Page 89 of Prickly Romance

If that is not the definition of good music, then I do not know what is.

“I told them about bowling,” she signs. “They want to come with us next time.”

“Are they learning sign language?” I gesture.

She nods. “They know how to spell my name.” Her lips curve into an even bigger grin. “And poop.”

My lips twitch. “How mature.”

She laughs out loud and the sound is like magic to my ears. Since meeting Dejonae and making her new friends, Niko seems to have come alive. It is beautiful to see.

Akira stops the car in front of the foundation. I help my daughter out of the vehicle and escort her inside.

Dejonae is in the lobby, talking closely with one of the instructors. The moment Niko sees her, my daughter bolts forward.

Dejonae hears her footsteps and turns around. When she spots Niko, she drops to her knees and spreads her arms. The two collide in the center of the lobby like a long lost mother and daughter.

Dejonae lifts her head and those expressive brown eyes lock on me.

Akira stops beside me, her lips tightening again. “Are you certain it is a good idea to let Niko spend so much time with Miss Williams?”

“They have a connection.”

“Exactly. And they have only known each other a short time. Imagine how close they will get in the future.”

“Niko has always been alone. She deserves to have friends.”

“This is more than just friendship.” Akira warns, “What will Niko’s mother think if she sees how close her daughter has become to another woman?”

“Ashanti will always be Niko’s mother,” I return gravely.

But, looking at the way Niko stares up at Dejonae, I realize that Akira might be right to feel concerned.

CHAPTER9

IN THE GUT

DEJONAE

“This skirt is way tooshort for bowling,” I sign to my sister.

“Stop complaining,” she gestures. “You look cute.”

I glance down at the striped crop top paired with a black leather mini skirt. At least I was allowed to wear sneakers.

Yaya usually takes up a hobby when she comes home for a visit—knitting, skateboarding, video gaming. This time, her mission is to have me bare as much skin as possible when I leave the house.

Which is why I went to work in that ridiculous pink dress this morning.

And why I might flash half of the bowling alley when I play tonight.

The sound of pins clamoring to the ground fills the night. The other lanes are all occupied. Mostly by teenagers and young couples. Pop music blasts from the speakers and the smell of chewing gum and sweat collide in a unique fragrance.

My sister’s dark brown eyes start twinkling. She signs, “They’re here.”

I whirl around and spy Sazuki walking in with Niko. Akira isn’t around and I wonder if she’s parking the car.

Niko sprints across the bowling alley and hugs me the way she did in the lobby this evening. I exhale contentedly and wrap my arms around her. How can anyone not love this little girl? She’s a pure, sweet soul.

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