Page 26 of Cups of You

“Why not? Have they been together long?”

She eyed him for a moment and then seemed to make a decision. “She’s been with that pretty boy for three years and he’s done nothing but drag her down.”

“How so? She seems to be doing awesome to me.”

“You’d think so, huh? She’s so good at hiding behind appearing unruffled and prickly, and part of that is probably my fault. There’s a level of strength and mental fortitude Black people need to have when living in this world Bennie, especially Black women.”

She took a sip of wine and Benjamin waited quietly for her to continue. Jackie set her glass down and folded her hands together.

“Sometimes though, that strength gets used as armor until it’s not about keeping the bad out, but about not letting the good in. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

Benjamin thought he understood a little of what she was getting at. In a way, it was probably what he had been doing since the implosion of his marriage.

“I think so.”

“I thought you might understand some of it given what happened with your ex.”

Jackie sighed and glanced at the doorway. “Just give her some time and try not to take it personal if she gets a little snippy, like earlier.”

“Okay.”

“But don’t let her push you around or push you away either. If she sees that she can bulldoze you, she will.”

He agreed before thinking back to their earlier conversation. “Does she really think I’m too nice though?”

Jackie chuckled. “Yes, but I think she secretly likes it, especially since she can see you mean it and aren’t just trying to get in her pants.”

Benjamin sat up straighter. “I wouldn’t…that’s not why—”

She held up a hand to stop his stuttered denials. “I know you wouldn’t and deep down so does she. It throws her off something fierce that you’re kind just because you are, but it also makes her want to figure you out which you don’t seem to be opposed to.”

Shrewd eyes observed him, and he didn’t try to hide. He was more than a little attracted to Amber, and clearly, he wasn’t hiding that very well. Denying it was pointless when it was written all over his demeanor. He gave Jackie a sheepish smile.

“Am I that obvious?”

She snorted softly. “To everyone but Amber? Probably.”

He put his head in his hands. “I’m really not trying to be anything other than what she wants me to be. If all she wants is a friend, I won’t push it. I can promise you that.”

She patted his shoulder. “I know sweetness. Though between you and me, I would be more than happy to welcome you into the family.”

Benjamin’s pulse jumped at the idea of being something other an occasional acquaintance or possible friend, but he forced that hope down quick.

Amber was not in the market for a single dad with a teen that ran the show more often than not. The best things he had going for himself right now were a full head of hair and a good cup of joe.

He didn’t know what that guy, Josiah, did for a living, but it was probably far more prestigious than owning a coffee shop in rural Georgia.

“I don’t even think she sees me as an actual friend yet Ms. Jay.”

Her smile grew wide, and Benjamin felt a frisson of unease.

“You let me worry about that and just continue being your usual charming self.”

Benjamin frowned and opened his mouth to ask what she meant. Before he could form his words, Amber stalked back into the kitchen. Her lips were pulled down into a heavy frown and he sighed down at his plate.

Amber was out of his league, and Benjamin knew he might as well get used to that.

NINE

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