Page 18 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

For now, I wanted the chance to learn who he was without placing Malik in the middle of something that might not grow beyond dinner. I tapped my mother’s name.

She answered on the second ring.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey, Ma. Before I ask you this, remember how much you love your only daughter.”

“What do you want?”

“Why do I have to want something?”

“Because you led with emotional manipulation.”

I laughed and tucked my bare foot beneath me. “Are you busy Friday night?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether this has anything to do with that doctor you mentioned.”

My mouth fell open. “How do you know that?”

“I’m your mother.”

“That is not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting.”

I glanced toward Malik as he knocked his cup onto the floor and laughed at the mess.

“Can you keep Malik for a few hours?”

Amelia hummed knowingly.

“Ma.”

“A few hours?”

“Yes.”

“Will those few hours turn into Saturday morning?”

“Errr, nope.”

“You don’t sound sure.”

“I’m almost sure.”

“Pack overnight clothes for my grandbaby.”

“If you insist.”

She grunted.

“I love you.”

“You better.”