At one time I may have been interested in Kendra. She’s very eloquent and sweet. But there’s no spark between us.
“Caine teaches high schoolers too,” my mother adds, as though what I do is in any way similar to Kendra.
“Mama, how did you and Kendra meet?” I ask, trying to take the attention off me.
“We met at the grocery store about two months ago. I’ve been playing bridge with her mother for years but had never met Kendra. It was a happy coincidence to see her at the market today,” my mother says.
I don’t buy a word of what she’s saying. I’d bet my left nut Kendra’s mother called my mom and told her to go to the market. Coincidence, my ass.
After everyone finishes eating, I stand to help collect all the dishes and put them in the washer. As I scrape off the food into the trash, Kendra walks in with a few more dishes.
“Would it make this less weird if I told you I just broke up with my boyfriend and have no interest in dating right now?” she asks hurriedly. “Really, I thought this was just a dinner with your mom and sister,” Kendra adds.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her as I place the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. “I’m just in a weird place.”
“Caine, really, I’m serious. I really just broke up with my boyfriend last night. I’m not interested in you. I mean, I’m sure you’re great,” she says, holding her hands up.
“I’ve been single for a while,” I explain. “I think my parents think I’m gonna die alone.” I shrug my shoulder in resignation.
“I’m very familiar with that,” Kendra says with a half-smile. “My ex and I were together for five years. I finally ended it because I knew he’d never propose. Relationships are… well, they’re complicated. And less than twenty-four hours single, my mother is already trying to find me someone new,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“I will say you probably should have dumped his ass fouryears ago. Five years is a long time to wait.”
Kendra’s eyes begin to mist, and I feel like an ass for saying anything.
“He’s the ass, not you.” I say, trying again.
“Thanks. I appreciate the sentiment,” she replies with a chuckle. She runs a hand through her hair and looks at me ruefully. “Would you mind letting your mom know I had to go? I think if I stay, she might continue to push this, and honestly, I’m not ready to date anyone right now.”
I nod and walk Kendra to the front door. Now that it’s established that neither one of us is interested in the other, I can relax and let my guard down.
“Have a good night,” I tell her as she walks out.
“What happened?” my mom asks when I walk back into the kitchen. Her mouth hangs open in shock as she regards me.
“She wanted to leave. Come on, Mama, you know I’m no good with setups and she just got out of a long-term thing—a five-year relationship. I’m no one’s rebound.” I raise a brow.
My mother walks over to me and grabs my hand, pulling me to the living room for privacy. We sit on the loveseat, and my mom turns and regards me with unbridled sadness.
“Tell me about her.” My mother pats my thigh.
“There’s nothing to tell. I met a woman, and well, I didn’t get her number,” I explain with frustration.
“So go back and get it.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “She isn’t from here; she was driving through town,” I explain. “I lost my chance,” I add. I sit back and cover my face. “I can’t shake it, Mama. I’m so annoyed with myself.”
“Oh, honey.”
But she doesn’t offer me any words. I just sit beside my mother, festering in my frustration.
Chapter Eleven
Mikayla
Soft lips, hmm. Warm, large hands move up my body. I moan as the scruff of his beard rubs against my neck.
He moves down my body, cupping my breasts, and I arch into his hands wanting more, needing more.
