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“Hell yeah, and I think it’s a great idea,” Mercedes replied as they headed down the hall.
“Why don’t you agree, Lex?” Lei asked.
“Because they obviously did something bad to be arrested. Is it really wise to hook them up with someone outside those bars? I just think a lot of women are setting themselves up to be used and possibly physically hurt and abused if they deal with these men when they get out of prison.”
Infinity asked, “Y’all talking about the pen pal dating option?” as they entered the spa.
“Your dad started that, didn’t he?” Yandi confirmed, looking at Lei.
“He did. Apparently, one of his friends was severely depressed while doing a life sentence years ago and committed suicide because he was so lonely. Daddy felt moved by it and decided to start the program so those that were doing their time and missing that human connection could have people to talk to.”
While Mercedes set top shelf brands of tequila on the rectangular table, Lexus pulled out a bottle of Hennessy.
“That’s sweet in theory, but I just don’t think it’s safe,” Lexus said, maintaining her stance.
“Listen, I’ve been burned by more men in church and the corporate world than men in the streets,” Mercedes shared, and even if she didn’t want to, Lei had to agree.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they began to fix their plates and drinks. The spa was all white and gold, like the rest of the main rooms in her home. She had cream furniture in some spaces, but in the spa, the chairs were gold and bronze. Her master and guest bedrooms were black and silver. Lei’s chill room, game room, and movie theater were less uniform in design with pieces of furniture and games that she’d collected over the years whether they matched what else was in the room or not.
Once they were all comfortable with their plates and drinks, Lei said, “I admire what my dad is doing. Not all men and women that are locked up are guilty, and even some that are guilty of the crimes they committed have changed. I think it’s noble to give them a chance to have love and companionship if they genuinely deserve it.”
“So you’d sign up and date one of them?” Yandi asked with a playful smile.
“I mean…” Lei shrugged, smirking herself. “The last corporate man I fell in love with cheated on me with my sister and got her pregnant. No bad boy I dated ever did anything as bad as that.”
“Damn,” Lexus mumbled before taking her shot of Hennessy and making them laugh.
“I’m just saying… we shouldn’t judge them just because they’re in prison. If their hearts are pure and they have integrity and good character, they deserve love and companionship, just like Lei said,” Mercedes agreed.
“I love how for this y’all are, but would either of you really sign up and see this through?” Infinity checked.
“Let’s make this interesting,” Lexus said, sitting up in her seat. “Mercedes and Lei should sign up and talk to a few men to see what will pop off. If either of you can find a good friend or great love, I’ll pay for your wedding or give you six figures for a Christmas present.”
“What if they lose?” Yandi asked.
“Then they have to give me six figures.”
“Sheesh.” Lei’s head shook as she sat back in her seat. “I remember me and my girls used to bet twenty dollars.”
Though they laughed, Lei was serious. She could more than afford the bet, but something about them so casually agreeing to bet such a large amount of money for fun was still something she had to get used to.
“You down or not?” Infinity asked.
“I’m down,” Mercedes agreed with no hesitation. “You down, sis?”
“I mean… I’m cool for looking for a true friend, but marriage isn’t in the cards for me.”
“Don’t say that, Lei,” Infinity said softly. “You never know what God has in store for you.”
Not bothering to have that conversation, Lei merely nodded. While she’d accepted that what happened ten years ago needed to happen for the truth to be revealed, she still had no desire to open her heart to men again. For one, she loved to be so careless with her heart… that left her with little room for a repeat.
It didn’t matter how much she told herself all men weren’t like Steven, he and Regal had taught her a valuable lesson—when faced with doing what’s best for self or others, most people will do what’s best for self—and Lei had valued romantic love less from that day forward. Her heart was much too valuable to risk for something as fickle and fleeting as love. Though she could honestly say she wished she had a man that was hers and hers alone, Lei could also say she’d be at peace with the successes in the other areas of her life if she never received that.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Yassss this is going to be good!” Yandi cheered, lifting her glass of champagne. “I’ma join too and talk to whoever y’all choose, just to make sure they do right by y’all. We have to have a way of making sure they are on the same page as y’all.”
Infinity rolled her eyes, and Lei chuckled. She knew her friend had something to say, but she held it in, releasing a shaky breath instead. Giving Infinity’s hand a squeeze, Lei mouthed, “Thank you,” silently.
