Page 100 of Laws of Love
“You appealed to her vanity,” he stated later that night, after putting Yasmine to bed. “Smart move. I didn’t think of that.”
“I knew she wouldn’t want to be painted as the bad guy, and I let her know that would happen if she didn’t attend her daughter’s party. It was manipulative of me, but I wasn’t above doing it if it meant Yas wouldn’t be disappointed on a day meant to celebrate her.”
Knox leaned over and kissed her. “Thank you, baby.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Contrary to the interactions I’ve had with Mia, as your girlfriend, I don’t necessarily dislike her. As your former counsel, that’s a different story. But I don’t think about her outside of her being Yas’ mother. So, I don’t mind being in the same spaces as her and being cordial for the sake of Yas because her happiness and safety are most important within this entire dynamic. Not whatever the three of us have going on.”
“You’re right, and I try to remember that when dealing with Mia, but sometimes she makes it so hard to rise above. I’m not blameless when it comes to us not always agreeing because I know I’ve said and done some things that have me on the same level as her. Like our call on vacation,” he stated with a smirk.
Aiva laughed. “Yeah, baby. You went to hell with that one.” She paused, shaking her head with a smile. “Oh, before I forget. Meila has invited you and Yas for dinner whenever you feel comfortable.”
“That was nice of her. I’ll let you know a good time?”
“Yeah, no rush.”
“To give you a heads up, my parents will be at the party. My mom has been very excited to meet you. She might talk your ear off.” Mia’s parents lived out of state and they usually only visited twice a year for the major holidays. They wouldn’t have to worry about them.
“I’m fine with that. It seems our mothers are at the same stage in our relationship because mine asked me when she’d meet you last week.”
“Whenever you’re ready to introduce me, I’m ready to go,” he responded.
She nodded, looking at her watch. “I should go.”
“You can stay.”
“I’d love to, but I have court in the morning at eight-thirty. I’ll stay Friday night if the offer is still open. That way, we can go on Saturday and get whatever Yas wants us to wear.”
Knox walked her to the door, kissing her as she got ready to leave. “Text me when you get home.”
“I will. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, baby.”
Knox looked out of his living room window. He could see the parking lot from it and wanted to ensure she got to her car safely. Usually, when she visited him and Yasmine was with his parents, he walked her down, but he didn’t want to leave Yasmine alone.
Once Aiva was pulling out of the parking lot, he turned off the lights in the living room, deciding to shower and wait for her text.
41
Aiva allowed Yasmine to pull her along with Knox into the store. They’d picked her up at nine-thirty to come to the mall. Yasmine seemed to know exactly what she wanted and was immediately leading them to a particular store. Aiva barely glimpsed the store's name before they were pulled in.
Yasmine paused briefly to look around at the different clothing racks. She puffed her cheeks out as she surveyed the store.
“What are you looking for, Yas?” Knox asked.
“Baseball shirts.”
“Baseball shirts?” Aiva asked.
Yasmine nodded before pointing out a rack in the children’s section and skipping over. Aiva and Knox followed. She ended up at a rack with baseball jerseys that were manufactured for fashion.
“These,” Yasmine stated.
“I think I should be offended,” Knox playfully said.
“You don’t have to be. These have more colors and they button,” Yasmine responded.
“Do you know what color you’re looking for?” Aiva asked as she leafed through the options on that rack.
