“I told her I wouldn’t come alone this year for the holidays. Now, I’m regretting it, but not as much as her attempting to play matchmaker again. Knowing Mama, she gon’ have somebody on standby.”
Art laughed deeply, making me walk away from him and all his negativity.
“Ay yo, hold up. I don’t know why you did that, but we can go out and scout if you want.” I turned to face him, frowning in the process.
“And I wonder how your wife would feel about you brother playing wingman. I don’t need your help either.” I turned back around, tossing my middle finger up as I walked out.
Chapter
Six
McKay
“I think I’m going to call that guy, you know the one I told you about from BJ’s the other night,” I said to the girls. We were on a three-way call.
I stared at the card in my hand while I paced the floor. Two weeks had passed and I was officially out of time to tell my parents. I told Mackie I would make the announcement once I hit my second trimester and time was ticking. I was ten weeks and counting. I hadn’t even been by the house in the past month out of fear that they would smell the pregnant on me. Or see it for that matter. My hand fell to my non-existing pudge that I swore was there.
“The private investigator?” Johnni asked while she smacked loudly in my ear. I counted to ten, waiting to see how long Hollis would take to call her out about it. She hated that shit.
“Yes. I’m running out of options to find him,” I said as I played with the card between my fingers.
“Ugh, Johnni, please stop smacking in our gotdamn ears. Hell, the pregnant one ain’t even doing all that. Whatever you eating ain’t that fucking good.” Johnni kissed her teeth while Hollis continued with her spiel. “And Mickey, I don’t understandwhy you are just now getting around to doing it. I told you that night to call him so you could get this done. I’m ready to put belt to ass to this nigga for attempting to flee the scene on you.”
“I just didn’t think I had enough information,” I whined, rolling my head back, more annoyed at this whole conversation, even though I’d brought it up.
“Girl, all a professional needs is a name. Please tell me you at least have that?” Hollis asked.
“Don’t do too much over there now. Yes, I have his name.”
“Just making sure. Well, handle your business. I gotta go. I’m running late to catch this football player with his pants down, literally. Love y’all, call me tomorrow afternoon,” Hollis said, jumping off the call first.
“Oh shit, I didn’t realize it was so late. I still have to finish dinner before Quincey comes home. Love y’all too.”
“Love y’all.”The three beeps came soon after my last word. I stood there with my phone in my hand, unmoved.
“Come on, Mickey, just call. What’s the worst that could happen?” I stopped pacing, making my way over the couch, slowly taking a seat. I looked at the card once more before I hit the numbers to call Burkeley Morgan. Most people would’ve counted their losses and moved on if they were in my position, but the growing baby inside of me wouldn’t let me. I wanted to know what happened to Harlan, and like Hollis said, even if he wasn’t physically trying to be a part of things, that didn’t stop the financial aspect of this situation.
I hit the speaker phone as I released my nervous breaths. The line rang a few times before his husky tone came through the line. I hated to admit that his phone voice sounded as fine as he was.
“Burkeley Morgan, P.I. How can I help you?”
“Yes, hi.” I cleared my throat and instantly cringed at that act.
“Sorry, you probably don’t even remember me, but you gave me your card at BJ’s a few weeks ago. You said you could help me find someone.”
He was quiet, so I spoke again.
“It’s McKay, the girl who was crying in the booth, umm… sogging up my burger and fries.” I let out a low laugh.
“I remember you. When are you free to come in?”
I gnawed on my bottom lip, fighting the urge to say right now.
“Um… are you free today or tomorrow? I really need to find them soon.”
“I’m free right now if you are. The address to my office is on the card.” I smiled as I scooted up on the couch to get up. I was moving now, grabbing my purse and keys.
“I’m on my way.”
