Page 2 of Prospect Year

Lola halted a couple of steps above Maeve, and Ghost hopped over her, landing on the step below her. Crossing his arms, Ghost looked down, shaking his head. “How bad you want up?” He raised his brows, waiting for her an answer.

“You’ll be mopping up a river if you don’t get me up from here.”

“Are you telling me you’re not potty trained?” Ghost appeared serious and agitated, although Lola knew he wasn’t. He loved getting his old lady riled. She was sassy and defiant to any outsider. But Lola had learned that she was only playing into his hand.

“Get me up,” Maeve yelled, struggling to pull herself to her feet.

Finally, Ghost helped her to stand. “Come on. I believe the kids have a potty chair here, if you think you’re tall enough to reach it.”

Maeve said nothing as she hurried past Ghost, but then she glanced back, sticking out her tongue when she was out of reach.

Ghost shook his head again and turned back toward Lola. “It’ll be all yours as soon as she waddles back out here.”

Minutes later, the petite redhead returned, moving slowly in what had become her normal pregnancy stride.

“Let’s go, Lil Bit,” Ghost said.

“I gotta tell the girls bye,” she reminded him.

“No, you don’t. I’m ready to go home.”

She rolled her eyes at him and yelled toward the second floor. “Yo, Amber!”

Within seconds, Lola recognized Amber as she leaned over the balcony. “Don’t you abandon me after convincing me to leave the club and do my own thing.”

Maeve laughed. “Girl, you got this. You have all the support you need. And you have my number for a pep talk anytime. But I got this.” She laughed, rubbing her belly like a crystal ball. “So, I’ll be at home waiting for him to arrive.”

“You got this, too, little momma,” Amber called back.

“Mia,” Maeve then called out.

Lola twisted toward the stairs wondering if Mia would make an appearance. That must be her. Practically running down the stairs toward Maeve standing at the bottom step.

Maeve took both of Mia’s hands in hers. “I’m only a call away. The computer in the office is set up for video calls. Don’t hesitate to go in there and call me. Or any of us. You hear?”

Mia nodded and dropped Maeve’s hands. Gently, she placed her palms on the roundness of Maeve’s stomach.

Maeve smiled. “Yes, we’ll take care of ourselves. And I’ll bring him to see you.” She threw her arms around Mia’s neck, then stepped back at the sound of Ghost’s voice.

“Woman, you’re not leaving the country. You’re moving ten miles away. Let’s go.”

With a huff, Maeve walked a few steps only to stop at the bench near the entrance door and dropped onto it. “I’m good right here for a bit.”

“The hell you are.” He stormed toward her. “Your ass is getting in the car.” He scooped her up and spun all in one movement. Lola pulled open the door, holding it until Ghost passed through. The mischievous smile that Maeve gave over his shoulder brought a laugh to him as he closed the door. Turning, Lola headed toward the kitchen, where he had seen Mia disappear into.

“I’m Lola. You must be Mia.”

She only nodded.

“She doesn’t talk,” Amber informed him as she strolled through the door. “No offense, honey. Just helping you out.”

Mia smiled.

“Where I come from, the girls help each other out. Well, except the old ladies. They could be downright mean,” Amber explained to Mia.

Lola cocked his head, leaning his back against the double stainless-steel sink. “Where are you from?”

“Don’t go getting ideas. I see your colors, and I’m not one of your club girls. Ace assured me I was not beholden to anyone anymore.”

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