Page 64 of Cause When You Love Someone
I repaid her snarky comment with a toothless smile.
“You had a common law marriage with my dad; that doesn’t count. And, I’m happy you feel that way about my baby. That means you should have no reason to share your disappointment with a soul.”
I knew it was pointless to try and sway her pompous attitude, so I walked off and left her to walk with Sage, Junie, and Bhila.
“C. Rose! Can I have an autograph? A picture, too!”
I grinned at the cutie with two-strand twists. She didn’t look any older than eleven—too young to watch my content. Still, I posed for the selfie and signed the pair of jazz shoes she inched in my direction.
“I’m so happy you came to the competition. Are you dancing today?”
“Not today, but hopefully soon.” I winked before giving her a hug, then walking off to the judges’ table.
As my vision panned across the field, I slipped my hands in the pockets of my denim shorts. I had been keeping a low profile, but it felt good to see all the brown faces in the park. The place was known to house criminals and drug dealers, yet people forgot about the kids and mothers occupying the space. Though my mom initially declined the request to be part of the function, I followed up and confirmed my attendance. My decision was authentic, but it was also my way of establishing my presence in a community I wanted to be a part of.
The talent show was an annual event hosted by a Silk Hills basketball player. The team logo being on the flyer was always enough to bring out motorcycle clubs and churchgoers.
Before I could make it to my seat, Derrick Chambers approached me. The giant was so tall, even my new guard had to look up to confirm who he was.
Surrounded by an audience, Derrick pulled me into his chest and squeezed me tight. Out of kindness, I returned the gesture before stepping back and sliding my hands in my back pockets.
“Clarke Rose.”
“Derrick Chambers. It’s good to see you.”
He licked his big, pink lips before saying, “Oh, trust me. The feeling is mutual. I haven’t seen your pretty ass since we hosted Club 28 together.”
“That’s right. I remember you had the girls going crazy.”
“Maybe.” He shrugged. “All I recall is asking you for your number, and you curved me.”
“I had to be a good girl. I had a man.”
“Had?” He massaged his full beard. “I like the sound of that. I may have a chance to take you out after all.”
My belly became a sinking stone at the idea of dating someone else.
“How about you escort me to my seat? We can talk about everything else once the show is over.”
“I’m a patient man. I can work with that.”
I hooked my arm around his and followed his steps. Even with stacks of diamond chains around his neck, Derrick mobbed through the park like he dared someone to touch him. When I thought about it, his demeanor reminded me of the kind man I had pushed away.
“How long have you been hosting this event?” I asked to reroute my thoughts.
“This is the seventh year. Truthfully, I got the idea from a kingpin from a hood on the East Coast.”
“Really? He used to host Pop-Lock contests?”
Derrick dropped a laugh into his fist. “Something like that. Aside from the festival and talent show, I host a Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaway every year.”
“Goodness. That’s a beautiful way to give back. Anything you have coming up, count me in.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
Once we reached the judges' section, Derrick took a moment to introduce me to everyone at the table. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and by the time the small talk had worn dry, a thick lady dressed in a denim jumpsuit walked across the stage. She introduced each judge, then started the show.
The first performer came to the stage carrying a saxophone. He was an older man but two-stepped to the mic.
