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“You mean to tell me I been living in your daddy’s building this whole time, and you ain’t say nothing?”

“You never asked.”

She laughed harder while leaning into the couch, and I shook my head. I looked around her apartment again.

“Well, shit. I gotta make a good impression when I meet him. I could use a little something-something off the rent.”

“Boy, your daddy pays your rent.”

“Well, then it’ll help him.”

Penelope threw her head back laughing, and I couldn’t help smiling at her.

“You are ridiculous.”

“I’m serious. Tell Mr. Hayes I’m a good tenant.”

“I’m not telling him that,” she said as she laughed harder.

“Never had a noise complaint. Always respectful to the staff.”

“MJ…”

She was cracking up at this point, and I loved to hear her laugh, so I kept going.

“I keep my place clean.”

She smacked my arm with laughter, and I caught her hand before she could do it again.

“Come here.”

“I’m already right here.”

“Closer.”

She moved into my lap and settled sideways with one arm around my shoulders. I rested my hand on her thigh and kissed her. I took my time because I didn’t have anywhere else I needed to be. When she pulled back, she brushed her thumb across my cheek.

“I missed you,” she said.

“I know.”

She raised an eyebrow, and I grinned.

“I missed you too, baby.”

“That’s better.”

I leaned back against the couch with her still in my lap. Erykah Badu continued playing in the background, and the last bit of daylight was fading beyond the windows. I could see the lights coming on in the buildings across the street.

“You hungry?” Penelope asked.

“A little. What you got?”

“I was going to order something.”

“From where?” I asked.

“I haven’t decided.”