“My sister is crazy busy with work, and Shane is Shane.” She chuckled.
I didn’t say anything as I took a long drink from the cup of water that she gave me. All of a sudden, I was thirsty as hell.
“I invited Shane over this weekend since you have to work.”
“You did. What y’all two have planned?”
“Nothing much, just going to catch up.”
“You know how I feel about you and Shane hanging out.”
“We haven’t talked or seen each other since the wedding,” she complained.
“Y’all just two peas in a pod, huh? I truly don’t see what y’all have in common.”
“You know that’s my bestie. I don’t know why you don’t like us hanging out.”
“Probably because Shane is single and loves to mingle. You’re married now. You need to start hanging with people that match your swag more. A married woman don’t need to be hanging out with someone that’s single and in the streets like he is.”
“Oh, really? What about you and Tate?” Ava countered.
“What about Tate?”
“He’s single.”
“He is newly single for one. And, Tate and I have been friends since the sandbox. Big, big difference between you and Shane,” I said.
“Ion think so.”
“I guess we just gon’ agree to disagree on it then.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about. I love you and only you. Shane may like to mingle, but I don’t be on that. Plus, he’s coming here. It’s not like we’re going out to the club or something,” Ava said as she came and stood next to me, looking at the meat on the grill. “Gosh, that smells so good. I love me some grilled steak, and you make them so perfect, too!”
“Thanks, baby.”
“Speaking of Tate, have you talked to him since the wedding?” Ava asked.
“Actually, no, I haven’t. His work schedule is just as crazy as mine, so you know how that goes.”
“Yeah, I know. I hate your work schedule, that and the fact that your job is so dangerous. It rattles my nerves when you’re at work. I’m always worried hoping that nothing happens to you.”
“Ain’t nothing gon’ happen to me, baby. I’ve been fighting fires for years, and ain’t nothin’ happened to me yet.”
“I know, but still. I’m not looking forward to not being with you. I’ve gotten used to us being together all day.”
“You mean you’ve gotten spoiled.” I laughed. “This been my schedule since you’ve known me. You’ll be just fine. Plus, you got your boy coming over.”
“I’m not talking about this weekend. I gotta get through the next two days first.”
“Well, it’s really not that bad, and it goes by fast. You gotta work so you’ll only be spending the nights alone,” I reasoned.
“I know, but still. I hate being home alone. We need to get a dog or something-”
“Oh, hell nah! Nope,” I interrupted her. “I ain’t tryna be chasin’ after no stankin’ ass dog!”
“Ahhh, come on, babe! I could use the companionship when you’re not here.”
“Then what happens on the days that I’m home? Nah, man! I really ain’t tryna have no dog running around here shitting all over the place and tearing shit up.”
