“Just because I told you about Ryleigh doesn’t mean I’m about to tell you about Angel.”
Despite what anyone might have believed, Dallas and I didn’t really talk much about our relationships or sex. I knew she was fucking and she knew I was, too. The Ryleigh conversation was a fluke, a one-off. And she only knew about Jacqueline because I needed her professional services—beforeandafter the wedding.
“Coop, we’re friends. We should be able to have an adult conversation. Nottooadult,” she added. “By the way, Ryleigh mentioned she had one with you.”
I glared at her. “And I’m sure she told you it was none of your business.”
Dallas nodded. “She did. But that’s beside the point.” She planted her palms on the table. “I just… she has a kid, Coop. The rules are different.”
“I know that,” I groaned. “I’m not a fuckin’ idiot.”
She threw her hands up in surrender. “Just sayin’. Tread carefully.”
Dallas hadn’t said anything wrong. Angel and Mehki were a package deal and I wouldn’t want to hurt either of them. “I got it.”
“And if you pull one of your asshole moves, Iwillcut you.” She finished her drink. “This is damn good tea. I need you to bring some of this shit home with you.”
Angel and Mehki rejoined us. I looked at Mehki, who was clinging to her. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Mehki’s not feeling too well.”
I stood. “What’s wrong?”
She shrugged. “Stomachache.”
“I’ll take you home.” I paid the bill and we left. Instead of going back to the Fox house, I took them to Angel’s Airbnb first. Inside, she told Mehki to go lay down and she’d be there in a few minutes. I brushed a piece of hair from her forehead. “I’ll be back.”
“You don’t have to,” Angel said. “I know you want to spend time with your friend.”
“Justfriends,” I assured her.
She smiled. Again, it seemed forced. “I know.”
I kissed her. “I’ll see you in a little while.”
The drive to Dallas’ car was silent. My mind was racing, wondering what was wrong with Angel, how Mehki was feeling. I hated leaving them even for this short time. I wanted to be able to comfort Lil Man. I wanted to help Angel take care of him. I wondered if Angel would let me help her.Forever.
When we finally arrived at the Fox house, Dallas said. “I have an early flight. I better hit the road.” She got out of the car, and I followed her to the rental. I opened her door, but she didn’t get in. Instead, she turned to me. “I think I was wrong.”
I gave her sidelong glance. “About?”
“Back when I said you liked them,” she explained. “I think it’s more than that.”
I stared her, swallowing hard. Because I knew that itwasmore than me simply liking them. Somewhere along the line, I started wanting mornings with them, eating breakfast together, taking Mehki to basketball games, teaching him everything I knew. Seeing them on the weekends wasn’t enough. I wanted to see them every day, I wanted to go to bed and know that they’d be there when I woke up.
“Maybe,” I admitted.
“If your feelings for her are what I think they are, I hope you can let yourself tell her.”
“Don’t you think it’s too soon?”
“My parents fell in love in a week. And they still think the sun rises and sets with each other. So anything is possible.”
Dallas wasn’t the type to wax poetic about love and possibilities. But it was nice to be able to hear her perspective. “What if I…?”
“Fuck up? You will. That’s normal. And it’s okay.” She sighed. “I love you, Coop.”
“Are you sick or something?”
She threw her head back and laughed. “No, fool.” She smacked my shoulder. “I’m just rooting for you.”
