“Men do this every day,” she added. “If he can handle it, who are we to say he’s wrong?”
“I guess it’s a little different because he was around her … and Ezra. He acted like his uncle.”
“Because he was.”
“He wasn’t, though.”
“No, he was. According to Ana, they did this legally. They signed contracts, went to a clinic. He relinquished his parental rights. I’m sure he never thought Gemma wouldn’t be here to raise her son. Life is tearing him up right now. Not only did he lose his best friend, but now he has to figure out what to do with the child he never agreed to raise. Don’t be too hard on him.”
Shame washed over me. Because I knew that. Deep down inside, I knew he wasn’t a bum-ass nigga like my father. For a brief moment, I’d let myself go there, but it never felt right.
“Rissa?”
“You’re right. Instead of judging, I should’ve been there for him. I left so fast I’m sure he thinks I’m pissed.”
“Well, you were angry.”
“Because I feel things I didn’t expect to feel, Mom.”
“Then maybe it’s time for you to voice those feelings.”
Shaking my head rapidly, I said, “I’m not ready.”
“I get it. You put your hopes and dreams in Rick’s hands and he dropped the ball. But the rest of your life doesn’t have to be sad because somethingsadhappened to you. Trust me, I know. You should talk to him.”
“I will,” I agreed.
As we neared my house, I replayed our last night together in my head. He’d told me he dreamed of being with me. He pleaded with me to let him make love to me.
Then, he did.
And I loved every minute of it.
Shit, Idolove him.
“It’s okay, Rissa,” my mother said, seemingly sensing my thoughts. “You don’t have to tell him you’re in love with him yet.”
I gasped.
“Emotions are heightened. It’s okay to let things settle down before you truly examine your feelings and determine if this is what you really want.”
Swallowing rapidly, I croaked. “Thank you for saying that.”
“I’m always here to tell you the hard truth.”
“In your blunt way.”
“Now, I have to know, what made you throw caution to the wind?”
“Honestly, I loved his vibe.” And his eyes, the shape of his nose, that million-dollar smile, and the subtle swag that made him irresistible. Then, there were all the small details about him that hid beneath his armor. “And he looks good.”
She snapped her fingers. “He’s a fine young thing. Beautiful. Like a tall, lean work of art. I wouldn’t pass it up either.”
“Regine Alexander!”
“That’s Mom to you.”
“Mom, I love you.”
