Page 42 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“With women?”

His eyes held mine. “Are you asking whether this is where I bring all my dates?”

“I’m curious.”

“No. I usually come with family or colleagues.” He reached for the wine list. “You’re the first woman I’ve brought here.”

Pleasure warmed my chest.

“Good answer.”

“It’s the truth.”

The waiter approached, and Elijah ordered wine after asking what I preferred. Once we were alone again, he rested his forearms on the table.

“How is Malik?”

I didn’t expect his first personal question to be about my son.

“He’s good. He’s with his father this weekend.”

“Does he enjoy spending time with him?”

“I think he does.” I considered my answer. “His father isn’t around as often as I’d like, but Malik knows him and loves him.”

“And how are you with him being away?”

“Checking my phone every twenty minutes.”

Elijah smiled. “I noticed.”

“You did?”

“You looked at it when we sat down and again after the waiter left.”

“I’m trying not to be that mother.”

“What kind of mother?”

“The one who can’t relax when her child isn’t with her.”

“You’ve cared for him every day for ten years. I imagine turning that awareness off would be difficult.”

The lack of judgment in his voice allowed my shoulders to loosen.

“It is,” I admitted. “Even when I trust the person keeping him.”

“What does Malik enjoy?”

The question reminded me of our previous conversation. Elijah remained interested in who Malik was, not merely what made him special needs.

“He loves music. Animated movies. Anything with superheroes. He likes watching basketball, even though I don’t think he understands everything happening in the game.”

“He might understand more than you realize.”

“He might.” I smiled. “And he loves being around people. Sometimes he watches quietly, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t paying attention.”

“What makes him laugh?”