I chuckled because this was typical Anna behavior. The last time she tried to play matchmaker ended up working more for Art than me. That was how he’d met Amber.
“No thanks. I don’t need help from my mama to find a girlfriend. Besides, I got time. Work has been a lot lately, no time for dating when my hours are forever unstable.” Which was true. If I was on more than three cases at a time, my hours in the field varied, with me spending more time out than being home or available for any woman. I barely had time to spend time with my boys and my family without work touching it in some way.
“Time is selfish. You think you have a lot left and it comes in to remind you that not even the youngest soul gets forever. Make time for the things you want before it’s too late. Pretty girls like this don’t stay available for too long. And haven’t you heard of that show where the parents pick their child’s spouses? I think my track record should give me some type of faith from you. ”
I snorted at Anna doubling back to McKay’s picture as she pointed to it while she picked up her stems.
“Mama, you mean the same girl who’s now married to your other son? Yeah, all faith in your skills. I promise, I won’t show up alone. And for the last time, I don’t know that young woman in the picture,” I stressed to her.
She tossed me a knowing grin as she put her purse on her shoulder and grabbed her keys.
“And you never will, or anyone else for that matter, if you keep allowing work to run your life. I would tell you to go touch grass, but my son kind of does already. So I’ll say enjoy the grass outside of these walls. I love you, and next week, dinner at the house. And that’s nonnegotiable, BK.” She walked over to me, leaning over to embrace me. I obliged, kissing her cheek before letting her go.
“Love you too and okay.”
I didn’t say anything else, nothing needed to be said because she was right. And only one person came to mind when I actually considered Anna’s advice, but realistically that thought was too far-fetched too. I walked over to the picture, taking one long glance before I tore it up and put it in the trash. There was no need in fantasizing over someone who wasn’t mine. I officially had other pressing concerns. I’d just told my mom I wouldn’t show up for the holidays alone.
Another text came through and I noticed it was Art with a confirmation of the suite he’d booked for the opening Royals game.
Another reminder that the holiday season is coming up fast.
I went back to my babies. Sure the hobby cost money, but the reward I got from caring for my plants was worth every dime spent.
“Man,BK, where the fuck is your head at? Tighten the hell up. You’re leaving me wide open right now,” I grunted as Art tossed the basketball into my chest, catching the heat in my palms.
We had been at the rec for the last hour doing what I thought was a simple pickup game. It was two on two. Art and me versus Tino and Boss and we were down by two.
I wasn’t sure how this game had become so tense, especially when no money was riding on it.
I passed the ball and he dribbled and crossed over. I had Boss trying his best to block me, but I stepped out, then swerved around him to receive the ball from Art that Tino tried catching but it was an inch too high, sending it flying my way. I stepped back, quickly setting up my shot from the three point line,shooting it just as Boss came charging my way. It was too late, it was gone. The swish of the net had me and Art cheering while Boss and Tino groaned with Tino talking shit. That was game.
“Man, that’s some bullshit. Ain’t no fucking way. Naw, we can’t end that shit on that.” I slapped hands with Art.
I was already moving toward the side to get my water bottle.
“Next week,” I called out. I had to head home. I had an appointment with a client. It was the same gentleman who’d hired me to follow this wife. It had been close to a month of me following her and nothing out of the ordinary happening. I would be closing the case unless he had new information that would help me out.
“Hold up, wait. We can get in after them,” Tino said, now walking up on me.
I was sitting, wiping my face with my towel so I could see to change my shoes.
“I can’t. I have to head home and deliver my final report on a case.”
“On a Saturday?” Boss said.
“Yeah. It was the only time he could meet, I guess. I don’t stress the small shit when the money makes sense,” I said to him and Tino as I slapped their hands one-by-one before going in for a hug with Art.
“Oh and just a heads up. Mama called and asked if Amber’s friend Farrah was still available. So you already know what that means,” Art said during our embrace.
“Damn.”
“Don’t worry, I told her that unfortunately she’s engaged.” I blew out a sigh of relief.
“She ain’t got no faith in me.”
“About what? And what’s wrong with Farrah? She’s cute, professional, and has a great job. If you ask me, you missed outon that one. She asked about you a few times before this new guy came along.”
Nothing was wrong. Farrah wasn’t my type. That simple.
