Page 138 of Taeja

“Yes. I don’t want to ruin this.”

“You won’t,” Damon assured. “You misunderstood what I said, but I don’t want to talk about our exes tonight. Go back to your interests.”

“I love tech, as you know, but I’m no longer sure about my future. I used to want to be a computer programmer, but lately, I’ve been leaning toward web design. There are so many options to choose from these days. It’s confusing.”

“That’s understandable, but you’ll figure it out. You have your entire life ahead of you.”

Taeja nodded. “You said you love ten-year plans. Did you or do you have one?”

“Both.”

“Both?”

Damon nodded. “I had one, but life happened, so some parts didn’t work out. My new one has some old goals I still want to accomplish.”

“Care to share?”

“Remember the video game I told you about?” he asked, and she nodded. “I want to launch several games, but it’s a handful right now because of my position at work. I never knew I’d make it this far, so I can’t complain.”

“Damon, I’ve seen your tech room and how much respect you get at work. What do you mean you didn’t think you’d make it this far? Yu born fi this.”

He smirked. “I know. I was trying to be modest.”

She laughed and playfully pushed his shoulder. As their laughter died down, Taeja said, “Tell me the new one.”

His mouth opened, then he glanced at her phone. “Your phone’s vibrating.”

“Look at Mr.That’s bad table manners,” Taeja joked, and he scoffed. Laughing, she grabbed her phone, squealing at the several texts and attachments from Aaliyah. “Oh, my God! Look at her ring!” Taeja shoved her phone into Damon’s face. “It’s so pretty!”

“It is.” Damon grabbed the bottle they were sharing, emptying it into his wineglass before swallowing a large chug.

“Aww!” she swooned while looking at the pictures and videos. “Mason proposed to her at the restaurant at Liyah’s favorite cartoon-themed amusement park. It might seem cheesy, but no one loves cartoons like her.”

“That’s sweet.”

Excited beyond words, Taeja nodded. Deciding to look at every detail in the photos later, she flipped her phone back onto its screen. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine.”

Taeja pulled her brows together as she looked at him. “Are you okay?”

“I am.”

“Mi nuh believe that.” She narrowed her eyes on him, and he gave her his best smile. It didn’t sway her. “I’m sorry if it’s the phone. I know it’s badmanners—”

“It’s not the phone, Taeja.”

“Then what did I do? You’re calling me Taeja, and your mood changed.”

He leaned over to kiss her temple. “It’s nothing, I promise. Are you finished with dessert?”

Taeja looked at the half-eaten lava cake on the plate she’d pushed away. She’d been caught up in conversation after they ordered dessert that she forgot it was here. “Yeah. I’m stuffed.”

“Are you sure?” Damon asked, eyeing the cake. “I can get a to-go box for you.”

“I’m sure. If mi follow miself, mago eat it first thing tomorrow, and that’d give Zain a stroke.”

Damon chuckled, alleviating some of her worry. “Let’s get you home.” He stood and helped her to her feet, placing his jacket over her shoulders. He held her hand, and they walked out of the restaurant.

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