She hesitates, then lets her arms come around me too. And stays there, like she’s not in a rush to leave.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lot
Project Peacemaking duty.
Rayne checks in the next morning.
You okay, boo?
I brought my shit home to Dice. Tried to fuck his brains out like it was therapy, but he said no. Wanted to talk instead.
Aw… that’s so sweet
I didn’t think so at the time. But yeah. It helped. We ended up huggingit out.
You hugged?
IKR
You also called his place home.
Figure of speech.
Whatever. Gotta pick up Maurice. Pray for me.
…
I finish dressing with Queenie wrapped around my feet like a pair of fuzzy slippers, separation anxiety in full swing.
“I won’t be gone long.”
“Meow.”
She sounds sad. I bend down to pat her head and scoot her out of the way. “How are you going to get adopted acting like this? You’re a mess. I told you not to get attached.”
“Meow.”
Girlfriend is not listening. I woke up to her on one side of my pillow and Dice on the other. How did I even get here? I don’t want a cat. And Ireallydon’t want to fall for Dice. But that’s tomorrow’s problem. Today’s issue is taking Maurice to his appointment and facing my mom. If anyone had accused me of stepping out on my husband, I’d have kicked their stupid ass into next week. But not Mom. She delivered a blow that struck harder than any kick.
Finding middle ground with Maurice. Is that even possible?
After a shower, I pull a shirt out of my bag. Dice cleared a drawer for me last night, but I haven’t used it. Unlike Queenie, I know better than to get attached to someone who doesn’t do attachments.
I tuck my plain white top into my jeans—no midriff or “lewd” graphics to offend Maurice’s sensibilities—and head to the kitchen for coffee. Out in the hall, I’m hit with the scent of cooking.
“Wait. Where am I?” I ask, finding Dice at the stove, barefoot in joggers that cup his tight ass.
“Scrambled eggsin a pan. Even added lobster.”
“Look at you, fancy boy. They smell amazing.” I make a beeline for caffeine.
“No kiss for the chef?”
“Careful, Jones,” I say, popping a coffee pod into the machine. “Hugs and kisses might ruin your player rep.”
“I’ll take my chances.” He offers his lips while stirring the eggs.
