Seventeen
Irish sat inside the car, reading over the email her real estate agent had sent. Not understanding the circumstances, she dialed her number, hoping to receive some clarity.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Andria. It’s me, Irish.”
“Oh, hey, Irish. Did you get the email I sent?”
“Yes, and that’s why I’m calling.” Irish adjusted the AC. “You said the cash offer was accepted but I didn’t offer cash.”
“Oh, well, Mr. St. Anthony offered to pay with cash. It was accepted this morning.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
Irish shook her head, but a smile was on her face. Leave it to Noble to buy her townhouse when she adamantly stated that she wanted to do it on her own.
“Yes, everything was confirmed this morning, so congratulations,” Andria cheered. “I know how much you and your sister wanted this home.”
“Yeah, she’s going to be excited. Thank you again for all your help.”
“It was my pleasure. I’ll be in touch soon.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye.”
Irish hung up and pulled down the sun visor. She checked her makeup and inhaled a deep breath. Her heart raced as she stepped out of the car. Pulling down her skirt, she walked inside the restaurant and approached the hostess area. After giving her Noble’s name, the host escorted her to the back of the restaurant where she spotted him. His smile was infectious as he talked with two little boys. Noble looked up at her as she advanced toward the table.
“Mr. St. Anthony, your guest has arrived.”
“Thank you,” he murmured, studying Irish as if he had never explored the depths of her body. He stood and pulled her in for a hug. “You look beautiful, Pumpkin.”
Irish grinned, feeling tingles all over her body. “Thank you.”
Noble pulled back and she faced the two boys. They looked at her, awaiting an introduction. Right away, she knew who Kenji was. He was an exact replica of his father with just a lighter skin tone.
“Aye, I want y’all to meet somebody really special. Irish this is Kenji and that’s my nephew, Amare. This is my friend, Irish.”
“Irish?” Kenji questioned. “What kind of name is that?”
“Aye, be nice,” Noble warned.
She grinned, finding him to be so adorable. “It’s a name my mom gave me.”
“Well, my mom gave me the name Amare,” his nephew proudly stated.
“My dad gave me my name,” Kenji added.
Noble ushered her into the booth then sat down next to her. She’d been nervous all morning about meeting his son. Knowing how involved Noble was in Kenji’s life, she knew if he didn’t like her, then their relationship would be nothing more than a memory.
“Why is your hair like that?” Kenji pointed, wearing a curious look.
Grabbing a menu, she responded, “I was born with this hair.”
His eyes widened. “You were born with orange hair?”
She nodded. “Yep.”
