Page 20 of Milo

She lifted her arm, flexing the piece of gold back and forward.

“You like it?”

“I love it.” Nature yawned. “Whew. I need to get home.”

It was getting late. Acknowledging she was an early bird and her bedtime had passed long ago, I exited the vehicle and ran around to her door. When I opened it, she stepped out and right into my outstretched arms. I wrapped them around her, inhaling the unique fragrance on her skin. Her warmth was encompassing. I wanted to live and die within it.

“You’re up next,” she reminded me, pulling back.

“It’s September, Nay. I have a while.”

“I’ll reserve a table somewhere just in case. If you don’t have any other plans.”

“I’ll cancel them.” Shrugging, I leaned against the car and pulled her close to me.

“There’s no need. Maybe another time.”

“Maybe not another year. This year. Why are we waiting?”

“Because, Milo, it’s important that I take you in doses.”

“For once, overdosing doesn’t sound too bad.”

“The medical board would have your head for saying something like that.”

“Let ’em.”

“What was your end game here?” She chuckled, standing in front of me, looking like a much better meal than the one I’d just eaten. I wanted to devour her next. “What are you trying to do, Milo? I’m no fool. I know you really well. What’s your aim?”

“To be your nigga.”

Nodding, she slowly backed up a bit.

“Haven’t we gone over this before?”

“Shit done changed.”

“It didn’t change soon enough,” she told me.

“I don’t like the idea of a stranger fathering your child,” I admitted. “It’s been on my mind all fucking night.”

“I didn’t like the idea, either, but it’s now or never for me. I’ve grown to appreciate the structure that will accompany having a child of my own without anyone to share them with. Unlimited hugs and kisses,” she joked.

“Is that really enough?”

“It has to be.”

“Give me three months, Nay. And everything on that master plan of yours, I can make happen for you. For us. I know we’re getting older and I, too, am ready for all that shit you are. I don’t see the issue with giving our situation another shot.”

“I can’t, Milo.”

“Why not?”

“All those years ago,” she said before pausing. “When you hurt me, Milo, I made myself a promise that I’m going to keep.”

“What’s that, Nay?”

She dropped her head before looking back up at me with pain in her smile. Sighing, she turned her head as the words fell from her lips.

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