Page 70 of Waiting for Friday Night

His mom slapped down his hand. “Shut up. Both of you are my handsome men.”

“Hey, don’t forget me back here.” His sister’s voice came from the inside of the van. “Quinton’s ugly and looks like Dad, now open the door.”

Quinton moved and went to the sliding door that automatically opened. His sister grinned at him. She reminded him of his mom, with her sharp gaze and eager smile. She had their dad’s darker complexion and wore her natural hair in a short, stylish cut. “Lord, they forget all about me whenever they see you.”

“That’s not true,” his mom said, not sounding convincing.

His dad brought his sister’s wheelchair from the back of the van and Quinton helped Dawn get out. Once she was settled, she grabbed his hand.

“Where is she?” She eyed the house eagerly.

Three sets of eyes zeroed in on him. “She’s in the house. She came over with Halle, who made dinner.”

“Why did she cook?” his mom asked indignantly. “I was going to make your favorite. I got all the stuff in the back of the van.”

“Make it tomorrow. Tacos are Shania’s favorite. Halle thought it would make things easier if we have Shania’s favorite meal.”

“Tacos?” his dad said with a scowl. “Who eats tacos on Sunday? Tacos are for Tuesday. Pot roast or fried chicken is for Sunday.”

Quinton shook his head. “You can eat whatever you want on any day. Please, just let things go and be cool with tacos today.”

His dad nodded but grumbled. “I just like tacos on Tuesday.”

His mom pointed at the house. “Is she living here?”

Quinton frowned. “Who? Shania?”

“Well, both of them. Why is she cooking in your kitchen? Don’t tell me you two are hooking up or anything.”

“No, we’re not hooking up.” Not yet anyway. Quinton hoped that one day they would get to that point. “Why would you say that?”

“Because she’s in your kitchen. When a woman cooks in your kitchen that means she’s laying the foundation to be your wife,” his mom said as if that were the gospel truth.

Quinton frowned, not familiar with that saying. “Says who?”

“Everyone says that.” His mom spoke confidently.

Quinton looked at his sister, who usually gave him the same whatever look whenever their mom came up with some new superstition they’d never heard of. Instead of rolling her eyes, his sister gave him an interested look and eyebrow wiggle.

“Not you, too?”

“I’m just saying, it is odd that she’s cooking over here.” Dawn continued going along with his mom’s newfound saying.

Quinton swallowed his frustration. He loved his family, but they were exasperating. “She’s only cooking here because I’m hosting at my house. She was worried about her house not being easily accessible for you. That’s it.”

Dawn pressed a hand to her heart. “Aww, she was worried about me?”

“She’s a planner and doesn’t leave anything out.” He didn’t focus on the way his heart warmed at his sister’s appreciation. “Come on, let’s go in so you can meet Shania.”

They headed toward the house. When Quinton purchased the place, he’d installed a ramp that led up to the front door. Even if his sister didn’t visit him often, he wanted her to feel welcome in his home.

Worry still creased his mom’s face as they got closer to the door. “Well, if it’s just for that then I’ll let it slide. Just don’t start messing around with her.”

“Why would you say that?” Was everyone against him and Halle getting together?

“Because, she had a baby on her own and obviously didn’t want or need a man if she’s still single. Don’t go falling in love with someone who won’t love you back.”

“No one’s falling in love,” he said automatically. He was used to his mom trying to plan a wedding whenever he was remotely interested in any woman. For her to be against Halle, though, surprised him. He’d expect her to have already put him and Halle together.

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