“I guess I’ll find out the day I meet him.”
The thought makes my stomach flip. My smile slips before I can catch it and she frowns. “Do you not want that?” she asks.
I don’t, but if she’s going to be part of my life, it’s inevitable. I have to choose my words carefully to answer her honestly. “I do, of course. Sure. Next time he’s in town, we’ll make it happen…Just remember, he’s a showman. He’s obsessed withThe Great Gatsbyand thinks he’s the modern-day reincarnation of Mansa Musa.”
“It’s amazing how far the apple fell from the tree.”
“I’m glad you think so, but what are we going to do about the fact that your parents hate my father?”
“Oh yeah.. that.” She chuckles until she sees the unease drawing my mouth into a straight, grim line. “What do you think will happen once they know?” she asks.
I laugh without any humor. “Oh, I don’t know. I imagine they might not be thrilled to know the son of the man who ruined their lives has been eating at their table and sleeping next to their daughter.”
She tuts in disapproval but reaches across the table and takes my hands into hers. The contact grounds me and reminds me what I have to lose all at once.
I link our fingers and press our palms together. “Do we have to tell them?” I ask with a chuckle to hide my deep unease.
“Kwame, they don’t really hate him. I think, deep down they knowit was a bad investment but—”
“But he was such an asshole about it, he made himself the villain of the story,” I finish the sentence for her.
“But,”she squeezes my hand for emphasis,“their pride has made him a convenient boogie man.And your mom more than made up for it. They should know that’s what inspired her gift. Andyoushould trust that they care about you. Even if they’re upset at first, they’ll be fine. I’ll come with you. We’ll do it together.”
I let go of a breath that feels like I’ve been holding for months and it carries words I’ve been holding back out of my mouth with it. “I love you, Sin.” The silence that follows my declaration isn't awkward and I'm not sorry I said it even as I watch her struggle to receive it. “You don’t have to say—”
“I love you, too Kwame. So much.” She leans back in her seat, her eyes grow heavy lidded, and her smile makes me sorry we’re not alone.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I got you a present.”
“Did you?”
She stands and nods. “It’s something you can eat.”
I rub my stomach. “You know usFantsefoare always ready for a good meal.”
She leans over so her blouse falls forward to reveal a bright yellow lacy bra. “Let’s go home, so I can feed you.”
Chapter Forty
Kwame
Official
“I should tell you,” Sin whispers in the dark. We’re in bed, wrapped in each other, naked, clean, slathered in that body lotion of hers, and exhausted from a vigorous session of fucking and a nice long shower. “I’m not sure how to do this part.”
“What part?” I trace circles on her arm.
“Relationships. I’m so used to doing everything myself. I’m not great at asking for help.”
“Good thing I’m pretty good at offering it before you have to. I can’t read minds so you’re going to have to get better at that part.”
I stroke a hand down her arm and she snuggles close. She runs her toes up my leg. “I love how hairy you are.”
“Hmmm.” I pretend to contemplate what she said. “I think that counts as you expressing yourself.” I pull her closer.
“So we’re doing this?”
“Yes. No more ‘just’ anything when it comes us. From now on it’s all, everything, completely, and ten toes down.”
