My parents just stared.
“And you are…?” my father finally asked.
“Mekhi Venzant,” he said, offering his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
My father took it reluctantly, but Mekhi’s handshake looked firm and respectful. My mother glanced at me.Venzant?she mouthed.
I nodded quickly. Mekhi looked between them and then — God help me — pulled out the empty chair beside me.
“May I?”
Absolutely not!I opened my mouth to say it, but my mama beat me to it.
“Sure!” she beamed.
Ol’ friendly ass. Mekhi sat.
Mama smiled over at him. “So, Mr. Venzant, my daughter tells us you two are dating.”
I dropped my face into my hands.
“I guess the cat is out of the bag!” Mekhi said diplomatically. “I’m glad. Your daughter is a remarkable woman.”
My father’s eyes narrowed. “In what way?”
I scowled at him. What kind of question was that? I was remarkable in plenty of ways! Mekhi turned to me, and the look he gave me made my chest tighten.
“In every way that matters,” he said simply.
Oh, my God. Even though I knew we were acting, I died a little bit. Just put me in the dirt.
He continued, “She’s so smart. Disciplined about her education. Very funny. Stronger than she realizes. And one of the most caring people I’ve met.”
He looked and sounded so sincere. My mother made a soft sound of approval. My father’s mouth dropped open. And every bone in my body liquefied.
“And before you worry,” Mekhi added, “I take her safety, her comfort, and her priorities very seriously. She’s focused on school, and I support her fully.”
Okay, he was venturing toward overkill, now. Nigga sounded like he’d memorized a brochure titled “How to Impress Strict Parents 101.”
My mother’s posture softened. “And what is it you do, Mr. Venzant?”
This man, who was probably planning to murder our stalker, smiled politely, looking like an advertisement for sexy, Black professionalism.
“I’m in finance,” he said. “But I dabble in real estate, logistics, private equity. I started young, so I’ve been fortunate.”
“Fortunate?” my father repeated. “You’re—” He pulled out his phone, typed quickly, and his eyes widened. “You’re…thisMekhi Venzant?”
I fought not to roll my eyes. Daddy was over here sounding like Hyacinth. Whatever he’d pulled up impressed him.
Mekhi chuckled lightly. “Yes, sir.”
My father sat back, stunned into temporary silence. He showed Mama the phone. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “Well, that certainly explains the nice suit.”
Mekhi smiled toward me. “I came from a meeting. Otherwise, I’d be in something more relaxed.”
My mother nodded approvingly. My father nodded a half-second later, still wondering how to feel.
“So, Farrah will be staying with you for a little while longer,” my father said carefully.
