Page 60 of Waiting for Friday Night

“Was it because of me and Coach Q?” Shania asked in a small voice.

Halle held her daughter’s face between her hands and stared her in the eye. “No, it’s because we both realized we have a lot going on and we just need to focus on that.”

Shania didn’t look convinced. “It is because of me. I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t think about this breaking up you and Gregory.”

Halle kissed Shania’s forehead and pulled her in for a hug. “You don’t need to worry about me and Gregory.” She let her go and gave her a smile. “Right now, let’s worry about navigating this new normal that we have. That’s all.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? I know you liked him.”

Halle had liked him. She expected to be more upset about things not working out. But she wasn’t. She didn’t want to cry, or eat a tub of ice cream, or call Imani and Tracey and ask them to help her curse his name. She felt relief that she wouldn’t have to navigate his feelings while also navigating hers.

“I’ll be okay,” she said honestly. “I did like him, but I can’t force something that isn’t working. I’ve survived being single before. I can survive it again.”

Shania nodded. “I know you can. You’re the strongest person I know.”

Halle’s heart warmed at her daughter’s praise. She leaned in and gave Shania another big hug. “Seriously, don’t worry about me. I’m going to be okay and so are you. Things will work out the way they’re supposed to.”

Shania nodded and pulled back. “If it makes you feel better, I liked Gregory, but I wasn’t crazy about him. So, don’t feel as if you’re letting me down with this either. I know you thought about making us a family.”

“Why didn’t you tell me how you felt about him before?”

Shania shrugged. “Because you liked him. It was the first time you’d told me about a guy in a long time. I didn’t want to mess that up.”

“You can always tell me how you feel. Regardless of who I’m dating.”

“As long as he makes you happy then I’m happy. And, as long as it’s not Coach Q. I really don’t want to make things weirder than they have to be.”

Halle’s smile froze on her face. Memories of the way Quinton had looked at her today. How he’d pulled her close. She’d swear he’d almost kissed her. Gregory had taken one look at them and known there was something there. She didn’t know what would happen with Quinton. If they were really attracted to each other or just drawn together because of the unusual circumstances. Until they worked through that, she wouldn’t upset Shania switching from Gregory to Quinton.

“I’m not trying to date anyone right now,” Halle said.

Shania seemed satisfied with that answer. “How about I make some popcorn and we watch a movie?”

Halle smiled. “Let me go take a shower and then I’ll be ready.”

She went into her room and began to undress. Her cell phone rang before she could go into the bathroom to shower. Quinton’s number was on the screen. She sucked in a breath and quickly swiped to answer.

“Hello?”

“You good?” he asked in a concerned voice.

Halle couldn’t hold back her smile. How long had it been since someone called to make sure she’d made it home okay? “I’m good. Were you worried?”

“I was worried about you. Gregory didn’t look happy when you two left.”

She sighed and sat on the edge of her bed. “That’s because he wasn’t happy.”

“Is he demanding that you put space between us again?”

“He did.”

“And what did you say?”

“I told him that was impossible. You’re Shania’s dad. We can’t ignore that and I can’t pretend as if you won’t be around. That won’t work for anyone involved.”

“How did he take it?”

She let out a long breath. “We broke up.”

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