Page 30 of Rounds
She cleared her throat and nodded. “I suppose it’s a good thing I conceded.”
“It is. I feel like if I would have gone there that night, Ireallywouldn’t be able to get rid of her ass.”
“Has she called again since last week?”
“I don’t know, because I blocked her ass. I still wanted to be honest with you just in case. I don’t need anything popping up, making you doubt my loyalty and devotion to you. I’m yours, Delaney . . . only yours. You are the only woman that can stake claim to me, baby.”
She nodded and smiled. The waiter brought our entrées, and we enjoyed the rest of our dinner. My mind was still on that nigga and his fucking audacity. I didn’t want to show Delaneyjust how angry I was, but if that muthafucka tried that shit again, she would meet a side of me she has never heard a thing about. If I would go to war for my patients, she had to know I would fuck some shit up for her.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
I looked up at her. “What’s that?”
“You called my superior Friday last week?”
“Yeah. You weren’t yourself. I needed her to check on you, because you were too hostile with me. I would have only further irritated you, no matter what I would have said. I didn’t call her to report you. I was worried about you. The nurses couldn’t believe that old ass man had requested someone else. His grouchy ass irritates me. You should have stuck him again anyway.”
She smirked. “Thank you, Glover. I thought you’d reported me for something.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“No, but I thought you’d reported me for the way I spoke to you.”
“Naw. I can handle the shit I dish out.”
She chuckled. “That’s good to know.”
I frowned, and she laughed a little louder. “A’ight, woman. Don’t be tryna push my buttons intentionally.” Changing the subject, I said, “I can’t wait to meet your mom.”
She smiled. “I wasn’t going to tell you, but you’ve already met her.”
I lifted my eyebrows slightly. “She must be a patient of mine. Is her last name Boutté?”
“Yes. Her name is Maxine Boutté.”
“That sounds familiar. Is she new?”
“Yes. She’s only seen you once. She’s healthy, so you’ll probably only see her once a year.”
“Okay. I’m more than sure I’ll recognize her face. I’m better at faces than names initially. What should I know about her?”
“Hell if I know. Just from our phone conversation, I can tell she’s changed. So, I’ll be getting to know the new, and hopefully improved, version of her with you.”
My brows furrowed, but I nodded like I understood. I didn’t understand, since there was no toxicity or beef between them. She said she didn’t have a close relationship with her parents, but there was no real reason why. It was just the way it was. I supposed I would just have to see what Sunday brought our way.
“You’ve been smiling a whole lot lately, even more than you used to when you and Jaunté were on good terms. What’s up wit’chu?”
I glanced over at Tremeka, and said, “I’m just happy. I’m going to my mother’s house for dinner Sunday and that has me excited.”
“Mm-hmm. I feel like you’re leaving me in the dark on some shit, but I’m gon’ figure shit out.”
I chuckled as she walked away. Glover and I had kept our relationship under wraps at work for a little bit. That wasn’t his decision. He was ready to tell the world about us. I wanted to give myself time. I knew my co-workers would try to talk me out of being with him because of his reputation, so I needed to be mentally stronger to endure that. The man I was getting to know was amazing. He was perfect in every way, and I honestly couldn’t wait to fall in love with him.
At the rate we were going, I knew it wouldn’t take long. Last night, he held me close all night. I wasn’t feeling well after I ate all that Chinese food. He had me go to his room and sleep with him. I noticed he had a slight issue with sleeping in his parents’ bedroom. It didn’t seem to bother him just being in it, but to sleep was a whole ’notha story. It was like his mama visited him in his dreams or something.
I didn’t mind going to the other bedroom, especially if it meant I would be able to lie in his arms all night. The way he held me close to him, like I would get away, was something I’d missed feeling. I truly hoped I would never have to miss it again. Like he said to Jaunté’s ass at the restaurant, he knew how to treat a woman. I was reaping the benefits of that. I couldn’t wait to see his dad Sunday so I could thank him for raising such a passionate man.
Before I could check for orders on the computer, a delivery guy stepped into the office, holding a beautiful bouquet of roses. “Good morning. I have a delivery for umm . . . Delaney Boot?”
