Page 34 of Waiting for Friday Night

“I don’t think that will be a good idea,” Halle spoke up.

“Why, because of Gregory? He’s gotta find out eventually,” Shania said, not sounding the least bit concerned about how awkward it would be to have Quinton and Gregory there. “Besides, he’s cool. He’ll understand.”

Halle threw Imani another help me look. Thankfully, this time her friend nodded. “Shania, how about we go grab a soda out of the vending machine and let your mom and Coach Q talk.”

Halle threw her friend a grateful look before waving toward the door. “Yes, please go get a soda.”

Shania’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not thirsty.”

“Yes, you are,” Halle said. “Go and give us a moment.”

Shania stared defiantly. Quinton shifted forward and got her attention. “I do need a moment to talk with your mom.”

Shania’s defiance immediately went away. “Fine.”

Halle watched, both amazed and frustrated by how quickly she’d given in to Quinton. She’d been ready to demand Shania leave the room, soda or not. He gives a few evenly spoken words and she agreed. Had to be a fluke. Shania was being nice but her rebellious side would show up with Quinton eventually.

They didn’t speak again until after Imani and Shania were out of the room.

“You don’t want me at cousins’ day?” His voice was calm, but despite the lack of emotion she still felt as if she’d somehow hurt his feelings.

Halle shook her head. “I don’t think that’s the best time.”

“Best time for what?”

“To announce this news to the rest of my family.” She had no idea how to tell her family, but was pretty sure introducing him at the pseudo-family reunion would be a recipe for disaster.

“When will be the best time?”

A few weeks. Several years. Never. She couldn’t imagine what her family was going to say, much less how they would react when they got the entire story. Her aunts, uncles and cousins had been so supportive of her as she’d raised Shania. They’d wrapped Halle up in their love and care after she’d lost her parents. Even more so when she’d returned to Peachtree Cove with a baby, “abandoned by the child’s father.” Now, ta-da, the dad was back, and not only had he not abandoned her, but he hadn’t known who she was to start with. They were going to say she lied to them. She had lied to them. She’d never admitted the truth and they’d come up with their own story, and she’d never bothered to correct anyone.

She sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know when the best time will be.”

“We won’t be able to ignore this. The word is going to get out and the people of Peachtree Cove will have things to say, but I meant what I said. I’ll be there to protect Shania. And you.”

“I don’t need you to protect me.”

“You may not need me to, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

His words stirred something in her chest. The warmth of comfort, a hope that his words were true and a belief that they were based on the sincerity in his eyes. An unwanted thrill went across her skin. She cut it off before it could settle in and get comfortable. She was not going to start this. She had Gregory. She liked Gregory. She’d fantasized about possibly marrying Gregory if things worked out. Now, because handsome, dependable and considerate Quinton Evans was thrust into her life, she was supposed to change her plans?

She stood. “Gregory can protect me. You worry about Shania. There’s no need to come to cousins’ day.”

She walked to the door, done with the conversation, but Quinton stood and blocked her path. “I don’t care about what Gregory can or can’t do. I’m telling you what I’m going to do.”

“I didn’t ask you to do anything.”

He took a step forward. “You don’t have to always ask. My help is freely given.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“Then what do you need?” He quirked a brow before his eyes dipped to her lips.

Heat flashed through her body. He was standing too close. She could smell the spice of his cologne. His dark eyes were hypnotic as the honesty in his question started that thrill up in her again.

“I need—”

He took another half step forward. “Because if you tell me what you need from me, I promise I’ll do whatever I can to give it to you.”

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