Page 45 of Crossing the Lines for Love

“Currently, I’m a full-time student and member of the lacrosse team at Black Elm University. I also work part-time as a server in a restaurant.”

“You don’t have a full-time job?” I could hear the judgment in her voice.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“Yeah, but I thought you might have misspoken. How are you taking care of our son with so little income?”

“That’s not your concern.”

I was grateful the server arrived with our food. Our conversation gave me a headache, and a break was welcomed. We ate in silence until our meal was mostly gone. It was awkward, but I didn’t feel like talking to her.

“Would I be able to borrow your car, or should I look into renting one?”

“Because of my schedule, I need my car throughout the day. I’ll rent one for you.”

“Oh no, that’s not necessary. I’m sure your money is already tight since you probably don’t make much more than a teenager who still lives with his parents.”

“I remember one of the reasons I didn’t like you beyond the sex. You’re very judgmental.”

She shrugged. “What’s your point?”

I shook my head. “Do you want me to rent the car for you, or not?”

“I’m good.”

“Suit yourself.”

I focused on finishing my food because this conversation was only getting worse. As I put the last of the mashed potatoes into my mouth, I suddenly felt someone looking at me.

I looked around the restaurant, and when my eyes made it to the host station, there was Aranda holding a bag of food. She looked back and forth between me and Chanice and shook her head, her anger and disappointment very noticeable.

A part of me wanted to rush to her and explain what she saw. The other, stubborn part didn’t think an explanation was necessary. She suggested we take a step back, and we hadn’t spoken in two weeks. Technically, we weren’t together, and although Chanice meant nothing to me, I was free to do what I wanted…right?

“Before we go inside, I need to warn you. My mother may not be very welcoming.”

“That unwelcoming spirit must be hereditary.”

I wasn’t offended by her dig because I didn’t welcome her here with open arms. This was the first time I’d said anything else to her since she declined my offer to rent a car for her.

“It might be, but regardless, I wanted to prepare you. My father balances her out well, so the energy won’t be completely off.”

“At least somebody will have manners.”

I got out and assisted her in doing the same. Once inside, I found my family in the family room. Before I could announce our presence, Deuce stopped playing with his toys and ran to me with open arms.

“Daddy,” he sang as I swooped him up and kissed his forehead before placing him back on his feet.

“Wassup, Deuce? How was your day?”

“It was fun. Come look what I made.”

“Hold on, Son. Ma, Pops, this is Chanice.”

They were sitting on the couch, and neither stood to greet her, but they spoke.

“Hello, Chanice. It’s nice to finally meet you,” my father greeted.

“We’ve been looking forward to meeting the young lady responsible for bringing our first grandchild into the world. Thank you.”

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