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Ashanti laughed at herself. “That’s why I don’t drink. Is that all? I didn’t insult any of your cousins or hurt Michelle?”
“No.”
“That’s a relief.” She drew out a breath. “Then I don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Not exactly. When I took you home—”
“What? Did I puke all over you?” She snorted. “I apologize for that, but it wouldn’t be the first time. Remember when I forced you to go on that rollercoaster after eating half a pizza?”
“No, Ashanti. That’s not it. Something else happened.” He waited a beat, staring pointedly at her and searching for recognition to spurt in her eyes.
It never came.
“What?” Ashanti glanced at her watch. “What happened that was so bad you need to come over and talk about it?”
Luke’s heart punched his ribs. He slipped his hands into his pockets, hesitating over the words. “We…”
“Yes?” Ashanti leaned in.
Luke gave up and snapped, “Why should I have to spell it out? Don’t you remember?”
“The last thing I remember is you telling me to stop drinking. After that, it’s a black hole.”
Luke glared at Ashanti, gauging her sincerity. She raised an eyebrow, her brown eyes devoid of humor or mischief. She was serious. She really didn’t remember kissing him. What should he do now?
“Forget it.”
“I’m sorry. I know you told me to slow down, but I…” She sighed. “It doesn’t matter now. How did things go with Michelle?”
“Fine,” he said.
“Great.” She smiled slightly. “If you need to come over tonight, you can. I’m not doing anything special.”
“Thanks.”
“See you later, Luke.” Ashanti turned and trotted out of the store.
Luke leaned against the counter and closed his eyes in exhaustion. Ashanti didn’t remember kissing him, which meant he could pretend it never happened. But what if she regained her memories someday and had questions. How shady would he look then?
The bell over the door jangled as a group of customers left. Luke straightened and trotted over to their table to clean up. He pushed his complicated love life from mind and focused on work.
When the lunch rush petered out, Uncle Eddie emerged from the kitchen. He wore a plain grey T-shirt and baggy khakis. His pale face was pink from the heat of the stove.
“Let’s talk,” he said.
Luke followed his uncle to a table and pulled out a chair. “What did Mom say?”
“I didn’t get a chance to sit with your mother. She was furious that you were still dating that girl. She was also disappointed I hadn’t fired you from the store and refused to meet me, but I did speak to your dad.”
“And?” Luke leaned forward.
“He wants to speak with you and your mother. Soon.”
“Do you think it will help?”
“I think you should go and plead your case one more time. If they still don’t listen, you must take a stand. Remind them you are no longer a child and they cannot live life for you.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Having you in my corner gives me confidence. My parents… they’re taking this harder than I thought. I don’t know what to do.”
