Page 32 of Love Always, Nova Black
“I don’t have a reason to be bitter.”
“You sure could’ve fooled me. This little attitude towards me has been going on for way too long, and I usually just let it roll off my back. But I’m not in that kind of mood today, so I’m going to say this in the nicest way possible. You’re a beautiful woman and you seem to have a lot going for yourself. I’m just not interested in going out with you. Now, chill with the attitude, and let me pick up my daughter without all of the extra commentary.”
Giving me a disgusted glare, she said, “Wow, you’re really full of yourself, I see.”
“Not at all. I just know none of this was going down when I first started bringing my daughter here. As long as I was talking to you and seeming like I was interested, you were extra nice. But the moment I made it clear that I wasn’t, you turned into the damn Grinch.”
She stepped around the desk to get in my face. “Let’s be clear about something, I don’t have to force any man to go out with me. Obviously, you’re intimidated by me, which is why you made the choice that you made. But don’t worry, I’m used to it.”
I shrugged. “If that’s what helps you sleep at night, that’s cool with me. I’m not here to convince you of a damn thing.” I glanced back at the glass door to see if Dakota was on her way, but there was no sign of her coming down the colorful hallway. “Can you see what’s taking so long?”
Stepping back, she snatched the keys from her desk and strolled towards the glass door to unlock it. As soon as it closed behind her, someone came in through the main entrance.
Shit! Today just isn’t my day, I thought as I recognized the person that walked in.
Shannon Lockhart, a sexy woman with long legs, thick thighs, and green eyes that would have you hypnotized if you looked at her for too long. But I hadn’t talked to her in months due to Kierra getting arrested, so I wasn’t quite sure what her reaction would be.
Wiping the water from her face, she squinted her eyes trying to make out if it was me. “Don?” she said.
“Hey, Shannon.”
“Oh, wow, I haven’t seen you in a minute.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve had a lot going on.”
Waving me off, she said, “No worries, I understand. So, how have you been?”
“I’ve been pretty good,” I replied while trying to seem like I was okay.
“Good to hear.”
Looking over her shoulder, I glanced out of the window. “Is it raining out there?”
“Yes, and it’s coming down pretty hard.”
I cringed a little since I’d left the umbrella at home. If there was one thing I was sure of, Dakota would see this as the perfect opportunity to play in the rain, and I didn’t have time for that.
“Looks like I’ll be carrying my little one to the car.”
“You don’t have an umbrella?”
“I do, but I left it at home, and I’m pretty sure my daughter doesn’t have hers. She loves the water.”
Laughing, Shannon leaned towards the edge of the desk to sign in. “Sounds like my daughter. She will come up with any excuse to get wet or make a mess.”
“Same here.”
“Kids will be kids, I guess.”
“Definitely.”
We both smiled.
It was refreshing to see how cool she was despite me not doing a good job of keeping in touch. It wasn’t like we were serious or anything, but we had gone on a couple of dates, so she deserved much better than what I gave her.
Feeling the need to apologize again, I opened my mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by Dakota finally making her way from the back.
“Hey, Daddy.”
