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“Yeah, like you need practice.”

“Listen, the way that python snaked up my belly, a sista needs practice, okay?”

“Ha, ha!”

“It’s all fun and games until I’m choking and gagging.” Carla shook her head. “I can’t have that. He gotta know what’s good when he messes with Carla Jones.”

“Show him, girl, yaaaasss!”

“I plan to. And if I die, I die.”

More laughter rang out as Tina practically choked herself. “I gotta get off this phone before you make me fall to the floor.

Carla’s doorbell rang. “Well, go ahead because Jacob is here. Bye.”

She hung up before Tina could say another word and, satisfied with her look, grabbed her purse and left.

Chapter Sixteen

The front door opened, and Mr. Jones smiled at his daughter.

“Hey, pumpkin.” He pulled her in for a hug.

“Hey, Daddy.”

They both turned to Jacob, who held his hand out for a shake. “Good evening, Mr. Jones.”

Mr. Jones accepted Jacob’s greeting. “Mr. Rose, it’s nice to finally meet you.” He glanced at Carla. “I thought for a minute my daughter would keep you hidden from me.”

Carla laughed nervously. “Oh, Daddy, don’t be so melodramatic.”

“I’m not.” He glanced at Jacob. “Please come inside.” They strolled into the cabin, entering the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind meeting me at the cabin. Fredrick is determined for us to make ice-fishing a regular thing. This is our meeting point before he drags me off to the north pole.”

Jacob smiled, removing his trench and gathering Carla’s coat. “The north pole?” Jacob questioned.

“Yes, that’s what I call the ice rink up north.”

“Ah. I see.”

“Hand me those coats, and I’ll hang them up for you.”

“Where is Fredrick? Is he here?”

“Not yet, but he may trot in while we’re eating.”

“What’s for dinner?”

“Fried catfish.”

“Would this be some catfish you caught recently?”

“Not as recently as the last time I told you about it, but yes.”

“Oh, okay.” Carla strolled to the stove. “What else?” She lifted pots and pans. “These look like southern collard greens.”

Mr. Jones winked over at Jacob. “They are.”

“Coleslaw, fresh corn, and this looks like dipping sauce.”