Page 14 of Mr. Right Now
He laughed. “You’re acting like I’m sending my kids without any chaperones. Ryan and Erika are going, as well as the two teachers and four assistants. And you know a few of the parents have signed on.”
“True, but you know I’m never going to let an opportunity to pass without throwing in that Black Organization.”
Dante grinned. “Don’t hate.” He gestured Bryson to a chair. “Speaking of the Juneteenth festival, you’re coming, right?”
“We’ll be there. And thanks for the invite to the gala. You should’ve seen the kids’ faces when I told them, especially the part about them getting their formal wear provided for free.”
“That’s what this is about.” He’d reached out to a few shops that provide formal wear and four of them had promised to provide the dresses and tuxedos for the students and their parents. “What brings you by on a Friday afternoon? I figured you’d be trying to get home to your wife and the twins. How are they doing?”
“Raven is good. She’s actually been offered the lead physical therapist position at the rehab center where she works. Of course, she hasn’t decided whether she’ll accept it because it’ll mean more paperwork. And the one thing my wife hates is paperwork,” he added with a chuckle.
“Give her my congratulations. I ain’t mad at her, though.” His hand swept over the stacks of files on his desk. “I’d rather skip all this, too.”
“Same, my brother. But I wouldn’t trade what we’re doing for the teens in our community. As far as the twins, Bryse and Gia are getting into everything, and I do meaneverything. Explain to me how a couple of three-year-olds can get into a cellphone and download a bunch of apps.”
Dante burst out laughing, but a pang of envy hit him. He thought he’d have one or two children of his own by now. “These kids are born tech-smart.”
“Man, tell me about it,” he grumbled. Thank goodness they all were free.” Bryson spent a few more minutes sharing the antics of his twins.
“Oh, so you two are in here having all the fun and didn’t tell me?” Ryan said, entering the office and exchanging a fist bump with Bryson. “I didn’t know you were coming by today.”
“I just stopped by to tease my boy about backing out of the camping trip, and was telling him about my wild twins.” He shared the stories again, which brought on another round laughter. Bryson then asked, “When are you two going to get started? You’re not getting any younger.”
Dante shot him a dark glare. “You sound like my mother.”
Ryan held up his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m working on it. So stay tuned.”
“What happened to that woman you were dating a few months ago? The one you brought to our Black history program.”
Ryan blew out a long breath and scrubbed a hand across his forehead. “Man, we broke up a few days after that event. She complained the entire night about one thing or another—the room was too cold, the food didn’t taste fresh, the music was too loud and ghetto. I was two seconds away from putting her in an Uber so I could enjoy myself. I don’t have time for that kind of bougie drama in my life.”
Bryson laughed. “I’m so glad to be out of the dating game. What about you, Dante? You haven’t dated anyone since that mess with Danielle, and that was four years ago.”
Just the mention of her name spiked Dante’s anger. “Unlike Ryan, I’m not trying to look for a woman.”
“He doesn’t have to,” Ryan cut in, “She found him.”
Bryson whipped his head in Dante’s direction. “You holding out on me, old man?”
“Old, my ass,” Dante said. “We’re the same age. And I’m not holding out on anything.”
Two quick taps on the door sounded. “Dante, I—. Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll come back later.”
He was on his feet before he knew it. “We’re not having a meeting. Come on in. I want to introduce you to Bryson Montgomery. Bryse, this is Jayana Cole, our new psychologist and counselor.”
Bryson stood and extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Cole.”
Jayana smiled. “Jayana, please, and it’s very nice to meet you, too. I’ve heard lots of good things about you and your center. I think what you and Dante are doing for our Black and brown children is amazing. I know it’s making a huge difference in their lives.”
“Thanks, and call me Bryson.” I haven’t heard much about you, but I’m sure I will.” He turned toward Dante with a knowing grin.
“She’s been here less than a month and the kids already love her,” Ryan said.
She laughed softly. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ryan.” To Dante she said, “I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving a little early today. I want to pick up the journals I ordered for the students.”
“Be sure to give the receipt to Ryan so you can be reimbursed.”
Jayana waved him off. “It’s just a few little journals. Save that money for something else more important. I’ll see you guys on Monday. Bryson, again, nice meeting you.”
