Page 4 of Promise Maker

His head flies up, and I swallow hard.

After a beat, he tells me, “You’re right. I justthought you liked being at your old man’s side.”

Regret seeps in. If Dad had a son, I’m sure he’dbe accompanying him without complaints.

I’ve always felt bad whenever we attend events, andother men show up with their sons.

Dad could have remarried, but it’s clear he has nointerest in finding love again. His heart belongs to one woman only, and she’sin the grave.

“What time is the dinner?” I confirm.

He looks at me again, a softness reappearing inhis mocha gaze and smoothing out his wrinkles. “Nine.”

“I’ll meet Jazmine for an hour.”

“No, it’s all right. I’ve always pushed you intothese things.” He waves me off. “Go have fun with your friend.”

I’ll only feel guilty if I bail on him. “It’sfine, Dad. I’ll be back in time.”

“Congratulations!” everyone cheers to Jazmine, andwe knock champagne glasses.

Malcolm leans into his girlfriend to plant a sweetkiss on her lips, making the rest of us swoon.

“I’m so proud of you, baby,” he praises.

Jazmine giggles, umber skin glowing even under thedim lighting. “Thanks, babe. Man, I can’t believe I finally finished. You knowall the shit I went through to reach this point.”

“But it was worth it,” I tell her.

Her earth-tone gaze shines like her jewelry whenshe diverts to me. “It sure was, girl. But thank god it’s over!” She flips herwavy hair off her shoulder and wiggles excitedly while drinking.

I continue to beam at my best friend since high school,admiring how hard she’s worked. Now, she’s starting at a law firm with a sexyresident physician at her side. Talk about couple goals.

It’s hard not to feel jealous sometimes. Thenagain, it’s my fault for waiting. I could have had relationships, but I waslost in fantasy land, turning guys down one after another.

“Sol,” Jazmine snaps me out of my head. “You’recoming with us toClyde’s, right?”

“Oh, um, I could only hang out for drinks. I haveto join my dad in a bit.” I frown when she does. “He’d already asked, Jaz, andI promised to make it back in time.”

“But we’re supposed to be celebrating me,” shemopes.

I reach over to squeeze her hand. “I know. I’msorry. It means a lot to my dad, though.” She understands more than anyone elsehow important he is to me.

Her sweet smile gradually reappears, and sheshrugs a shoulder. “You know what? It’s cool. We’ll probably head home early,anyway.” She throws her other friends a playful look. “We can’t party like weused to.”

“I know that’s right,” Amari jokes beforefinishing her drink.

I check my phone, realizing I only have thirtyminutes to get back to the house.

“Uh, I have to take off. Enjoy the rest of yourcelebration.” I lean in for a tight embrace. “Call you tomorrow. We’ll havelunch.”

“All right. See you, girl.”

I wave to Malcolm and everyone else beforequickening from the lounge to the car parked outside.

Ernie opens the backdoor for me. The second he’sbehind the wheel, I urge, “Please hurry. If I’m late, Dad will be pissed.”

My longtime driver reaches home in ten minutes.

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