Page 35 of Breaking the Rules
“A hot head from time to time. When I’m disrespected. Might be a little off from time to time. That’s the worst of it.”
“What’s the best of it?”
“I feel like you need to put an amendment on that no vested interest rule,” Noble countered, making her roll her eyes and turn away.
“Then I guess that’s all I know,” she stated.
He groaned, watching Areli slide down the slide with a giant smile on her face.
“It’s great you’re helping your sister with her. She’s been to a couple Mommy and Me classes. She’s just as hilarious as Areli,” Savanhi stated.
“Mm, that’s Remi. A family friend. My sister is unfortunately going to prison,” Noble shared.
“Damn, I put my foot in my mouth. Sorry about that.”
“Don’t apologize, you didn’t know. I have Areli full-time and Remi is a big help when I’m playing five to ten games on the road back-to-back. When I’m home, I’m making it a priority to spend as much time with her so she doesn’t feel like she’s alone.”
Savanhi’s eyes dropped to her hands. Noble caught that sadness again. This time, he didn’t let her turn it off.
“What’s that?” Noble quizzed.
Savanhi looked up briefly and blinked, trying to rid it from her being. “What’s what?”
“What’s that? That pause. That thing in your eyes that turns your light off for a second.”
She placed her elbows on the table and pressed her knuckles against her chin. “I know what that’s like so it’s good you’re stepping up like that. She’ll need it.”
“Want to elaborate?”
Savanhi shook her head in response. “That would mean I have to break my rules and let you in. I can’t afford that right now.”
“What can you afford?” he mused.
Savanhi blew out a breath. “Nothing. You?”
“Physically. A lot. More than I need. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually, not a damn thing. That’s why whatever hold you got on me is maddening.”
Savanhi scoffed. “It was sex. Something to take the edge off.”
“That’s how you take the edge off. Like it doesn’t mean shit to you?”
Savanhi tucked her lips and looked over at him. “No. I’ve never done anything like that before. I’m typically the lover girl. Tripping over myself for the wrong guy, friendship, or whatever. That comes from feeling alone and needing something to hold space. Which is why what you’re doing for her is commendable.”
“I appreciate that,” Noble said.
“It’s nothing. And it always means something, which is why I shouldn’t have done it, but you do dumb shit when you’re trying to survive a broken heart.” Savanhi studied him for long seconds and continued. “That’s what you’re doing too, huh?”
“As hard as I fuckin’ can,” he muttered. “This shit…”
“Yeah…death.”
They fell into a comfortable silence before Areli waltzed back over, her bun loose, sweat shining over her face, splotches of dirt on her dance clothes. One would think she went to war and not on the playground to burn off the rest of her energy.
“Ohh, someone needs a bath,” Savanhi hummed, wiping Areli’s face and hands off. “And some sleep.”
Noble stood up to dump their trays while Savanhi assisted with Areli.
“I’m not sleepy,” Areli protested.
