Page 61 of Out of Bounds
I stared at her in confusion before plucking the card off the stick. A smile spread across my face when I read the note. The flowers were a gift from Lam, who knew how much I was dreading attending tonight’s game. We’d briefly spoken about it earlier when we were on the phone. Grabbing my cell phone off the counter, I dialed his number.
“I take it you’ve received the flowers,” he stated into the receiver.
“I did…” I blushed and tucked my hair behind my ear. “They’re gorgeous.”
“I figured I would put a smile on your face before the big game.”
“And I’m so appreciative.” Spinning around, I leaned against the counter. “I’m only doing this because my oldest asked.”
“I know. I also know that you’re uncomfortable.” He took a beat before continuing, “Remember, you don’t owe them a thing. You don’t have to answer any questions about nothing. Let them speculate all they want.”
“I know…” I sighed. “The women can be a bit pretentious, if you know what I mean.”
“I do. I also know that what has happened between you and your ex is none of their business.”
“It’s no one’s business,” I repeated as if it were a mantra. “It happened, and it’s over. I’m moving on with my life, and they need to do the same.”
“Exactly! That’s all there is to it.”
“Yep, yep, yep,” I repeated a few times. “What are you up to?”
“Just left the studio. About to get an early dinner in before I call it a night.”
“That’s good. How was your day?”
“It was good. And yours? I know you was working on settling that case. You got everything worked out?”
“I did. Ninety-thousand-dollar settlement.”
“Look at you!” He boasted. “Closing big deals.”
“Stop it…” I waved him off. “My client is happy.”
“I bet so. We’ve gotta celebrate. What about dinner tomorrow night? We can go to that vintage Italian spot you sent me to.”
“Ssss…” I stalled. Last week, Lamar was hosting a few friends and was looking for a place to dine. I suggested he take them to A Mano,a vintage restaurant in downtown Atlanta. It was one of Kreed’s favorite spots to duck off at, and the many times I’ve been, the food never disappointed. The idea of having adatethere made me cringe inside now. Instead of agreeing, I offered, “How about we try Nino’s on Cheshire Bridge instead? I’ve been planning on dining there, but time hasn’t been on my side.”
“We can do that. Send me the information, and I’ll see about a reservation.”
“Hold on. Doing it now before I forget.” Pulling the phone down, I searched for the restaurant.
“Mom, are we leaving soon? We’re going to be late,” Maddie Claire asked, as she stepped into the kitchen sporting her black Demons jersey and a white pleated skirt. I’d taken the braids out of the girls’ hair, and since I hadn’t gotten around to washing it, Icombed it up into a crinkled ponytail. She’d tied a black and red ribbon around hers, making her look extra girly tonight.
“Just a second, Bug,” I said before speaking back into the phone. “Lamar, you should have it now.”
“Just got the notification,” he confirmed. “I’ll shoot the information over to you as soon as I set a time.”
“Mom...” Maddie Claire stomped her foot and frowned up at me, looking just like her father. “We’re going to be late.”
“Don’t be rude, Bug. You see me on the phone.” I chastised.
“It’s okay, Masai,” Lamar said on the other end of the phone. “I’ll let you go. I know how important tonight is for the kids.”
“Right.” I huffed and licked the corner of my mouth. “If I’m not out too late, I’ll call you when I make it home.”
“Call me whenever. If I’m asleep, I’ll get up for you.”
“Sure.” I giggled. “Thank you again for the flowers.”
