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“Not like this. She hasn’t been to this house.” His mother motioned her hand around his living room.
Apparently his mother wasn’t over their past either. Why should she be upset? Didn’t she get what she wanted when Chantelle left for college? Didn’t he listen to her advice because he’d been young and heartbroken at his mistakes?
How would his life have turned if he didn’t listen to his mother? Even his father co-signed. It didn’t surprise Lance. It was rare that his parents didn’t agree, especially with his decisions. Did they mean well, as they claimed to?
Lance focused on his mother. “She grew up here, Mom. Besides, I told you I didn’t know myself. Maybe they thought it was a good idea.”
“We can request someone else.” His mother reached inside her purse and showed him her cell phone. “I only have to make one phone call. What will people say if they see—”
“Who cares what they think? I’m over it.” Lance returned to his seat. He clenched his jaw.
“You and Andrea are the talk of the town. You’re a power couple, and I don’t think your ex-girl—I mean Chantelle writing the story will look good to the people,” his mother said. “Delta Heights has grown, but there are those that remember. I don’t want our good name attached to... you know.”
Scandal. It was the same word she’d used ten years ago. Lance’s gaze flicked upward. He needed air. He wanted the wedding to be over. If only he could talk to Andrea.
He didn’t lie to Chantelle about his fiancé’s sweet and kind heart. He cared about her. Lance recalled his proposal at the Taylor Gala.
Andrea had stood in her black floor-length gown. Black cloths covered the tables while name cards designated who sat where. Crystal and fine china and cloth napkins decorated the tables while scented candles and fresh flowers filled the air.
He had gotten down on one knee in the middle of the dance floor, taking out the princess cut diamond.
“Marry me, Andrea?” He had asked, his heart palpitating inside his chest. There. He had said it.
She covered her mouth with her hands for a moment. “Really?”
He took her left hand and placed the ring on her finger. She had shrieked and bobbed her head. The crowd cheered in the background as he hugged her to his chest. He had swallowed excessively that night. Shouldn’t he have felt happier?
“Lance?”
Tuning in back to their conversation, he licked his lips. “I need to finish some work.”
“You have your fitting for your tuxedo today.” His mother pointed at him.
“You can’t reschedule it?”
“This suit is tailor made. You have to go.”
“Give me an hour?” Because of his schedule, he hadn’t been back to his favorite place in a long time. He would visit today, not to mention the community center. He’d missed the kids. Kids. Lance wouldn’t go there.
His mother grabbed her purse and stood to her feet. “Very well. I swear, it’s as if you don’t want to get married. It better have nothing to do with her.”
Lance didn’t respond, but headed back to his bedroom. His mother could let herself out.
He paced his room once he entered. Checking his watch, he could make it to the center before making his next stops. The smiles on the kids’ faces would lift his spirits.
Lance needed a diversion, so he grabbed his briefcase and headed for his car. He drove in silence and released deep breaths. Pulling into the parking lot of the commercial steel building, he left his briefcase inside and walked inside the building towards one classroom.
With school almost out, some students came for tutoring, but the kids that filled the building were a mix from the town orphanage, two-parent homes, and single-parent homes.
He didn’t see Sadie at her desk, so he made his way to the basketball court. Lance stuffed his hands in his pockets as he watched the boys play. They came almost every day after school and today was no different. One of his pupils, Zane, smiled when he saw him.
“Hey guys, it’s Mr. Lance.” Zane shot his three-pointer and ran over to greet his mentor.
“What’s up guys? How was school? Finals were this week, right?”
“Them teachers don’t know what they talkin’ about. I can’t wait for the summer.”
Lance eyeballed him.
