“Sounds like it to me. Right now, I’m focused on my career and I’m okay with that.”
“But what happens when you hit that goal?”
“There’s always another one,” I replied.
“What about after work?”
“Oh God, you sound like Mom.”
“I am her daughter.” Paityn bumped my shoulder with hers. “Okay, I’ll stop. I just want you happy and fulfilled.”
I blew out a slow breath. “IfI decide to let someone into my heart, it’ll be whenIwant to do it. Until then, I’m good. I don’t need a man to feel fulfilled.”
“I never said you did. That’s not what this is about. I just haven’t seen you happy in years, not since…”
A pang of guilt nearly took my breath away. I groaned, unwilling to go any further with this conversation. I had stuff to do. “Girl! You’re a sex therapist. Stop trying to be my shrink.”
Paityn burst out laughing. “You’re silly for that.”
“Oh, I’m so serious. If you’re going to offer me therapy, how about you invent another B.A.D. so I can try that shit out.” My sister had successfully launched a naughty toy line. Her products were appealing to a growing number of young black men and women. I especially loved the dildo, Big Ass D, or B.A.D.
“It’s coming,” she offered. “You’ll be the first to get the prototype.”
“Thanks. Now, can we go get my smoothie? I’m thirsty.”
“Fine.” Paityn stood and pulled me to my feet. “I’m done playing Momma 2.0.”
“Good.”
It didn’t take us long to walk home after we stopped at the smoothie café. When we arrived, I noticed Maya’s car in the driveway.
“Is that Maya?” Paityn asked.
I nodded and knocked on the window. Maya jumped and motioned to her phone. Once she ended her call, she got out of the car. “Hi.” Paityn and Maya exchanged hugs. “So good to see you.”
“I know,” Tyn said. “It’s been a while.”
“We’ll have to catch up soon.” Maya glanced my way. “Have you seen this?” She held up her phone. I squinted my eyes and read the headline:who is dallas doing now?
My eyes widened when I saw the photograph. It was taken outside of my house, earlier in the week. With Preston.
Paityn leaned in, reading the small screen. “Oh, shit.”
My sister hated the word “shit.” Which meant this really was anOh,Shitmoment if she said it. “Exactly,” I murmured.
Paityn gasped. “Is that Preston?”
I shot Tyn a sidelong glare. “Yes.” I peered at Maya. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Is this your boyfriend?” Maya asked.
Shaking my head rapidly, I repeated the word no about five times before I added, “Not at all. He’s just a friend.”I’m such a freakin’ liar.That last interaction with him had proven there was more than simple friendship at play. One false move, and we would’ve been fucking again. Scuffed knee, bad hip, and all.
“Canhe be your man?”
“What?” The question was asked simultaneously—by me and Tyn.
“Look, I hate to do this. But this might not be a bad thing.” Maya held up her hand. “Hear me out. What if we go with it? He’s your friend. Would he mind coming to some events, playing the role? Just until this publicity blows over.”
