Page 51 of Lovetown, USA
Pause.
A date?
That’s not good.
“Date with who?”
“A guy named Deacon. Know him?”
Yeah, I know that nigga. He plays ball with us occasionally. And he works at the fucking zoo. I don’t actually have an issue with that, but it’s all I have in my mind to be negative about at the moment.
“I’ve seen him around,” I finally say. “Have fun.”
I thought I put a little enthusiasm in that, but it came out flat as hell.
There’s a pause, then her teasing lilt. “Jealous?”
I let the silence hang. Then, quietly, I say, “Yeah.”
“Wait. I was kidding.”
“I’mnot.”
She doesn’t say anything, so I keep going, my voice rougher than I mean it to be. “I meant it when I said you were the bestI ever had. Any man would be jealous to share his best with somebody else.”
Her breath catches before she laughs it off. “Relax. You and me—we’re just friends with benefits, right?”
“Right…”
“I’m a considerate and responsible woman. I wouldn’t add another person to the mix without telling you.”
That’s not exactly what I wanted to hear, but ain’t shit I can do about it, so I say, “That’s good to know. And the same goes for me.”
“Good. Alright, I’m gonna go.”
“Enjoy yourself, Lane. And be safe,” I add before I hang up.
The silence in my office feels heavier now that her voice is gone. I scroll through my contacts and ring my son again. Straight to voicemail. Same as this morning.
Frustration builds, so I go to the next name on my mental list.
Desiree answers with suspicion in her tone. “What happened?”
“I got a question for you.”
“Make it quick. I’m busy.”
“When we were together…was I romantic?”
She barks out a laugh. “Hell nah.”
I wince. “Not even a little bit?”
“No.”
“What would you have wanted from me?”
She sighs loudly. “Exhibit A right here. You didn’t listen to a word I said.”
