Page 59

“I’d really like that,” she replied softly after a moment.
This time, she didn’t fight me about holding her hand as we left. And when I eased into the car after buckling and closing her in, she linked our fingers, resting them on her thigh.
But just as I swore we’d turned a corner, my phone buzzed. I cursed inwardly as I saw the name. Of all the fucking times for Naqeesa to call… I ignored it, but of course, she called right back. I hesitated, then answered, worried about the girls.
“Qees…”
“Whoever she is will have to wait, Real. I need you.”
Ev was quiet, but I could tell she was listening, her expression shifting as she heard Naqeesa’s statement. I knew how it had to sound. Naqeesa’s tone was too familiar with her demands. And although the situation wasn’t what Ev probably assumed, when she called, I was obligated to go.
When I hung up, the air was thick with unspoken tension. “Ev, I?—”
She held up a hand. “Take me home, Real.”
The drive was silent, that call hanging between us. As we reached her house, she turned to me, her expression firm.
“I need space, Real. This… all of this…. it’s too much right now.”
I nodded and tried to swallow the urge to protest. I failed miserably.
“You gonna let a phone call ruin all that we’ve built over the last few days? You not even allowing me to explain or rectify it.”
She kissed her teeth as she quickly shook her head.
“No explanation or rectification necessary. It’s not like we’re in a relationship!”
Her words were as cold as the icy smile on her face. She climbed out as soon as I stopped, not even allowing me to open the door for her.
“Ev—”
“You better go. She needs you, remember?” she said coolly.
I watched her walk away, the distance between us growing with each step. Fine. She could have a little time. But even as she disappeared into the house, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t right. Not by a long shot.
“Ev,you been knowing you were coming for the class reunion forever! Why you wait til the last minute to find your outfit?” Emory demanded, bossy as usual.
She never understood that I didn’t share her shopping fetish, and as I flipped through the racks in this store, I remembered why.
“Em, stop fussing. It’s not good for the baby. I’ll call you later.”
“No, I wanna see?—”
“Later, Emory Leigh,” I insisted, then hung up. “Sorry. My sister,” I explained to my personal shopper.
She smiled. “I understand sisters. I have four. I can tell that this feels like a chore to you. As you know, we have an extensive plus collection. If you don’t mind, I can show you some things that I think will work for you.”
I accepted her offer, relieved to follow her around the department. She had a good eye, and I quickly had a dressing room with a good selection.
“One more thing, Ms. H?—”
“Ms. Evanie! Hey, beautiful!”
I turned at the voice that cut through the shopper’s suggestion. Who in the hell?—
My attitude shifted when I saw Real’s sassy Aunt Mona.
“Hey, Ms. Ramona. How are you?” I greeted as she approached me.