Page 68 of This Side of Beautiful

I smiled. “No, he doesn’t. He accepts that we’re different and wants me to be me. I’m not always sure if he’s truly the man he’s supposed to be. The Landon I see is fun and makes me laugh. Loves all music and can rap and dance his ass off. But he doesn’t show that side to anyone else. Maybe the guys… but I wonder if his reservedness is him, or if he’s like the tortoise who ducks in his shell whenever he remotely feels threatened.”

“You just got with him. You’re still learning each other.”

“He’s always been like this puzzle. Amazing talent and unassuming. Quiet until he plays that guitar.” I could feel myself being sucked into Landon Hayes obsession mode, so I waved my hand. “Enough about him. What’s going on with you and Cedrick?”

She smiled, displaying one deep dimple. “Learning each other too. I don’t have these lofty aspirations to be like you and Landon. Still, I wouldn’t mind spending more time with him.” Frankie rolled her eyes slightly. “I know. I know that he’s not the type to be in a relationship, and he’s made that clear. I just like him, you know?”

“I do. Be careful with your heart and have fun. You have his attention now, and you might keep it later. Just keep your options open. There are plenty of men, and you’re a snatched woman from head to toe.” I snapped my fingers in front of her face. “Thank you very much.”

Frankie pursed her lips and dipped her head. “Facts.” She picked up her cell and swiped until she found something, then flashed the image before me. “Your brother is delicious. What’s his deal?”

“Eww,” I squealed, though the picture she showed was a good one of Rashad. “He is so thirst-trapping in this pic. I need to call him.”

“Can you do it in front of me? I would so holla.”

“The Rashad I know is bad news. He loves women way too much and has three children and two baby mothers.” I tilted my head, assessing my new friend. “But he might have matured in relationships, because he’s been a good dad.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Call him. It’s all in fun.”

I inhaled and blew out my breath. She didn’t know that the only communication we’d had in four years was the text message I sent more than a week ago. “It’s a Monday morning. He might be working.”

“I bet he’ll pick up for his baby sis.”

I nodded and searched for his number.

He answered promptly with his usual: “What’s up, buttercup?”

My eyes watered. “Same ol’ same,” I replied the way I’d used to.

“I can’t believe you called,” he said.

Aware that his booming voice carried, I tucked the phone closer to my ear. “Listen, I promise to call you later tonight or tomorrow, but I have one question.”

“Shoot.”

“How many women are you talking to right now?”

He chuckled. “Naw… not about to be tricked.”

“You just told me it was more than one.” I laughed, and Frankie shook her head ruefully.

“Why?”

“One of my girls saw your pic and asked about you. I warned her, but she insisted.”

“Mm… is she hot?”

“Boy… bye.” I snorted.

“Wait… wait… Is she?”

Frankie grabbed my phone. “I’m the one who asked about you. The next time you visit your sister, come holla at me too.”

“Tell him he can visit any time after next month,” I suggested, wanting him to know that I welcomed him.

I eased back in my chair, watching my friend talk to my brother. After all the craziness of the past two months since the rodeo in Houston, my life had already changed in ways I’d never imagined.

Chapter Twenty-Four

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