Page 12 of When Darkness Comes Knocking
Lina smiled. “You would’ve been grabbed Madison and left. You only sit down when there’s something on your mind. Talk to me. What’s up?” Lina closed her eyes and prayed over her food, then dug into her meal.
I exhaled and folded my hands. Jason shuffled in and took a seat at the island next to me. He dug right into his meal.
Jason had expressed a while ago that he wasn’t a God-fearing person, so I just respected his beliefs. Lina cleared her throat, making me give her my attention.
I sighed. “I have a real date this weekend,” I finally confessed.
Lina’s eyes widened, and she swallowed her bite. “Are you serious? That’s great news, Fortune! Tell me, how did you meet her?”
“That is wonderful news. Spill all the tea, bro,” Jason chimed.
Lina and I glanced at each other and chuckled lightly, trying not to make Jason feel like an outcast. He grew up so privileged, so he sometimes mixed up the slang terms that women and men used. Spilling the tea was more of a woman’s saying than men. I was sure Lina would tell him later on.
“Perrae was the braider that did Madison’s hair. It only took one look, and I was smitten. There’s just something about her that’s calling out to my soul. I gotta find out what that is,” I confessed more to myself than them.
There really was something special about Perrae that I was drawn to. I’d messed around with a few women since my release, but none of them had intrigued me like Perrae. Lina’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“It sounds like you really adore her. Do you think she feels the same way about you?” Lina probed before she took a bite of her food.
I exhaled. “Honestly, I believe she does. She has her guards up because I can tell she’s been burned. Plus, there’s a lot on her plate.
“From what I witnessed, she’s running her own salon, raising three kids, and maintaining her first home. Perrae has a kind heart. She puts people first, from what I observed. If she continues to give me a chance, I wanna show her how a man is supposed to put her first.”
Jason gave a low whistle. “That’s real talk right there. If she is as caring and kind as you say she is, then I say go after her and give her your all.”
I gave Jason my attention. We usually didn’t have deep conversations, so I was grateful for his advice. “Thanks, Jason. I appreciate your input.”
He grinned. “No worries, man. I only know that because I refused to give up when I met my queen.
“Lina was completely different than any other woman I had met. Her heart was just golden, and I knew had I let her walk away after that fundraiser, I’d never see her again. I refused to let that happen. Now look at us. We’re happily married. I wish the same happiness and joy on you, Fortune.”
“That was deep, man. I appreciate the love y’all sharing with me today. I’m surely going to pursue Perrae. If it doesn’t work out, then maybe we’re meant to be good friends. Although I plan to be more than friends with her,” I responded.
“That was some great advice and beautiful story, honey.” Lina blew him a kiss before she gave her attention to me. “Do what makes you happy, Fortune.
“If Perrae is that woman for you, then you know I completely support it. The way she saved and styled Madison’s hair, she’s good in my book. I hope it works out because we can all double date!” she voiced excitedly.
I laughed and stood from my seat. “On that note, I’ma head out. Madison! Let’s roll, baby girl,” I shouted from the kitchen.
Lina threw her paper towel at me. I chortled as thunderous steps down the stairs flew into the kitchen. Madison had her backpack on, and her lips were popping from her gloss. That girl loved some lip gloss.
“I’m ready,” Madison announced. She walked over to Jason. “See you later, Jason.”
He wiped his hands and engulfed her in a tight hug. I liked the bond they had. I was a little jealous at first, but it no longer bothered me. “I’ll see you later, jellyfish. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Madison left him, then hugged Lina tightly. “I love you, Mommy.”
Lina kissed all over her face and hugged her once more. “I love you more. Have fun and make smart decisions.”
“I will, Mommy. Let’s roll, Daddy.”
“Alright. The princess has spoken. Y’all take it easy,” I affirmed.
“You all too,” Lina stated, walking us to the door. We exited their home and climbed into my truck. Once she was settled and buckled in, I set off for our daddy and daughter dinner date.
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Tonight was the night. I’d waited days to have some alone time with Perrae. She’d been on my mind heavy. We talked practically every day, but today was the day I’d have her in my arms and feel her full lips.
