Page 8 of Somebody Else Will

“It must be an amazing role since you’re being so secretive about it.”

“It will probably be the best role I ever played,” I said, visualizing Denishia’s beautiful smile and dimples.

“Wait a doggone minute! You talking about a woman?” she asked.

“What woman?”

I turned to see my dad walking into the kitchen with my younger sister following behind him.Great.

“I think your son just shot his shot with a woman,” my mama said.

I rolled my eyes as my sister said, “It’s about time. I was starting to think you were gay.”

I swore, if she were my younger brother, I would punch her in the mouth. My parents started all the way over when my mama had her. She was only seventeen and a senior in high school. I was a junior in high school when she was born. “Shut up, Destiny.”

I wasn’t homophobic, but I’d be damn if I would be in a relationship with some burly ass nigga. That wasn’t my thing. She was always handing out jokes when it concerned me. That was typical of a younger sibling of the opposite sex though. It was like we were close to the same age as much as we argued at times.

“Who is she?” my dad asked.

“I’d rather keep that to myself for now,” I said as I glanced at him. Giving them details about Denishia would end up with me spoiling Mama’s surprise party. “You’ll find out if she gives me the time of day.”

“Well can you tell me if she’s from Houston?” Mama asked.

I smiled at her. “She’s not from H-Tine, Ma.”

She poked her lip out as she put the eggs in a platter. I chuckled as my dad kissed her cheek. “You know she has the fever, son.”

“The fever?”

“Yes. She wants grandbabies. Ever since Jocelyn brought her grandbaby here, that’s all she’s been talking about.”

“Oh. Well ain’t nothing I can do about that right now. While being married don’t assure you won’t have baby mama drama, it seems less risky. So, until then, you gon’ have to sit on ice, Ma.”

She rolled her eyes playfully and huffed. “Okaaaaayyy.”

Going to the microwave, she took something out and said, “I guess I can put you and your father out of your misery.”

When she set that plate in front of me, I wanted to inhale the food. There was an omelet on it with bacon on the side. My dad smiled big. I already knew mine would be packed to the gills withhashbrowns and meat. His was a vegetable omelet. Ever since his diagnosis of high blood pressure three years ago, he’d sworn off meat. He’d lasted a lot longer than I thought he would.

“Thank you, Mama. This looks amazing.”

“You’re welcome, baby,” she responded as she set a plate of pancakes in front of Destiny.

As I enjoyed my omelet, my phone vibrated on the bar top. I quickly picked it up to see Jackie’s number. My excitement dwindled some, because I was hoping it would have been Denishia. However, the picture she sent still made me smile. It was a picture of a couple of vases Denishia wanted to use, and Jackie loved them. I supposed she was seeking my approval.

Those are really nice. Thanks for running it by me.

She sent back a thumbs up emoji. I toyed with my phone for a moment, then opened the thread between Denishia and me.I like those vases. You have an amazing eye.

Before I could lower my phone, she responded.I’m glad you like them. Thanks.

As I stared at the phone, I could feel eyes on me. Lifting my head to confirm my suspicion, I met my mother’s gaze. I smiled and shook my head. “No news yet, Ma. Go take some Tylenol for that fever.”

She laughed loudly. “Shut up, boy!”

While she was distracted, I sent a reply.You’re welcome. I wish I could thank you with dinner, but I’ll bide my time.

I set my phone on the counter and finished off my breakfast, knowing I wouldn’t get a response from Denishia. Maybe her lil relationship meant something to her after all. It was possible I could have misconstrued what I saw. Maybe it was admiration of my career instead of attraction.Naw.She was attracted to me, but she was hanging on to what was comfortable. I was pretty sure about that.

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