Page 26 of Pretty

I forgot I was still clutching the domino in my hand.

“Nah, that nigga’s trying to figure out how to keep Jamarian from spitting game to old girl,” TeQuon Riley, a professional gambler, remarked.

I laughed. “Listen, they’re both grown-ass adults. If he can shoot his shot, and she goes for it, that’s on them. Twenty-five!” I shouted and slammed the domino on the table.

“That’s you, man?” Jamarian asked, glancing from me to Pretty.

I recalled her emphasis on the fact that we were friends and nothing more. I wanted to say “Hell, yeah, she’s mine,” but I had no right. Instead, I replied, “Nah, she’s my neighbor.”

Jamarian cupped his fist to his lips and chuckled. “So, she’s fair game?”

“She’s a lady, man, not a game. If you step your crude ass to her, come correct. She’s high class.”

He arched an eyebrow and looked at the other fellows at the table. “His ass is gone,” Jamarian professed. “I’ma back up.”

Everyone else muttered their agreement.

I ignored them with a shake of my head. “Your turn, dawg.” I nodded toward the table.

Everyone’s attention was back on the game, and for the moment Pretty was all but forgotten by the fellas. I stole a glance and saw that she was tied up with my sister and cousin, Anya, for the moment.

We finished the game five minutes later, and I grabbed my beer and headed over to Pretty.

Her head shifted slightly. It was so subtle it could have been missed, except I didn’t seem able to miss anything about that woman.

My sister touched her hand, and then she and Anya left.

“I hope they didn’t bore you,” I greeted, walking up from behind her to stand beside her.

“Not at all. They’re hilarious and gracious hosts, I might add.”

“Good.”

“I can’t say the same thing for the man of the house, though,” she added. A teasing grin danced at the corners of her lips.

“Excuse me?”

“Well, you invited me, and I believe it took you all of fifteen minutes to come and say hello,” she explained with a glance at her watch.

“My bad. I was caught up in a game. I came as soon as we finished.”

She lifted an eyebrow with a teasing smirk. “A gracious host always excuses himself to welcome new guests, as your sister did.”

“I’ll remember that in the future. Would you like something to eat?”

“No, I’m fine, thanks. I just thought I’d come over to show my face.”

“I appreciate that. How about something to drink? I’ve got wine, bottled water, juices—all the things you like.”

“How do you know my favorite things to drink?”

“I pay attention. I know what you like.”

“Mm. You’re not the only one.”

“Oh yeah? What do I like to drink?”

“Cognac and any form of sports drinks that happens to be red. Oh yeah, and bottled water.”