Page 72

“Hey, baby. Where you headed looking all cute?” I questioned.

“Going to chill with my friends,” he answered, checking his phone.

“Is Kayla gonna be there?” I asked.

“Yeah, Ma,” he replied, grinning.

“Mhm… y’all getting pretty close, huh?”

“Ma, we just cool,” he insisted.

“Keep it that way,” I replied, giving him a knowing look.

Ever since Joni bought AJ a car after the twins came home, that boy had been finding every excuse to drive somewhere. He was enjoying his newfound freedom, and I couldn’t blame him, although I made sure he understood having a car came with responsibilities.

“Make sure you pay attention to the road and don’t be driving all over the city,” I warned him.

“I know, Ma. Pops already gave me the same speech,” he replied.

“Still be careful, and let somebody know when you get where you’re going.”

“I got you,” he promised, leaning down to kiss my cheek again. “Love you, Ma.”

“Love you too, baby.”

He said goodbye to Tori and Leah before heading out. I shook my head, watching him leave.

“That boy is growing up too damn fast,” I remarked.

“Girl, tell me about it,” Tori agreed. “And Kayla definitely got his attention.”

We laughed and spent another hour catching up while I enjoyed some time with my nephews. Eventually, it was time for me to head home to get ready for my date.

***

By six forty-five that evening, I was finishing my makeup. I’d chosen a fitted chocolate-colored dress, nude heels, and gold jewelry. My hair had grown a few inches, so I had it tucked behind my ear on one side.

When Mase pulled up, I grabbed my clutch and headed outside. He was leaning against his truck wearing a black designer shirt and matching tailored pants.

“Damn, baby,” he said, looking me over as I approached. “You look good as fuck.”

“Thank you, handsome,” I replied, kissing him.

He opened my door, and we were on our way.

I was surprised when he pulled up to an upscale steakhouse overlooking the water. I’d mentioned wanting to try the place months ago, but we’d never gotten around to going.

“Mase, you remembered?” I asked, smiling.

“Of course. Come on, we’ve got reservations,” he replied.

Dinner was everything I’d hoped for. We enjoyed our food, talked about AJ and the twins, and made plans for a few things we wanted to do together. I was having such a good time that I wasn’t ready for the evening to end when we finished dessert.

Thankfully, Mase had something else planned.

“Come on, baby. I wanna show you something,” he told me, reaching for my hand.

He led me onto the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, where we had a beautiful view of the water. I walked toward the railing while he stood beside me.