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“Really?”

“Yeah. My brother and I grew up with our grandmother because sadly, my mom died during childbirth. My grandma had what we called a shotgun house; it was old and a bit rickety, but it was home. I remember the days my brother and I walked to school; we’d walk through the wealthy neighborhoods and point out the houses we’d buy when we got older. Our childhood dreams became a reality,” Dante said. Pride covered his face as he spoke about his humble beginnings.

“Wow,” Myla said, clearly impressed. “That’s amazing. Did you and your brother get the chance to spoil your grandmother?” She was so intrigued by his life story that she forgot she was supposed to be showering and getting dressed.

The prideful look disappeared, replaced by something somber. He sighed.

“No, unfortunately not. My grandmother and my brother are no longer here. My grandmother died years ago when I was a senior in high school. My brother was an EMT. The ambulance he was driving was involved in a head-on collision in 2015,” Dante added.

It felt as if the temperature in the room had shifted. When he began his story, pride covered his entire face. Now, he looked as if he wanted to cry.

“I apologize if I made you relive any painful memories. I’m so accustomed to talking and asking questions when I’m at work. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is my patient,” Myla added sincerely.

“No apologies needed. Anytime my grandma is mentioned, I get emotional. Not because I’m upset; it’s because I miss her. I’ve never found another person as supportive as she was. She encouraged us and pushed us to always go after what we wanted. Damn Dr. Pleasant, you’re good. I haven’t told this story in years. I could’ve sworn I asked you a question about your home. How did I end up talking about myself?” Dante asked, then laughed awkwardly.

Myla joined in on the laughter because, truthfully, he hadn’t been the only person who said that about her.

“I think it’s just my inviting personality. Your grandmother did an amazing job speaking life into you. But you’re right; you did ask a question. I wasn’t avoiding it. It just saddened me. This home was a graduation gift from my dad.

“He gave Miranda and me deeds and keys to our homes as graduation gifts. I guess he cared about me back then. He told me that he didn’t want me or Miranda to ever worry about paying rent or a mortgage while we were establishing our future. He said the only thing he wanted was for me and my husband to fill this home with love, laughter, and some grandkids. I could do love and laughter, but being a mom is not for me. I prefer to focus on work, my studies, and traveling. I hate to admit it, but I’m too selfish for motherhood.

“Instead of doing things the traditional way, I did things my way. I filled the home with life of a different sort. Large green plants, sculptures, and colorful art. My patient, Evangeline Rowe, did the interior design, and her ex-husband did the renovations. My home is my place of peace, and I don’t want anything that could disrupt my peace here,” Myla admitted.

“You think kids would disrupt your peace?” he asked.

“I do,” she answered honestly.

“I respect everything you just said. You had your life mapped out and wouldn’t change it. So, just to clarify, it’s a definite no on the kids?” Dante asked.

“It is a hell no to kids. My niece is enough. She digs into my pockets without a care in the world,” Myla laughed. “But seriously, I’m starving. If you want, you can make yourself at home. If you’d like to watch TV, the remote is on the end table. I’m going upstairs to take a quick shower. I’ll only be about fifteen minutes.”

“Take as much time as you need. Today is all about you.”

Dante watched as Myla ran up the stairs to what he assumed were her bedroom and bathroom. Pulling out his phone, he typed in Meyers Estate and began to read:

Meyers Estates is one of four historically black neighborhoods in Lawton. It was established in 1875 by Doctor Leon Meyers. Meyers, a former enslaved sharecropper, wanted to build a community Far from the hardships he had previously endured.

Meyers gathered roughly twenty of his friends to help establish a community where African Americans could flourish and thrive without chaos. Meyers Estate has clinics, libraries, banks, schools, etc. Meyers Estates is one of the wealthiest black neighborhoods in the entire state.

“Wealthiest black neighborhoods in the entire state. Goddamn!” Dante let out a low whistle as he typed Myla’s address into Zillow.

4658 Meyers Estate is off the market. Sold for $700,000.

Looking at all the upgrades, renovations, and add-ons, I know this house is worth over $1,000,000 now, Dante thought as calculations of someone else’s funds began to compute in his head.

The moment Myla said she and her best friend received houses as graduation gifts, he knew this family was wealthy. He had never heard of Meyers Estates, but now that he had, he knew he’d be exploring this area in its entirety.

She did say make myself at home, Dante thought as he prepared to walk into what appeared to be a home office. His steps halted when he heard Myla descending the stairs.

“Hope I didn’t take too long,” Myla shouted as she came down the stairs. Black leggings, knee-high riding boots, crop-top sweater, and Dante’s suit jacket.

The simple ensemble was stunning. Dante had seen her full physique in her gown, but somehow seeing her thick thighs in the leggings, along with her hair in a messy bun, had his third leg pulsating.

“Are we going to breakfast or a photo shoot?” Dante joked.

“Mr. Helgard, we can do both. I am capable of all things, except driving. I am a certified passenger princess. So, tell your exes and your groupies that you are currently on my time and you’ll be chauffeuring me around,” Myla said sweetly as she showed off two rows of perfectly aligned teeth.

“I’m single. I don’t have a wife or girlfriend, and no, I don’t have any kids. It’s just me. Just an FYI, I wouldn’t touch my ex with another man’s penis, and I don’t have any groupies. I work and go home. If I had someone, I wouldn’t be at your house, and even though it was brief, I wouldn’t have allowed you to come to mine. I’m a one-woman man. Now that you’re done being slick about my personal life, can we go get something to eat, please?” Dante asked as he opened the door.