Page 31 of Defending the Post
“We will work on you, bestie, but let’s get this Alien Lord,” she said, and an invite appeared.
Chapter Six
Playing Defense
Erin
Isat across from my favorite person and only family member I’m on speaking terms with, Uncle Maalik. He invited me to Abbott Steakhouse, and I wasn’t passing the opportunity to sit with him. My eyes scanned the menu, and many of the items were appealing.
The steakhouse bustled with people in the middle of the day. Two women passed by us, and one almost bumped into her friend staring at him. I snickered, but he kept his focus on me. My uncle was a handsome middle-aged man at 6’3” with dark chocolate skin. I can’t believe my former aunt Chelsea cheated on him. They appeared happy together.
“Do you see anything you want? Or have any questions?” he asked.
I continued to view the menu although I had made up my mind. “I’m going to keep it simple and go for a salad,” I said.
My uncle flagged down a server, giving her our order. I sipped my water and smiled at the flower centerpiece nestled in the gold vase. Simple things often made me happy because they’re overlooked but missed when they're gone.
“How have things been?” he asked.
It’s been a two-week rollercoaster, but I couldn’t tell him without an explanation.
“Busy, but I love it.”
“Your father is worried about you,” he said, and the air left my body. I rested in my seat, determined to avoid this conversation.
“Uncle Maalik, I know Daddy is the Pastor. Let’s drop the subject.”
We glared at each other, and judging from his expressionless face, he also knew.
“You’re right. Let’s find something legal to discuss,” he said.
“Yes, it would be wise.”
The same woman from earlier passed our table again, and I snickered.
“You should ask her out,” I murmured, but he didn’t agree; instead, he changed the subject.
“Do you plan to stay in California after your job is over? I have several rooms and a condo nearby you could use,” he said.
The server interrupted my sentence by delivering our order. I stuffed a piece of a roll in my mouth before I addressed my uncle’s question.
“Yes, I could have a possible job at Drexel. I met Anissa Shaw-Jefferies, and she was interested in my experience and portfolio,” I said.
My uncle straightened in his seat, and a slow, reminiscing smile adorned his face.
“Care to let me in on your warm smile?” I asked.
It’s as if the name jump started his energy. He perked up with admiration dancing in his eyes.
“We dated before she married her current crazy-ass husband,” he said.
I narrowed my eyes in confusion at this statement. Mr. Jefferies appeared to be sane to me, but Marquise...that’s a different subject.
“You met him?” Uncle Maalik asked as he cut into his steak.
“Yes, he was nice to me.”
Jealousy washed over his face before he bit down on his food. This was new, witnessing this side of my uncle. Anissa wasn’t a lightweight in the beauty department, and her wallet outstretched the men in her field. As much as I loved my uncle, I couldn’t see them together.
