Page 122 of Save Room for Us

“Asif.”

“I swear on my life.” He chuckled a bit like he was recalling the memory. “And I ain’t even like that. If ain’t no condom present and she not down for using other holes, I’m not fucking.”

“TMI, sir.” I shook my head, smiling. “So you were trying to trap me?”

“Nah, just wanted the full experience. Not fucking the woman I been eyeing for months with a condom.” He cleared his throat. “Also said I wouldn’t fuck it up. You would never be available again for these muthafuckas.”

“Still feel that way?”

“I do, only more intense and shit. You come to Vegas, I might fuck around and marry you, real shit.”

“Damn, wish I could come then.” I was serious but giggled anyway.

“Well, I ain’t leaving for a little bit, so you got time to change ya mind, aight?”

“Alright.” I nodded, knowing I wouldn’t.

Asif and I talked a little bit more before he had to go. I didn’t wanna get off the phone, but I knew I would see him later.

By the time we hung up, Sophie was opening her little eyes, so I cleaned her up before we left as I texted my mother to see if she wanted to come out with us for brunch. Shit, I had to spend this money.

Thankfully, she agreed.

Pulling up to my mom’s, I let her know I was outside, and she didn’t have me waiting long at all, which was surprising.

“Where is my son-in-law?” She climbed into the passenger side of my car.

“Ma, stop calling him that. You be so embarrassing sometimes, making it seem like your daughters need to be married off.” I chuckled as she scoffed.

“Hi, baby!” She turned to greet Sophie in the back seat as I reversed out of her driveway and began driving.

“Hi, Grandma! Brunch!” she replied happily, causing us to laugh.

“Anyway, Stazi, I call it speaking shit into existence, not being embarrassing. Plus, you young girls need to learn to state your expectations up front. When I met your father, we were in school at the time, but I still told him I was dating to marry. I wasn’t looking for a friend or for a cute little relationship and that if he didn’t show signs of someone I wanted to spend my life with, we wouldn’t continue being together.”

“You did?” I laughed, glancing her way as I drove.

“I sure did. You have to let men know. Otherwise, they will go on doing whatever they want then act surprised when you get upset because you wanted to be the cool girl and not say shit. You have to be honest, and if that runs him off, then good riddance. You want a man who wants the same as you. But y’all youngins love trying to turn a dog into a husband.” She adjusted her purse. “Tuh. A man tells me he only wants friendship, that’s what he’s gonna get!”

Giggling, I said, “I hear you, Ma. I think he knows I just don’t wanna be his little girlfriend.”

“Well good.”

“Speaking of Asif, he asked… well, I kind of invited myself to go to Vegas with him for a few days.” I hopped onto the freeway. “Never mind.”

“You wanna go?” I felt her looking at me.

“I do, but I don’t. I will just feel guilty the whole time for leaving Sophie here with you,” I spoke honestly.

“Anastazia, what did I tell you about that?”

“I know, but it’s easier said than done. I’m already imposing by leaving you with a toddler, and now I have you watching her while I prance around Las Vegas? No.”

She chuckled.

“You can’t just be a mom all the time, Stazi, or you won’t be a good one. It’s a few days, and I’m her grandmother; it’s not a big deal. It’s not like you popped her out and then left me with her 24/7. This is the most time I’ve gotten to spend with Sophie, and I love it. Even better, you won’t be around for the few days I have her.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

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