Page 32 of Until the Ink Dries

“What! No! We got some food and went back to his place to talk about everything that happened. He told me all about Tierra and his daughter.”

“Did you see a picture? Isn’t she adorable?”

I smiled. “She’s precious.”

“He’s such a good daddy. That man loves his baby.”

“Why didn’t you tell me he had a kid?”

“It wasn’t my place. I know I play around a lot, but some things are off limits. That wasn’t my story to tell.”

I nodded. “I get that. Anyway, we just watched movies and talked until we fell asleep on the couch.”

“Wait a minute! Ho, are you just now getting home?”

“Ugh, yes. Again, nothing happened.”

“Nothing? Like at all? No touching, kissing, a little rubbing up on each other?”

“No, Shirah. He was a perfect gentleman. It was nice.”

“Hmmm… let me find out.”

“There is nothing to find out. We were friendly, but not that friendly.”

“Whatever, Willow. Don’t act like you didn’t see the way that man’s eyes trailed you from head to toe last night. He was giving you that come hither look.”

I laughed out loud. “No, he wasn’t, Shirah.”

“He was. Jordan saw it, too. But it’s cool. Don’t believe me. Jordan said bitches don’t go to that man’s house, yet you spent the night. That says a lot. See, now I need to call him because he would have told me you spent the night by now. Benny picked him up from here.”

“Don’t go telling that man our business!”

“Now you two have business? See what I mean.”

I rolled my eyes. “Bye, Shirah. I’m getting in the shower. I’ll call you back.”

She cackled as I disconnected the call. I had to shake my head because I knew she really was about to call and gossip with that man about me and his best friend. Finally turning on some music, I stepped into the steamy shower, allowing the water to engulf me.

As I basked in the warmth of it, my thoughts drifted back to last night. Benjamin had a lot going on, but I could tell he was trying to make the best of things. I didn’t agree with him trying to force Tierra to be a mother, but I understood why he felt the way he felt. Charlie was his baby, and he wanted the best for her.

My thoughts then drifted to our time together after our discussion. I enjoyed myself. He talked more than I expected him to with how quiet I remembered him being. The most surprising thing was how funny he could be when he relaxed. I think he needed last night as much as I did.

Just free time to enjoy the company of someone who didn’t remind you of where you were going wrong in life. Ellis hadn’t crossed my mind a single time and I was grateful for that. I still wasn’t sure what the fate of our relationship would be when I got back home, but I prayed my time here gave me the clarity I needed.

* * *

LATER THAT NIGHT…

Sometimes, all you need is some time alone with yourself.

After spending the morning with my parents, I took a nap and decided to take myself on a little date tonight. Since I was a kid, Rose Haven had been doing this thing called movies in the square. I used to go with my parents or Shirah’s parents all the time as a kid. When we got older, we went by ourselves.

When I checked the website and saw that it was still a big thing, I borrowed my dad’s car and went to the store to get everything I would need for the night. I bought snacks, the fixings to make me a few small subs, a blanket, and a beach chair to sit in because the last thing I needed was something crawling on me as I sat on the ground.

The sun had just set when I pulled into the parking lot. Hopping out of the car, I grabbed my picnic basket and chair before heading to find a spot. The place was already filling up, so I made haste in securing a preferred location. With my blanket spread out, I set up my chair and got comfortable. Digging into my basket, I pulled out a wine cooler, popped the cap, and took a sip. I smiled to myself, thinking this was going to be a good night.

“Daddy, hurry up before the movie starts!” I heard.

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