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I nodded. “He did. And he said if he has to put his hands on him every time to let him know he doesn’t get to break me again, then so be it.”
Avyn shuddered. “Whew! That’s a good man, Savannah,” she said, mocking Waiting to Exhale. “I’m claiming him for you, boo. That right there is going to be your man.”
“He’s just my friend, Avyn.”
“Please! That man doesn’t want just to be your friend. What did you think he meant by being your friend until you no longer wanted friendship, Pash? He’s leaving the door open. As soon as you give him the green light, he will make you his woman.”
“I don’t know about all that.”
“Well, I do. I see it in his eyes. Malcolm vouched for him. He says he’s a good guy with good intentions. He’s not one of these men who runs game or tries to sleep with every woman he encounters. He’s all about his sister, his niece, and his money. He ain’t for the streets.”
“How does Malcolm even know him?”
She kissed her teeth. “Girl, that man knows a little of everybody. Apparently, Callum provides car services for the policeman’s ball and several other city official events from time to time. They’ve been friends for years.”
“It’s a small world.”
“I see double dates in our future!”
“You are way too excited about this.”
She laughed. “So, what if I am? You deserve a good man, Pasha. You put up with that mess for too long. If you can come out of this marriage with a healthy, loving relationship with a good man, I’m all for it.”
“So when are you going to get a good man, Avyn? I hear about Malcolm more than any of these other guys you casually date.”
She blushed. “I do like him, okay? He’s been asking to be official for a while.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“Full transparency? I’m scared, Pasha. Seeing what you went through... I don’t think I’d have the mental capacity to handle that. When I love, I love hard. And if you break my heart, I’m gonna end up in jail. He’s a cop. Girl, they would throw the book at me. I’m too pretty to be somebody’s prison bitch for the rest of my life.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her. Although she was making fun, I knew she was serious. I’d seen her heartbroken before, and I even feared for that man’s life. We were in our early twenties, and she was dating this guy who had about four years on us. She was so in love, and when she caught him cheating on her, she beat him pretty badly.
I set my knife down and grabbed her hands. “You deserve a good man too, Avyn. You’re a good person with an amazing heart. Don’t let fear keep you from being happy.”
She smiled. “Hi, Pot, I’m Kettle.”
I playfully rolled my eyes as I dropped her hands. “I can’t with you. Seriously, though. I’ve watched you with Malcolm over the last couple of months. I could tell you are into him more than you let on. He seems like a good guy.”
“Just like Callum.”
“I’d feel weird dating while I’m going through a divorce. I mean, it won’t be over for a while.”
“If Raymond can parade around town with his tramp, so can you. Just tell me... Are you attracted to him?”
“I mean... He’s attractive. Very attractive. And I like his energy. I can’t say I’m attracted to him so soon. We’ll see how this friendship pans out, and I’ll get back to you on that.”
I almost regretted that as soon as I said it. The smile on her face was bright and wide. I knew I could expect to be asked for an update after update from her and the girls because she was sure to relay the message.
Chapter Fourteen
Callum
“Ready or not, here I come!”
I crouched down in the dark corner of the closet I was hiding in. I was on uncle duty since Precious’s day care was closed for a small renovation this week. So far today, we’d colored, had a tea party, and she had me take her to get a manicure and pedicure. The women in the shop couldn’t get over how cute she was. Now, if I had been interested, I would have worked that in my favor too.
Many of them were smiling in my face and telling me what a good uncle I was to babysit. I got compliments on my looks, and a few of them asked if I was single. One even slipped me her number before she left. My niece had unofficially become my wingwoman, and she didn’t even know it. Alas, I threw the number away. She was a beautiful woman, but again, I wasn’t interested.
