“Lay it on us.”
My mouth dries, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “There’s nothing that can be done. I’m out of the game.”
12
Val
The late Mandisa’s voice uplifts my heart as I dance around the house, waterpot in hand. I’ve been talking to my plant babies while watering the ones who need a drink. For some reason, when I got home, I just felt blah. I’m not sure if the constant bustle of the afternoon is to blame or the winter weather. Plus, everyone in the office had one problem or another, leaving me to put out fire after fire.
My thoughts shift to how Jabari statedIran the office. I’ve never looked at my position like that. Sure, a time or two I might’ve griped about not getting the proper thanks I deserved. But those thoughts stem more from being overworked and feeling unappreciated. Believing I run the ship has never crossed my mind, but now I can’t stop thinking about it.
Why is it I can run the office, grab coffee orders every morning, get Jackie’s dry cleaning, and smooth relations between my two sisters, but I’m incapable of getting the very thing I want?
Whatdoyou want?
I stop dancing and take in a deep breath. I wish I knew what I wanted out of life. The only thing I can say for certain is this isn’t it. I don’t like managing things. I don’t like the mundanity of the day. There has to be more to life than going to work, coming home, and repeating it all over again. Right?
After feeding all my babies, I head to the couch to order dinner. I didn’t thaw out any meat, and I don’t want a salad. Actually, maybe I should call Jabari to find out how his meeting went.But it’s only six thirty.
Fran walks into the living room, eyebrows raised. “Weren’t you just dancing around the place?”
“I’m done.” I quirk my lips.
“Hmm.” She tilts her head to the side. “What’s going on with you?”
I frown and hold up my phone. “I’m playing eenie meenie what’s for dinner.”
Fran chuckles and gathers her hair into a clip. “Not what are you doing. I mean, you’ve been extra quiet, extra moody, and extra happy. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were dating someone.”
I laugh. Though why my heart skitters and immediately thinks of Jabari, I have no idea. “But youdoknow better.”
“Why not ask Raimo to set you up again?”
“Why? So I can be matched with your ex this time?” While the words are meant to make Fran laugh, I definitely don’t need any more drama a blind date could bring. Sure, I’m thankful for my friendship with Jabari even though I’m wholly aware it’ll explode in my face sooner or later. Only God knows the time.
“I don’t date DC residents, so you’re safe.”
“It would be just my luck that a transplant comes to the Warriors in time for Raimo to set me up.”
Fran grins. “Then letmeset you up.” She places a hand across her chest.
I stare at my little sister. “Do you even know my type?”Doyouknow your own type,Val?Hmm, I think so.
“Of course I do.” She sits on the armchair nearest the couch. “You want a guy who’s dependable and won’t mind living in a tropical rainforest.”
I roll my eyes.
“He would read to you or has a hobby he can do while you read. And he has to joke around.”
Is it me, or are her requirements totally boring? AmIboring?
I’m not sure if I like the idea of being boring, but I also can’t argue with her list. Who doesn’t want to be with someone dependable? Anyone who doesn’t isn’t looking for a committed relationship. And I do need a guy who will let me keep every last one of my plants. Some of the ones currently in our house will only be here until the frost is over and I drag them back outside, but I’m thinking of starting a community garden on the building’s rooftop terrace.
“I don’t know, Fran.”
“Please...” She intertwines her fingers, placing them under her chin. “I need a nonwork project to de-stress.”
“And my love life will do that?”
