Page 15 of When Darkness Comes Knocking
“Really, why?”
“You made it. Us adults who grew up in the trenches with nothing to call our own, not only survived, but we’re living testimonies because we beat the system in a way. It wasn’t design for us to win, yet we did.
“We’re both successful business owners, and we’re doing everything we can to show up for our kids. I say we did a hell of a job with the meager means that was given to us.” I raised my wineglass. “Let’s toast to humble beginnings and successful endings.”
Fortune raised his glass and smirked. “And to spending all my free time with you, queen.”
I blushed like a schoolgirl. “Cheers.” Our glasses clank together, and we took a sip of wine. Tonight, Fortune had me feeling on top of the world. I hoped that feeling lasted for many years to come.
“Fortune, how old are you? When’s your birthday?”
He stopped slicing his steak to give me eye contact. “I’m forty. I’ll be forty-one December twelfth. What about you?” Fortune munched on his steak.
My eyes widened before I smiled. “That’s crazy! My birthday is December twelfth, too, and I’m thirty-five.”
Fortune grinned and kissed the top of my hand. “So you’re saying I share a birthday with the woman of my dreams. Life can’t get any sweeter than that, I mean, unless you take my last name.”
I laughed some more. “Calm your horses, Fortune. We’ll get to that.”
“What you’re saying is that you can see yourself married to me,” he professed.
“Maybe. Life is too short not to spend it with those you love and not without a few risks. With that being said, tell me why you and Lina parted ways. I need to know emotional wise what I’m dealing with.”
“That’s understandable. It was the street life that drove us apart. I was so wrapped up in those streets that I thought material shit could make up for my late nights and absences. I found out the hard way.
“Lina left me a few weeks before I was busted and arrested. She wanted to be by my side, but I wouldn’t let her. Her and Madison deserved more and better. She’s married to a white-collar executive now, and they’re good for each other and Madison.”
I cleared my throat. “That was a mature decision you made. I know it wasn’t easy at all.”
He set his glass down. “It wasn’t. I was young and didn’t know much about real family dynamics. Now that I’m older, I see how important those values are. You feel like sharing about yourself and your past.”
“Not yet. Life for me has been rough, and anytime I talk about it, it makes me cry. I don’t wanna cry tonight. I want to relish in this night and continue to stare at yo’ fine ass,” I admitted, licking my lips.
Fortune chuckled. “Thank you for the compliment. I respect your decision. Once you’re more comfortable around me, then you can share whatever you like.”
“Thank you for the reassurance.” I blew him an air kiss. Fortune caught it. He really was an amazing man.
We finished up our food and left after Fortune paid the bill. The summer night air had hit me, and I wasn’t ready to leavehim just yet. It just felt like the perfect moment to be carefree and dabble with the freshness of new love.
A few storefronts down from the restaurant was a nightclub. I was in the mood to dance and feel his big body against mine. “Hey, Fortune.”
He looked down at me before he stepped toward the valet driver. “Yeah, sweetheart.”
“Can we go to that club down there? I’m not ready to leave you just yet.”
He smirked and kissed my forehead. “Of course we can.” Fortune made the exchange with the valet driver and handled his own parking. Afterward, we walked to the club hand in hand.
When we entered, right off the back I could tell it was a good vibe. Music crooned from the DJ booth, the crowd was diverse, and drinks and food were delivered by a small wait staff. This was the perfect environment for me.
“Come on, love. Let’s dance!”
“Oh no. I’m not a dancer, beautiful.”
I kissed his cheek. “You don’t need moves; you just need rhythm. All you have to do is hold me. I can do the rest,” I encouraged him.
Fortune nodded. “I can do that.”
“Thank you.” I pulled him onto the dance floor. He was still slightly resistant, but he allowed me to lead. Fortune pulled me to his chest. My back rested against him, and his muscular arms wrapped around my waist.
