Page 33 of Do Me
“Let me know when she’s planning to do something like this again. I’d like to donate.” He recognized how blessed he was and always tried to find ways to help others, particularly young African American boys. Braxton volunteered his time coaching summer sports leagues and sponsored a technology camp.
Londyn chuckled. “I’ll tell Felicia, but you might be sorry. She will definitely take you up on your offer.”
“I’m never sorry when it comes to these kinds of things. Now back to you joining me for dinner. What if I throw in another meal at my place?”
“Ooh, that’ssotempting, but I’ll have to take a raincheck. Your family is great and they love you, so you’ll be fine.”
“I don’t think so. I’d enjoy it a lot more if I didn’t have to listen to my mom fussing when she finds out you won’t be there.” Londyn was the first woman he actually wanted to bring to a family gathering. At his party, he had watched her charm his mother and father, and Debra had texted days later to tell him how much she’d liked Londyn. They liked her and he’d fallen in love with her.
“You can place the blame on me,” she said. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Now, that sounds like an interesting proposition. Do I get to decide how you make it up to me?” If it were up to him, they’d have a repeat of the night they’d made love.
“Hmm…depends. I’m sure we could work something out.”
Braxton felt himself growing hard. Since they had started dating, he’d been in a constant state of arousal. All it took was a simple thought. “We can discuss it when I call you tonight.”
“Sounds like a plan. Enjoy dinner.”
He grunted.
She laughed. “I’ll talk to you later.”
He disconnected and tapped the phone against his chin. He had been tempted to tell her that he loved her, but decided to wait. The first time she heard the words of his heart should be done in person. He sat there a while longer contemplating how and when to tell her. It didn’t surprise Braxton in the least that the idea of marriage slipped into his thoughts, as well. He’d figure it all out, but for now, he had to deal with his mother. If he were lucky, once he told her Londyn’s reason, she’d let the matter drop.
Two hours later, Braxton found out that he was wrong. Dead wrong.
She opened the door excitedly and promptly looked behind him and asked, “Where’s Londyn?”
“I’m your son. I can’t even get a hello first before you start?”
“Hi, son. Now why didn’t you invite her?”
He sighed in exasperation. “I did, but she already had plans to help a friend.”
“Oh,” she said, her excitement waning considerably.
“You know, I think my feelings are hurt. I thought you loved me.” He gave her his best sad face.
She swatted at his arm. ”Come on in here, boy.”
Laughing, he kissed her cheek and followed her inside where his father and his sister’s family sat around laughing and talking. He greeted everyone, then took a seat on the sofa next to his niece.
She promptly laid her head on his shoulder. “Uncle Braxton, when can we spend the night with you again? Mom said you’re busy now and we shouldn’t bug you about coming over.”
“Tonya.” His sister gave her daughter a look of warning from the kitchen where she stood helping their mother place the food on serving platters. “We’ve already talked about this. Your uncle has a new lady friend and he can’t spend all his time with you and your brother like he used to do.”
“Debra, I’m not that busy. Tonya and JJ are always welcome.” He hugged Tonya. “Your mom, dad and I will discuss it and come up with a date.”
Tonya threw her arms around his neck. “Yay!I love you, Uncle.”
“Love you, too, kiddo.” In that instant, he felt the pull of fatherhood and his heart nearly burst. He had no idea how Londyn felt about the subject, and he worried about her being in the high-risk category. Braxton brought his wayward musings to a screeching halt. He was getting way ahead of himself. He hadn’t even told the woman he loved her and here he sat thinking about babies and parenthood.
“Okay, everybody,” his mother called. “Dinner’s ready.”
Everyone filed into the dining room and took their usual places around the large table with seating for ten. His father said a blessing, then they filled their plates and dug in. More than once, Braxton caught his mother staring at him, then the empty chair next to him. He shrugged and continued to eat. Luckily, the conversation turned to his niece and nephew and their progress in school. They had just returned after spring break and had several projects they would be completing. Then the two talked about their extracurricular activities—basketball and track for JJ and track and dance for Tonya.
“I’m so proud of you, two. I sure hope I get to have at least another grandchild before the Lord calls me home,” his mother added casually.
