Page 84 of Rematch
“But, you arewithhim now, right?”
I opened and closed my mouth, unsure if I really wanted to answer. Technically, it was none of his business. But, considering the circumstances, he deserved some closure. “Yeah,” I said.
His brows bounced as he averted his eyes. “I figured, but…you can’t fault a guy for keeping hope alive.”
I rose from my seat and stepped closer. “Listen,” I said, setting a hand on his arm. The touch made his eyes return to me. “I’m really sorry about how all of that went down. I didn’t…I didn’t mean to start problems between the two of you.”
“I know. You don’t have to apologize for his actions.”
“It’s not only his actions I’m apologizing for. I hurt you. And even though I didn’t mean to, that doesn’t erase that I did. I’m sorry.”
His brows came together, surprised at my apology. They quickly unfurrowed as he gave a slow nod. “You’re a good woman,” he commented. “You deserve better than men like us.”
I tilted my head, unsure if I agreed with that statement.
Offering me a weary smile, he tapped my arm and said, “Take care of yourself, Audrey.”
Then, he walked off, his face fading off into just another in the crowd.
Chapter 34
Max
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Rashad said as he answered my knock at the front door. Smiling, he shook his head as his eyes raked over my suit jacket and dress shoes.
“Don’t say it,” I warned as I saw the thought pass through his eyes.
He chuckled. “I was going to say you clean up nice, but you know I’m thinking the other thing too.”
Rashad stepped aside to let me inside. He led me into the living room where Benny was sitting on the couch, watching television. He smiled at the sight of me. “Damn, you look just like your daddy,” he exclaimed.
“Don’t remind me,” I muttered as I walked over to him. I slapped and clasped his hand with the one that wasn’t holding the bouquet of flowers.
Rashad walked back into the hall and peered up the steps. “Audrey!” He yelled. “Max is here!”
Audrey yelled something back, but her voice was muffled from her likely closed door and the distance.
“How are you feeling?” I asked Benny as I sat beside him on the couch.
“Tired,” he admitted. “But, every day that I’m breathing is a good day.” He eyed my formal attire. “Why are you dressed like that? Are y’all going somewhere fancy?”
“Can’t I just look nice for once?”
“No,” Rashad chimed from the other side of the room. He was lingering in the doorway, leaning against the end of the wall. “You don’t dress up for nothing.”
“Yeah, I remember Audrey had to damn near pull your teeth out to get you in those tuxedos for your proms.” Benny paused for a moment, his head cocking as a new thought ran through his mind. “You aren’t getting on one knee tonight, are you?”
“What?” I exclaimed, taken aback by the question. “No! Audrey and I are still working on things.”
“Oh, alright,” Benny said, relaxing against the cushions. “I thought I was gonna have to beat your ass for a second.”
“For what? I didn’t even do anything.”
“You can’t walk into a man’s house, intending to marry his daughter, and not ask for his blessing.”
I smirked. “I don’t have it already?”
Benny gave me a side-eye. “You wish you did.” Shaking his head, he muttered, “Bad ass little boy.”
