Page 3 of Waiting for Friday Night

“Did you also play sports?”

Halle cringed before shaking her head. “Not at all. Before Shania I didn’t know the difference between a fourth down and a three-point shot.”

Gregory laughed. “I’m about the same. I didn’t play sports. Too busy with my nose in a book.”

“I love a man that reads,” she said with a sigh.

Imani made a small squeak of surprise. Halle pressed her lips together. That had come out a lot thirstier than she’d intended. Gregory, bless him, only smiled and rubbed the back of his head.

“Maybe we can meet up and talk about books sometime,” he said hesitantly.

Imani kicked her under the table. Halle tried not to flinch, then grinned. No need to ask about progressing beyond coffee to a second date; they’d flowed right into that. She was one step closer to making this perfect man her man. “I’d like that.”

“How about Friday?” Imani said.

Gregory and Halle broke eye contact and looked at her. “What?” Halle asked.

“Remember, I can’t make our plans to have dinner at the new Italian place opening downtown. Maybe Gregory can sit in for me.” She looked at Gregory. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Halle would be forever grateful for a cousin like Imani. She nodded and played along. “We did just talk about that, didn’t we?” She looked at Gregory and prayed she didn’t look as eager as she felt for him to say yes.

Gregory hesitated for a second before looking at Halle and nodding. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”

“I don’t. Friday night sound good?”

“It does. I’ll see you Friday.” A small smile lifted the corners of Gregory’s mouth. If she weren’t being too confident, she’d be willing to say it was a satisfied smile.

She swallowed and grinned. “Friday.”

“I’m looking forward to it. See you then.”

Halle watched him walk out before turning back to her friend. “Did that just happen?”

Imani nodded then patted her own shoulder. “It did. Thanks to me.”

“I could see myself marrying him.”

Imani closed her eyes and shook her head. “Hold up before you start buying a dress and booking Tracey’s bed-and-breakfast for the venue. Don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re going to dinner. It’s only a second date.”

“I know, I know, but I’m just saying. I haven’t thought about getting serious with anyone in a long time. Gregory is sophisticated, smart and obviously open-minded. He’s not only my dream man, but I could also imagine him as a good stepdad for Shania.”

Halle had spent so much of her adult life taking care of Shania and being the best mom she could be that she hadn’t focused on long-term relationships. Something she didn’t regret at all. Although she’d dated, no one had ever made her think about inviting him into her life long enough to be a true part of her and Shania’s life. Maybe it was watching Imani find her happily ever after, or maybe it was the realization that Shania would be graduating in four short years and she’d be left alone, but Halle was ready to fill the long empty spot she’d ignored for a long-term romantic partner.

“Stepdad? Weren’t you the main one who said you could handle raising her all by yourself?”

Halle swiped away the familiar phrase with a flick of her wrist. “I did say that, and it’s true. Shania keeps asking about her biological father. Maybe if I get serious about someone and he eventually turns into a stepdad, then she’ll stop asking me about her biological father.”

Imani narrowed her eyes and leaned in. “About her biological...”

Halle held up a finger. “Not today. Maybe one day, but not today. Today I’m going to be excited about dinner with Gregory.” She glanced at her watch. “Crap, I really have to go. Are you leaving, too?” She pulled out some cash.

Imani looked like she wanted to push the topic of Shania’s dad, but instead she waved her hand. “Nope, I’m going to sit here and enjoy my food in peace, and put away your money. You paid last time. I’ve got today.”

Not one to argue when her friend offered to cover lunch, Halle put her money back. “Cool, but I’ve got next. Call me later? Y’all have to get me ready for my date with Gregory.”

Imani nodded. “You know it. Tell Shania I said good luck.”

“I will.” Halle got up and hurried out of the restaurant. She was on cloud nine. She was one step closer to getting back out there in the dating scene. Maybe if this worked out Shania and everyone else would finally stop pestering Halle for the truth about Shania’s biological father. Then she’d never have to admit she had no idea who he was.

---