Page 127 of Business Casual

“Knock, knock,” my mom said as she rapt on the door. “Lunch is ready!”

I lurched back, recoiling from Tre. I instantly put at least three feet between us. “Okay, thanks!” I yelled back, flustered.

Tre covered his mouth to keep the laugh in.

I glared at him.

“Aww baby, come here.” He moved toward me with his arms opened wide. After I embraced him, he said, “I knew you were full of shit.”

“Stop it!” Snickering, I pushed out of his embrace. “No, but seriously, I was shook!”

He smacked my ass as we left the room.

We had chili with my mom and then we sat in the kitchen exchanging stories. She wanted to know more about Tre. Tre wanted to know about me as a child. And I just watched the whole thing play out, wishing my dad was still around to see it.

“…and that’s how the tradition started. I’m an only child. But Imani’s father grew up with three sisters and I love them like they’re my own. So even after he passed away six years ago, I stayed because they’re all here. And we do Christmas like their family did Christmas when they were growing up. Caroling and touring lights on Christmas Eve; all together on Christmas.” She leaned forward and patted Tre’s hand. “Everyone is thrilled that you’re coming.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he told her with a grin.

He started asking her questions about the traditions and my mom lit up like the tree she had in the living room.

God, I love that man.

Watching his effect on people made my heart soar.

“It’s almost three o’clock!” Mom exclaimed. “I need to finish these pies before we go caroling tonight.”

“Okay, Mom,” I said. “Can I borrow your car? I need to run out for a few minutes.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re not going to be gone too long, are you? We start caroling at seven-thirty.”

“I promise we’ll be back way before six o’clock.” I put my hand over my heart. “I promise.”

“Okay, my keys are on the hook. Drive safely.” She took a step toward the sink and then turned to me. “Drive safely.”

“I will.”

I went over and hugged her before grabbing the keys in one hand and my man in the other.

“Where are we going?” Tre asked as we put on our shoes and coats.

“I want to take you to see someone,” I told him, keeping my voice low.

“Okay.”

I watched him straightening his collar in the mirror.

When he caught me staring, he smiled. “What?”

“Just thinking about your gift.”

His smile grew. “I’ve been thinking about yours, too.”

We left the house and made jokes until we arrived at the cemetery. Tre looked over at me but didn’t say a word. Instead, he slipped his hand over the console and rubbed my thigh comfortingly.

When I parked the car, I looked over at him. “If you don’t want to come, you don’t—”

“I want to be wherever you are,” he said gently. “If you want me there, I’m there. If you want to be alone, I won’t be too far away, but I’ll give you your space. Whatever you need…”

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