Page 8 of Audra: The Prequel

Audra nodded. “He plays for the Atlanta Braves. They call him The Flash.”

Monica’s eyes widened. “Holy smokes, I know who he is! He’s hot, Audra. Are you sure?—”

“Absolutelynot. If I get involved with him, I’m pretty sure my life will be filled with drama. I know his type.”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“Well, it’s too late now. I told him I wasn’t interested, and he moved on. He’s probably laid up with one of themanywomen who were ogling him tonight.” Unexpected envy filled her.

“They might have been ogling him, but it sounds like he was ogling you.”

Audra blushed. “There will be other opportunities for me to meet a good man.”

“True, and you’re right. He’s famous—not only for baseball.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know how it is. He’s young, wealthy, well known—and he takes full advantage of all the women that come his way. He’s known as a bit of a player. I’m not sure I’ve seen him in a serious relationship.” She frowned as she thought.

“You know all this and still thought it would be a good idea for me to get involved with this man?” Audra demanded.

“You don’t have to marry him. He’d be nice for a quick fling,” Monica replied with a coy expression.

“I’m not you. My feelings get caught up easily.”

“True,” Monica said.

Audra thumped her arm, and Monica cried out, rubbing the spot.

The door popped open and in waltzed Audra’s six-year-old daughter in Minnie Mouse pajamas. Kerilyn was golden-skinned like her father and wore her hair in long plaits.

“Mommy!” She ran over, and Audra resettled on the bed, pulling her between her thighs to give her a hug and kiss.

“You missed me?”

“Yes!”

Audra plied kisses all over her face. “I missed you too, baby.”

“Did you have fun?” Kerilyn asked, gazing up at her.

“I sure did. I ate too much food and met new people. You didn’t give Grandma andAbuelotoo much trouble, did you?”

“No. I was good.” Kerilyn climbed up on the bed to sit between Audra and Monica.

“I think she’s lying,” Monica said.

“I’m not,” Kerilyn insisted, laughing because she knew Monica was teasing.

“I don’t believe you,” Monica said.

She proceeded to tickle her niece. Kerilyn squirmed and wriggled, letting out gasping laughter until she scrambled to hide behind her mother.

Finally, Monica rose from the bed. “I’ll leave you two alone. I need to get dressed.”

“For what? Where are you headed at this hour?” Audra asked.

“It’s not even ten o’clock yet. I’m going out, and that’s all you need to know,” Monica said with a smirk.

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