Page 231 of Sin Bin

Meadow frowned. “I’m not asking you to apologize, Ephraim. It’s none of my business who you date. I think people should be with whoever makes them happy.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. Because I’m tired of having to justify my romantic preference to people.” He exhaled a pent-up breath. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I want to reiterate that I’m very attracted to you, Meadow. Your beauty. Your intellect. The way you carry yourself. Everything about you appeals to me. Honestly, you’re the first black woman—”

Meadow was cringing. “Before you say another word, you need to know that I’m dating Logan.”

There was a heavy silence on the other end.

“You’re dating him,” Ephraim repeated slowly.

“I am.”

“I see.” His voice was tight. “When you left for Vegas, you and Logan were supposedly just friends.”

“That’s changed.”

Ephraim made a bitter sound. “So the bad boy jock wins again. Quelle surprise.”

Meadow frowned. “It’s not about him being a jock. It’s about our shared history. About the powerful connection we have.” Her voice quieted. “It’s about me being in love with him.”

“I see.” Ephraim’s anger and disappointment were palpable. “I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

Before she could respond, her aunt threw open the front door and waved at her. She smiled and waved back. “I have to go, Ephraim.”

“Sure,” he said peevishly. “Good luck with your hockey stud. You’re gonna need it.”

Tell me something I don’t know.

“Take care, Ephraim,” she said graciously, hanging up before he could say anything else. With his parting shot ringing in her ears, she grabbed her handbag and climbed out of the car.

Aunt Rosalie met her at the front door, still wearing her bathrobe.

“Sorry I’m late—”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not even dressed yet.” Rosalie closed the door behind her. “You’re not gonna believe what happened!”

Hope stirred in Meadow’s chest as she stared at her aunt’s excited face. “Did Gibson agree not to sue for full custody since you let him keep Cam this weekend?”

“Not exactly. He hinted at dropping the matter if I agree to revisit our custody arrangement.”

Meadow frowned. “Are you considering it?”

“Maybe,” Rosalie admitted. “Cam needs his father. Gibson may have been a lousy husband, but he was always good to our son. Anyway,” she rushed on excitedly, “that’s not what I was talking about.”

“What were you talking about?”

“I just got off the phone with your dad. He broke up with Wendi!”

Meadow gasped in shock. “Are you serious?”

“As serious as a nun at communion!”

“Oh my God.” Meadow felt a rush of relief quickly followed by concern. “Is he okay?”

“He’s fine.” Rosalie grabbed her hand, drawing her down on the couch with her. She was so giddy she was practically bouncing up and down. “He wanted to share the news with you first, but I pried it out of him. You know how persistent I can be.”

“I do.” Meadow grinned. “When did he break up with Wendi?”

“Four days ago.”

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