Page 61 of The Switch: A Friends To Lovers Romance

“Nothing wrong?” His mother scoffed. “You shamed our entire family by pursuing someone your parents do not approve of. You—”

“That’s enough,” Yeye said. He didn’t raise his voice, but his mother immediately shut her mouth and dipped her head.

“Yes, Yeye.”

Nai Nai frowned. She stood behind Yeye’s chair, her eyes fixed on Ashanti. “What does your father do for a living, dear?”

“Uh, he’s a professor at a university.”

“What does he teach?”

“Physics.”

“Interesting,” Yeye mused.

Luke scanned his grandparent’s faces. “Why are you asking about her father?”

Yeye waved a hand in his direction but continued addressing Ashanti. “And what do you do?”

“I’m a journalist for the Belize National Paper.”

Yeye’s eyes lit up. “Is that so.”

“Y-yes?” Ashanti blinked.

“I read that newspaper every morning,” Yeye said.

Nai Nai smiled. “It’s a part of his day. Like eating breakfast and taking medicine.”

“I’m afraid I don’t pay much attention to the writers, only the stories. What type of articles are you in charge of?”

“There aren’t enough writers that we cover only one type of story. I’ve written everything from political pieces to natural disasters.”

“Fascinating.” Yeye leaned forward. “How does it all work?”

His mother’s face reddened. “Can we stay on topic here, please?”

“Know your place.” Nai Nai made a hissing sound. “Everything will be handled in due time. Trust me.”

Awkward silence descended.

Luke watched her sink back into the crowd of his relatives. He hated when anyone spoke harshly to his mom, but there was a part of him that thought she deserved it.

“Well?” Yeye asked.

Ashanti had stopped trembling and seemed to be loosening up. Even in this highly uncomfortable scene, she came alive when she spoke about her job.

Some people were born with talent and Ashanti was born to write.

Her voice rose with confidence. “Normally, the editor will receive tips or calls from the public about a car accident or a fire. Sometimes, we hound the police station for new stories when the tips aren’t particularly newsworthy that day. And sometimes, we investigate on our own.”

“And have you ever done an investigation?”

“Actually, I’m conducting one right now.” To his surprise, Ashanti grabbed a chair and pulled it up to Nai Nai. “Do you want to sit? This will take a while.”

Nai Nai chuckled in delight. “Why, thank you.”

“No problem.” Ashanti’s hands gestured wildly as she spoke. “So I’m working on a case with a drug dealer targeting teenagers. This guy is making criminals out of high school kids.”

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