He had mentioned them before I started caring for Noah, so it had slipped my mind. “Yeah, I had forgotten about them.”
Jashaun worked for the city and had reviewed their proposal when they put in a bid for a permanent spot at a community center in town. They received approval, and he had joined the organization and encouraged Elijah to join. Both of them had praised the society for the support they provided to single fathers around the country.
“They’re the other reason I’m calling. They have events every month, and when the weather’s nice, they plan outdoor activities. There’s one in a few weeks—Grill and Play Day at Levy Park. You should come. I’ll have my daughter, and Elijah’s bringing his daughter. The group will have all kinds of activities planned for the kids, so Noah should enjoy himself, and you’ll have a chance to meet some of the other men and learn more about the organization.”
That sounded good to me, and I knew how much support the group provided. Attorney members often donated hours to provide legal counsel to fathers who wanted more time with their kids.
“I’ll be there. Text me the info.”
“Done.”
By the time we hung up, I was pulling into the Houston Realty parking lot. Before going inside, I dialed Julia’s number. A bout of nerves hit me, but I pressed send and waited to hear her sweet voice.
“Good morning, Marcus.”
A grin spread across my face. I couldn’t believe how hard I was cheesing. “Good morning. Do you have any idea why I’m calling?”
“No, not really,” she said in a guarded voice.
“I’m ready for you to give me an answer on whether or not you’ll go out with me.”
“I thought I’d have more time.”
I could hear the smile in her voice and the change in how she spoke. Women always developed a sing-song voice when they were pleased but trying to hide it.
“I can’t wait any longer. I need an answer.” I was talking big and bold, conveying more confidence than I felt. I had asked women out hundreds of times before, butthis was different. More important. As if the stakes were higher. “I was thinking dinner on Saturday at a really nice restaurant.”
“Sounds fancy.”
“I can’t cook, but I can do fancy. So what do you think? You, me, a white tablecloth, a nice restaurant, and some good food?”
“What about Noah?”
“I’m going to check with his old babysitter, Mrs. Patterson. She always babysat Noah whenever his parents wanted a night out, and he’s familiar with her. I can drop him off with her while we go out to eat and then pick him up when we’re done—unless you want him to join us?”
“I think an adults-only evening sounds nice.” Her voice remained warm and inviting.
“Is that a yes?”
In my opinion, it took way too long for her to answer, but in reality, only seconds passed.
“Yes, and Saturday works.”
Excitement rushed through me. “I’ll call you later in the week with the details.”
“How dressed up should I be?”
“I’m taking you someplace where I have to wear a jacket and tie, so I’d suggest a nice dress. But sweetheart, you could wear a potato sack and you’d still look beautiful.”
“You’re such a smooth talker.”
I chuckled softly. “I try. I gotta run, but I’ll reach out in a couple of days.”
After we hung up, I walked into the building, my mood much lighter than I had been in a very long time. Julia was different from other women I had been involved with in the past. I never cared to let any of them get close, but I felt as if she understood Noahandme. She wasn’t just pretty. She made everything better with her presence.
When I walked into the office, my listing coordinator, Lupe, narrowed her eyes as she followed me into my office.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, dropping my satchel on my desk.
