Page 37 of Abel

He dips his head, turning away from me. I know he means well, but I don’t need anyone’s pity or them prying into my business.

I never get hung up on a girl after just one night, so why is she any different?

I don’t have the energy to deal with this shit right now, “This meeting is canceled until further notice.” I walk out of the room filled with too much testosterone. Heading into the kitchen, I find Foxy standing over the sink, holding a pot while Ginger tosses potatoes inside. “What are you ladies up to?” Foxy screams at the top of her lungs while Ginger laughs her head off.

“Damit, Abel, you scared me half to death.” Foxy says, clutching her chest as the pot falls into the sink with a bang.

“Ooh, mama said a bad word and unless you give me a dollar, I’m telling daddy.” Ginger giggles, hustling her mother using the old trick I taught her.

“Why, you little shit.”

“That’s two cuss words now, mama.” Ginger says, snorting as her mother turns beet red.

“We’ll talk about this later, young lady. Finish putting those potatoes in the pot and add some water while I talk to your Uncle Abel.”

“Hiya, Unk. Mama owes me two dollars.” She grins a toothy grin at me, getting to work on those potatoes.

“She sure does. I taught you well.” I say, holding my hand up, waiting for her to high five me.

“You sure did. I almost have a hundred dollars now, thanks to mama.”

“Keep up the good work and you’ll have two hundred in no time.” We share a laugh before Foxy ushers me away. “See you later, Ginger.”

“Bye, Uncle Abel.”

“I outta beat your ass for teaching her that.” Foxy says. I’m about to call Ginger when she slugs me in the stomach. “Shut your trap! Don’t you call her in here to tell on me some more, Abel.” She says, placing her hand on her hip.

I toss my hands in the air, surrendering, “Okay, okay. I quit.”

“It’s nice to see you smile.” She says, taking on a serious tone.

“Oh no, not you, too.” I groan.

“What do you mean, not me, too?” She smirks. “We just want to see you happy, you deserve it.”

“Thanks, Foxy, but I’m doing just fine.” I say, pulling up a seat.

“Are you? You’ve been moping.” She points out. “It’s not the kind of moping you were doing when we first met, but it’s pretty close.”

“Thank you for your amazing observation skills. It’s chef’s kiss as always.” I say, smacking my lips together trying not to roll my eyes at her. “Where are the other ladies?”

“Here and there, you know how we all do.” She shrugs.

I silently nod, “Sure I do.”

Pushing me down in the nearest chair, taking a seat next to me, she says, “Abel, don’t you want to settle down with a nice girl? Raise a family?” I get she’s got my best interest at heart, but I tried it once, didn’t like it.

“Ten out of ten… Will never do it again.” I answer, watching her shoulders sag. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Fine. Do you know your niece over there has a dance recital coming up in a couple of weeks?” She asks, filling me in on all the upcoming things Ginger has.

I’m not sure how long we sit there and talk before a few of the guys walk in with solemn looks on their faces.

“I don’t mean to cut our time short, Fox, but duty calls.”

“I know.” She gives me a half smile.

“I’ll make sure I’m available for every program Gin has coming. You can count on me to be there, cheering her on.”

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