Page 40 of Laws of Love
The four of them watched Lila as her face took on a look of confusion. “Then what the hell have I been feeding for the past two weeks?”
“Probably the ghosts of fish passed because every time I turn around, you’ve killed one,” Eva stated, and they all laughed as Lila sucked her teeth. “As a matter of fact, you don’t need to get any other pets,” Eva added.
“Yeah, yeah,” Lila responded, turning her attention to Aiva and Meila. “What about you two? Any interesting cases?”
“Not really. It’s still the same old assholes being assholes and me enjoying helping take them to the cleaners,” Meila responded.
“I’ve got a couple right now that got ugly, or I suspect will get ugly because the opposing client wants to use their child as a bargaining tool,” Aiva commented.
“So, nothing too entertaining with us work-wise, but you all will be glad to know Aiva went on a date,” Meila informed their younger sisters, and three sets of eyes swung to her.
“Well damn. It’s been a hot second since you were on a date,” Eva responded. “What’s his name, and how was it?”
“His name is Knox, and it was unlike any other date I’ve been on. He put so much thought into it. We went to the rooftop of a building he owns, and there was mood lighting, private chefs, and a five-course meal. We danced and then went to this little secret spot he knows. The conversation flowed easily, and our energies meshed well.”
“Sounds like a hell of a first date. What does he do for a living?” Lila asked.
“He used to play football. He’s retired now and owns several businesses,” Aiva responded.
“Wait a fucking minute. Are you talking about Knox Chandler? Best wide receiver to ever hit the field. Recipient of several NFL Honors awards. Future Hall of Famer Knox Chandler?” Marreigh questioned, bouncing in her seat in excitement.
Aiva wasn’t sure of the last two things. She wasn’t a big sports fan, but her little sister enjoyed watching. It was something she’d bonded with their sperm donor over. So, she was going to take her word for it.
“Yes, that’s him,” she responded.
“Are you going out again?” Marreigh inquired.
“Let her enjoy dating him before you ask for an autograph,” Lila stated, knowing, just like Aiva did, where the conversation was going.
They continued to converse through brunch, catching up and talking about the trip all the older siblings had planned at the end of the summer. Their little sister Tara, who was the oldest of the siblings under eighteen, was not amused that she was being left out, but they’d chosen to go on a cruise where children weren’t allowed.
By the time brunch was finished, they’d gone through the first two pitchers of mimosas and one and a half more. Meila paid the bill, Aiva left a tip, and the five went outside, where their Uber was waiting. They never drove when they brunched together because there was never any telling how much any of them would drink.
Aiva was the third to be dropped off. She said bye to her sisters and decided a nap was in order after the drinks and delicious food she’d eaten.
Knox walked through the front door of his parent’s house, and all was quiet. Both cars were in the driveway, which meant they were more than likely in the backyard. His mother liked to tend to her flowers on Sundays, and on the weekends, Yasmine stayed with them; they took their time to do so. He knew it was because his daughter liked to play in the dirt, and his mother, as a grandparent, seemed to forget what the word no meant when it came to her. Something she remembered well when he was a child.
He walked through the kitchen and out of the backdoor. Sure enough, he found his mother and Yasmine at one of the flower beds. His mother was pulling weeds, and his daughter was squeezing the dirt and mulch before letting it slide through her fingers. His father was sitting in one of the patio chairs under the shade of the awning, reading a book.
“Hey, son,” he greeted, when he looked up and saw Knox.
“Hey, Pop.” He squeezed his father’s shoulder.
“Daddy, Nana, and I are gardening,” Yasmine informed him.
“That’s great, sweetie,” he responded, walking over to kiss his daughter’s forehead. “Hey, Mom,” he greeted her with a kiss on her cheek.
“Hey, honey. Are you and Yas staying for dinner?”
“Yeah, we’re staying.”
Knox would never turn down a meal his mother made, and it would give Yasmine more time to spend with them. Though she’d now get to do so as often as she and his parents wanted with the finalization of the divorce and the custody agreement it entailed.
“How was your weekend, son?” his father asked, placing his book aside.
“It was good. I, uh, I went on a date.”
“You did?” his mother questioned, tossing some weeds she’d just pulled aside. “How was it?”
