For the next hour and a half, I made my best attempt to focus on my workout and ignore the thoughts of Nyomi. It was a losing battle, but I managed to get in a good workout. On the walk backto my house, I went on each of my social media apps and looked up every variation of Nyomi I could think of.
Without a last name, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Not to mention, I had no idea what spelling was correct. I was frustrated by the time I arrived home and gave up. The universe would definitely have to be the catalyst to bring us back together.
“You snuck out?” Skye asked, sounding surprised.
“No. I’m a grown ass woman. I don’t have to sneak anywhere. I left when I was ready to go. He just so happened to still be asleep.”
After safely escaping the hotel room without waking Kilo, I came home, showered, and called Skye. I figured she was still asleep, but this was an emergency.
“You snuck out. Damn, friend. Was it that bad?”
“Bad? Girl, please. That man’s dick should be laced in gold and have a statue built in its likeness. It was best that I get the hell outta there before he woke up and had me climbing the walls again.”
“Nah. That’s the kinda dick you need to keep around. Did you at least get his number?”
“No, and I don’t regret it. He got the kinda dick that I’d act a fool behind, and I’m too old to act foolish about dick.”
“I understand, but having someone you can call to tune you up a few times a month is necessary. I still can’t believe you kept it on lock for five years.”
“Believe me, that wasn’t the plan. After Daniel, I didn’t have the energy to waste time with another nigga. This has been the most peaceful five years of my life.”
“Now that, I can agree with. That’s why I’ve opted to have a few friends with benefits. Exclusivity is not something I want because nine times outta ten, I’m the only one following the rules.”
“Preach, sis. Speaking of, . . . what happened with you and Knox?”
“Nothing. We talked, and he’s cool, but I don’t need another friend with benefits right now. I told him I’d give him my number if the universe brings us back together.”
I laughed. “And he fell for that?”
“He didn’t have a choice. He couldn’t make me give him my number.”
“True. What are your plans today?”
“Same as every Sunday: online church, laundry, cleaning, and relaxing.”
“I’ll be doing all that before heading to my parents’ house for dinner. You should come.”
My parents had Sunday dinner once a month, sometimes more often if the mood struck them. If at all possible, I never missed a chance to indulge in my mother’s cooking and spend time with my family. Skye sometimes joined us, but she rarely kept up with which Sunday the dinners fell on.
“It’s tempting, but I don’t feel like peopling today,” she said with a sigh.
We talked for a few more minutes before ending the call. I left my bedroom and went to the kitchen to find my son with his face buried in a huge bowl of cereal.
“Hey, Son,” I greeted, kissing his temple.
“Wassup, Ma? You have a good time with TiTi Skye last night?”
“It was fine.”
“Did you meet a man?”
“What do you mean, did I meet a man?”
“You said it was a singles mixer. Isn’t the whole purpose to meet someone?”
“I met a lot of people,” I lied.
“Good. Did you exchange numbers with anyone? It’s about time you started dating again. I’m leaving in a few months.”
