“Oh, he knows, and I’m willing to bet that’s why he doesn’t come and get him. Keelan is intelligent, articulate, and doesn’t have a problem expressing his feelings. With that comes the inability to hide your feelings. Excuse my French for a moment.If Keelan don’t fuck with his daddy, his daddy knows Keelan don’t fuck with him.”
I let her words simmer a bit before responding.
“You think Keelan told him.”
“No, because you’re raising a respectful young man. His body language, energy, and lack of enthusiasm can speak for him. Victor knows his son doesn’t like him, and at first, he probably stopped picking him up as an ‘I’ll show you’ type of thing.”
“Yeah, that sounds like something Victor would do. Today is Keelan’s birthday, and he hasn’t even called.”
“That’s unfortunate. Has Keelan asked about him today?”
“Not even once.”
“Then why do you care more than Keelan cares?”
I pondered her question briefly. “I have no idea.”
“Well, that stops today. You match Keelan’s energy where his father is concerned.”
“Duly noted.”
“Good. Now let’s get to the good part. Tell me why you’re glowing.”
For the next fifteen minutes, I talked about Graham, and she listened intently.
“Naryah, honey. I didn’t hear one reason why you should be afraid. You’re not the same woman you were ten years ago. You know the red flags from a mile away, and it seems you’re looking for signs that aren’t there.”
“Logically, I know, but?—”
“No, ma’am. No more buts are allowed. From what you described, Graham is the polar opposite of anyone you’ve ever dated. He’s a different breed.”
“Oh my God! What was that last part you said?”
“He’s a different breed.”
“Wow. He’s told me more than once that he’s a different breed.”
“Boom! There you go. The confirmation you needed. Excuse my French one more time. Get the fuck out of your own way and let that man love you.”
When my appointment ended, Dr. Hart forced me to schedule another appointment in a month because she wanted an update. After putting my leftover food away, I finally poured myself a glass of wine, grabbed my Kindle and Misty, and headed to the porch.
“Come on, boy,” I called out to Que.
I got comfortable and took a few sips of wine. Before I started reading, I reflected on the conversation with Dr. Hart. Something she said shortly before our call ended resonated with me.
“Get the fuck out of your own way and let that man love you.”
“I’m ready to do just that, Dr. Hart.”
Que lifted his head and looked at me, as if I were talking to him.
“I was talking out loud, boy, but I might as well get your thoughts too, since Graham is your bestie. Do you think I should give him a shot?”
He purred and nodded his head.
“He seems like a good man, Que, but so did Victor.”
Que growled at the sound of Victor’s name.
