"Another time perhaps." He smiled at her and she could not help but regret refusing him. "Here's my card." He dug one out of his jacket pocket and handed it to her.
He was an architect.
"Just moved here a month or so ago. Messy divorce and wanted to start fresh. Bunking with my sister and my nephew for now until I get my own place. Nice to meet you Melanie Foster, hope we meet again."
She nodded and watched him walk away before turning to wait for David.
*****
"Did you see me, mom?" David was jumping up and down as if he was on a spring. "I scored the winning goal."
"I was there, remember?" She rubbed her hand over his wavy curls fondly, before passing him the bowl of ice cream.
"Sprinkles?"
"Coming right up."
"This is the best day ever." He dug his spoon into the ice cream enthusiastically. "I saw that guy talking to you. Did he ask for your number?"
She sent him a wry look before pouring caramel sauce over her own ice cream.
"And if he did?"
He looked up at her, his heart toppling a little at how beautiful she was. The guys on his team were always ragging him about how young and pretty his mom was. "You blew him off."
"David Foster."
He just grinned at her and scooped up more ice cream.
"He's white."
She stared at him with narrowed eyes.
"You know better than that. We spoke about equality of the races and that God does not care about our complexion. He doesn't see color."
He ducked his head sheepishly. "I know. It's just that I love that it's just us."
"What if I met someone?"
"You mean the guy you're now seeing? When am I going to meet him?"
"When I'm ready. Now enough of that topic. You have homework and tomorrow is school. Finish the ice cream and grab your book."
"You're like a drill sergeant." He muttered under his breath.
"And never forget it." Blowing him a kiss, she went to get more ice cream.
When Rodney called her later that night, her son was tucked in bed and so was she.
"Hi."
"Hi yourself." The sound of his deep voice brought memories of their night tumbling back.
"I'm sorry I was unable to call you today. Had a crisis and had to zip over to New York. How are you? And can I persuade you to come and spend the night?"
She laughed softly, bringing the sheets up to her chest. It was getting late, but she did not care. "No."
"You're killing me here, darling."
