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Carla shook her head and bit her lip. Saying it out loud had her guts tumbling. She was dating Jacob Alexander Rose. What were the odds?

“Don’t get too excited. Dating is light. It isn’t sealed like a relationship. I also get the feeling that he’s hesitant to get into anything of the sort because of past relationships.

“And yet, you two are dating. Mmhmm. Tell me anything.”

Carla’s smile was wide. “Stop making me blush.”

“Because she’s blushing hard,” Pricilla inserted.

“Who’s that?”

“The algebra teacher, Ms. Pricilla Benton.”

“Oh. Well, I won’t hold you too much longer.”

“Please, you sound like my father.”

Tina laughed. “I do have one more question, though.”

“What’s that?”

“When are you going to let him get in them guts!”

A shout flew from Carla’s mouth, and Pricilla’s eyes enlarged as she looked on with interest.

Carla covered her lips and stifled her scream while Tina laughed her ass off on the other end of the phone.

Releasing an exasperated breath, Carla shook her head and closed her eyes. “This is why I shouldn’t talk to you on the phone during work hours.”

Giggles echoed through the line.

“Don’t be like that. You probably could use that laugh dealing with them badass kids up there.”

“Hey, don’t talk about my kids. They just need some direction.”

“Straight to hell.”

“What is with you and sending people to hell?”

“I’m just kidding.” She paused. “A little bit. Anyway, I hope you have a great day and good for you manifesting what you want out of life and shit. You’re my shero.”

“I told you not to get too excited, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, but I’m going to do it anyway.”

“I will be reminded of this when you and Malik Anthony Clark start dating.”

“Girl, saying his name has my pussy buzzing, you hear me.”

“I gotta go.”

“Don’t try and hang up now. You mentioned my boo’s name—now I’m all hot and bothered.”

“Your boo? Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Not yet. But unlike you, I’ll keep you in the loop.”

Carla’s cheeks burned from holding the smile on her face as long as she had.