Page 223 of Worth the Trip

“That sound like Nyla.”

Malcolm took another bite. “She told me to go coach something.”

“And you’re pleased?”

“She could’ve told me to get the hell away from her.”

“She ain’t tell you yes either.”

“I know.” He looked at me. “I’m flirting, not filing a claim.”

“Good.”

“You worse than HR.”

“My woman gotta hear whatever foolishness you do with her sister.”

“She gon’ hear I was charming.”

“She gon’ hear whatever version Nyla tells.”

Malcolm paused.

“Damn.”

“Exactly.”

He looked toward the booth. “Still worth the risk.”

I laughed and shook my head.

My attention found Nolani again.

Fine as hell.

That was obvious.

What got me now was everything beauty had introduced me to afterward.

She was crouched beside a little girl holding a book, listening like the whole festival could wait until that child finished explaining whatever mattered on the page. Earlier, I’d watched her start toward a problem at the booth, catch herself, and let her people handle it.

Hershey had come to Self Springs with her own work, her own purpose, and her own people.

I liked seeing my city make room for her without swallowing anything that already belonged to her.

Malcolm followed my attention.

“Man.”

“What?”

“You gone.”

“Where?”

“That woman.” I looked at him. He laughed. “You know exactly what I mean.”

“Yeah.”