Page 62 of What I Needed

“Me too. Did your sister tell you she got accepted to Black Elm University?”

My eyes widened in surprise.

“No. I didn’t even know she applied.”

“BEU is her top choice, so it looks like this time next year, we might be neighbors.”

“Neighbors? Why can’t you live here with me?”

She frowned. “Boy, I need my own space. You’ve been trying to spend money on me since you got drafted, so now you can buy me a house out here in Cali.”

“Are you serious, Ma? Don’t get me excited for no reason.”

“Unless Rylee changes her mind, Cali, here we come.”

I’d wanted my mother with me from the beginning, but she had her own life to live and Rylee to consider. This news had made my day, but I managed to contain my excitement.

“You hear that, baby girl? Your granny and titi are moving to Cali.”

Riverlynn squealed as if her day had been made by the news, too, causing my mother and me to laugh. I already had a realtor in mind for her to use and couldn’t wait for her to start her search.

“I tried to talk your mother out of this, but she insisted,” Erissa said.

I was behind the wheel of the SUV that she’d been driving, and we were headed to Elm Street Blues for our six o’clock reservation.

“You don’t want to have dinner with me?”

“That’s not what I said or meant.”

“Explain.”

She huffed in annoyance.

“This was not your original plan, and I didn’t want you to feel forced to go on a date with me.”

“I don’t feel forced, but I have to warn you, I haven’t been on a date in over a decade. Hopefully, I haven’t forgotten how to be a gentleman.”

“Based on what I’ve seen of your behavior, I think you should be okay.”

We rode the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. I glanced at Erissa every so often, and she was focused on the view outside her window. I didn’t force a conversation, because we would have plenty of time to talk over dinner.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I helped her out of the SUV, and we walked toward the building, holding hands. It was a miracle I didn’t trip over my own feet because I could hardly stop looking at her. She wore a black, sleeveless, one-piece catsuit with a cropped yellow jacket and heels to match.

Her long legs, flat stomach, narrow waist, and plump, round ass were perfect for that outfit. Her taller-than-average height had a few more inches added in the heels, but I still had at least six inches on her, which I loved.

“If my mother and sister weren’t within earshot when you came downstairs, I would’ve said some very inappropriate things to you. As soon as I laid eyes on you, my dick got hard.”

“I’m glad you like the visual I provide, but you’re exaggerating.”

“The hell I am. You fine as hell, Erissa, and this outfit . . . Let’s just say I hate that your pussy ain’t more accessible in it. I might have had my way with you on the way here.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but I’m also honest.”

“I don’t dress up often, especially in heels, so I appreciate your compliment.”

Once we made it inside, we were seated in the back corner of the restaurant. It was the most private area in the place, but I was sure we’d still end up on the blogs.