“It’s for the food,” I replied.
“I told you I was going to get us all dinner. You don’t have to pay for it. You’ve done more than enough as it is.”
“Girl, let that man be a man!” Dawn shot from across the room.
Troy was handing Dawn the plates out of the box as she put them in the cabinet.
“Yeah love, let me be a man,” I agreed looking into Ava’s eyes. “If you feel you want to do something for me so bad, how about fixing me some more of that good ass ice water?” I laughed, handing her my empty cup.
Then I headed back outside to finish unloading the truck. By the time Troy and I were bringing in the last piece, the furniture company was long gone, and the pizzas were being delivered.
“Whew! Right on time!” Troy said rubbing his stomach.
“I swear ‘cause I’m starvin’ something serious!” I replied.
“Me too! All this manual labor almost took me out!” Dawn complained, causing us all to laugh.
Dawn and Ava did a lot; I’ll give them that. But the majority of and just about all of the heavy lifting was done by me and Troy. I could tell that Dawn was a handful, it was funny being around her and Ava because although they were sisters, they acted nothing alike. After we all tore into the food and got pizza wasted, we sat in Ava’s family room looking at how much progress we had made, while glancing at all that still needed to be done.
“Okay, sissy, let’s get to work ‘cause if I sit here any longer it’s gon’ be a wrap,” Dawn said as she got up and started gathering the empty plates and pizza boxes.
“Let me help you with that,” Troy said, getting up to help Dawn.
Once they both walked off into the kitchen, I looked over to Ava and smiled.
“I think those two make a cute couple. What you think?”
“They really do,” Ava agreed slightly chuckling.
“Is your sister seeing anyone?”
“Not that I know of. What about Troy?”
“I ain’t gon’ lie, Troy single and enjoying life.”
“Same with Dawn.”
“We should hook them up,” I suggested.
“We should. Maybe we all can go on a double date or something.”
“Are you asking me out on a date, Ms. Ava?” I smiled in a joking manner.
“I mean, I?—”
“Don’t be getting all nervous now. I didn’t mean to make you blush. I would love to go on a double date. I think it’ll be fun.” Seeing Ava smile and blush warmed my heart. She had been through so much with that ex of hers. Seemed like as soon as they said I do he started showing his ass. “You have such a beautiful smile. It’s good to see you smiling and happy again.”
“Thanks Kev, I appreciate that. It feels good to be happy again. These last couple of months have been hell, and that’s putting it lightly.”
“I know sweetie,” I replied scooting closer to her on the couch we both were sitting on. “You know I got you every step of the way. You’re not going to go through any of this alone. I admire the strong woman that you are. You have handled everything with such grace.”
“Thank you so very much. That really means a lot because it hasn’t been easy. I owe you big time for everything you have done for me. I truly appreciate you being here for me. It really makes the process less stressful knowing that you and my sister have my back and that I’m not going through all of this alone.”
“You don’t owe me anything, love. Just promise me that you won’t go back to that fool and you’ll consider me once you’re ready to being open to giving someone a chance to show you how you really deserve to be treated,” I suggested as she looked at me. “I’m not asking you to rush into anything. I do understand that you’re in the process of getting a divorce. I personally don’t give a damn about your divorce not being final though, to be honest. As long as I know you’re not going back to dude, I ain’t trippin’ on that. I would be lying if I said that I’m not interested in seeing where things could go between us. I have always thought about that. Ever since the moment I first saw you, I have been attracted to you. I just respected your circumstances.”
“I appreciate you being understanding. I have always known that you’ve been interested in me. I just think we should take things one day at a time. You’re a great guy, Kev, and not too bad on the eyes either.” Ava chuckled to lighten the mood. “I just don’t want to rush into anything too soon. I need a little time to get my mind right before getting into a new relationship.”
“I get it.”
