She stared out at the scene unfolding on the beach, a soft smile on her lips. “Not right now. I’ll wait until you’re ready to talk.”
“You could be waiting forever.”
Ma tapped her chin with her forefinger. “No,” she said simply. “It won’t take that long.” She ran a finger over my cheek. That gesture had been a lifesaver more times than not. “My baby boy. You’re my genius. You know a lot about everything. So talented. So confident. So smart. So gifted. I’m pretty sure I’ve told you this before, but I need you to know that there’s nothing…” When I averted my gaze, she turned my head back to face her. “Nothingyou could ever do that would make me turn my back on you. Nothing.”
I leaned into her palm as unexpected tears filled my eyes. “You don’t know everything.”
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t need or want to know everything about my children. Part of life is making mistakes, choosing the wrong woman, taking crazy risks even when you know better. Despite what youthinkyou’ve done that is so unforgivable, I love you regardless. Your faults, your bad decisions don’t define you. When you realize that, you’ll be ready to have that conversation. Deep down, you already know this. Which is why you met with Carolyn last month.” I frowned, but she rushed on, “You’re not the only one that be knowing shit.”
I barked out a laugh. “Ma, you just saidshit.”
She held out a hand. “Butyoushouldn’t say it. Give me my money.”
Chuckling, I handed her a hundred-dollar-bill. “We still have a whole night of movies. I’m sure I’ll slip up some more.”
Ma embraced me, providing me comfort I didn’t know I needed. “I better head inside and wake your father up. Let them know we’ll start in fifteen. Bishop ordered the pizza half an hour ago.”
I nodded. “Got it.”
Before she walked into the house, she turned to me. “By the way, you know Demi is more than alright. Stop playin’.”
Laughing, I told her, “She’s none of my business.”
Ma studied me for a moment. “That’s where you’re wrong. You’ll see.”
ChapterNine
GO CRAZY
Demi
Igrew up on guard, afraid to utter a word because it might have set my father off, scared to close my eyes for fear that I’d wake up to more heartbreak. As a result, silence was my home, my solace, my strength. The world around me was loud, but I was at my strongest when I was silent.
After Dorian moved out and the holidays were over, I settled into my new normal. The first few days were good. I had my work to keep me company. While I got a lot of shit done, I found myself missing the noise, the laughter. Being around everyone at Christmas had restored my soul in a way that made me feel invigorated. Which cemented my decision to move. I wanted to be around my family.
My assistant knocked on my office door. Stepping into the office, she grinned. “You have company.”
Behind her, Duke poked his head in. “I’m hungry. Let’s get lunch.”
I smiled, grabbing my purse and slipping on my blazer. “What are you thinking?” On my way out of the office, I gave him a hug.Did he always smell this good? Like spices and dark wood, mixed with a hint of coffee.
Duke placed a hand on the small of my back and steered me out of my office. AndDamn. Was that a spark? “Do you have a taste for something?” he asked.
“Not really. You choose.”
The corners of his mouth quirked up. “I got you.”
“Then, lead the way.”
We settled on Korean cuisine at a restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard. I loved dining out with Duke because he’d opened my mind and tastebuds to food I would’ve never tried before. And this Bulgogi I had was fire.
I moaned as I sampled the grilled beef. “This is delicious.” I speared another piece with my fork and held it out to him.
He leaned forward and ate it, nodding. “Good shit.”
“I’m telling you… every time I’m with you I gain five pounds. Or more.”
Chuckling, he said, “That’s the plan.”
