”
“You answered that too quickly.”
“I’m not,” I insist, taking another sip of water. “I know what this is. But I still don’t want to be just another one of his sneaky links.”
“You think Dice is babysitting cats for every woman? Please. You’ve always been special to him,” she says. “It’s like he put you on this pedestal—the untouchable one. And now that it’s physical, he’s probably all knotted up, trying to sort out his feelings.”
I cut my eyes at her. “Dice doesn’t do feelings.”
“He doesn’tshowthem. Big difference. And neither do you.”
“Whatever. I’ll be going back to New York soon.”
“What’s ‘soon’?”
“Doctor said Maurice should be done with the cane in another two weeks, barring complications.”
“How was taking him to physio today?”
“Don’t get me started. Twice a week is gonna test my very last nerve.”
She laughs, that special brand of commiseration only family can give. “Speaking of dads, mine’s been asking about you.”
“I’ve been meaning to go visit. Invite him to dinner tomorrow night. I’m sure Mom would love to see him too.”
“Great idea. I think he might be seeing someone.”
