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I smiled and nodded as I took another sip of my drink.

“That works for me. I just want to always be what you want. If you feel like your feelings are changing, talk to me.”

“I have no problem with that. You said you want consideration. You already get that. These days, I consider you in every move I make. Not just you but your sons too. I want to integrate the three of you into my life until we can’t remember how life was before we were one big family.”

“I’m so relieved that my sons like you. I’ve always said that I wouldn’t deal with someone they didn’t get along with. Theo didn’t mind Greg, but he was also too little to care. Now that he’s older, I have to think about him too.”

“I love the little guy. He’s hilarious. Victor having a playmate is a bonus. It seems to keep him out of trouble too.”

“What about your daughter? I haven’t even met her yet.”

“She’s a sweetheart. As long as you’re good to her daddy, she’ll be good with you. Once she found out that you were bringing me breakfast every morning, she was already sold. She’s always on my ass about eating.”

The waitress brought Quinton’s food out just as the game got started. Up until then, I hadn’t paid enough attention to my card to see that all the answers were R&B inspired. It was fun that you had to think of your answer based on clues instead of them calling out specific words. The game was so exciting, not that Quinton was paying attention. After devouring his food, he moved even closer to me and placed his hand on my thigh.

“This R&B singer from North Carolina says she has heard it all before.”

“Dang, I know that one,” I said, scanning both of our cards.

Even though I thought of the answer, I didn’t see her name on either of our cards. I only needed a couple more before I got bingo. I was a little tipsy, but I was having enough fun that when the waitress came back, I ordered another drink.

“You sure you don’t want anything else?” she asked Quinton.

I looked at him too. He finished that one drink before his food even arrived. Since then, he had been sipping on the lemon water that she brought to the table.

“I’m good. I’m driving tonight. The lady can have as many as she wants.”

“OK. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“You sure you don’t want another drink?” I asked again.

“I’m positive. I got a nice little buzz going, but more importantly, I’m with you.”

“I just want to make sure you’re having fun too, Quinton. You already aren’t paying attention to the game.”

“I’m paying attention and enjoying the atmosphere. You’re doing a good job for both of us.”

“Just making sure.”

“In case I haven’t made it clear, I’m here for you and you alone. As long as you’re having fun, I’m having fun. Eat, drink, and be merry as they say. Whatever you need, I got you.”

I grabbed his chin and kissed his lips. “Thank you, baby.”

He grinned as he sat back against the seat. “Don’t make me end this game early. I’m trying to be good for as long as I can.”

“You’re doing a great job.”

“I know, but I want some more of that pussy so bad, I’m about to lose my mind.”

“See, if you wouldn’t have stood me up the other day,” I teased as I marked an answer on his card.

“I plan to make up for all that after we leave here.”

“Bingo!” Somebody yelled, causing everybody in the room to grumble.

“Dang. I almost had it.”

I used the wipe they provided to wipe away the erasable marker and sat back to prepare for the next game. After the announcer made sure that the person was actually a winner, we started another game. Right off the top, Quinton had one. I reached over and marked his card. I lifted my eyes as the waitress returned with my drink and an extra one for Quinton.