“Mama.” I laughed. “You’re trying to get put on the first flight back home.”
“Please. Ain’t nobody putting me out. That man needs to be home with his family. Kids are work, and it takes a team.”
She softened. “I hope you find somebody that treats you right, so when you have a baby, you won’t be dealing with all that.”
My chest tightened as my mind drifted to Ocean and the baby conversation. It was crazy we’d even talked about it. And yet, it hadn’t felt wrong. It felt natural.
“Skye?” she called. “You hear me?”
“Huh?” I blinked. “No, what did you say?”
“I asked if you’re still bringing your friend with you.”
“Um, yeah.”
“Good. This should be a great time.”
“Mama,” I warned, “don’t start acting up. Ocean is only tagging along as a supportive friend. Nothing more.”
“Mmhmm.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are,” she said calmly. “But I also know love when I see it.”
“Sounds like a good time to get off the phone.”
“I bet it does.”
“Goodnight, Mama. Love you.”
“Love you too, baby. I can’t wait for you and your sister to see each other.”
“Mmhmm.”
“And don’t bring that little attitude of yours either.”
“Bye, Mama.”
I ended the call quickly before she could say anything else, and before I could change my mind about going at all.
28
OCEAN
It was just after midnight, and the club was still alive.Bass thumped through the walls of my office, low enough to vibrate the floor under my feet. The crowd was doing what they always did...drinking, dancing, and pretending they had no problems.
I’d just finished running through some paperwork when my phone lit up on the desk.
It was Skye.
I leaned back in the chair,a slow smirk tugging at my mouth. “What’s up, baby?”
“Hey, I didn’t mean to bother you. I know you’re probably busy.”
I heard it in her tone.She wasn’t calling just to check in.She needed me.
I pushed the paperwork to the side and kicked my feet up on the desk. “If I was too busy for you, I wouldn’t have picked up.”
