Page 35 of Anything Goes

“I’m glad you’ll be able to get some alone time. I would volunteer my services to help you relax, but I’ll let you have that time to yourself. I can tell you need it.”

Her head shot up. “Well, damn, do I look that bad?”

“Nah, I’m not saying that. You know damn well you could never look bad. I’m just saying…” Shaking my head, I lifted my hands. “You know what, never mind, I’m just going to be quiet before I dig myself into a hole that I can’t get out of.”

Smiling, she rested her head on my shoulder. “I’m just messing with you. I know what you mean. But, honestly, I wouldn’t mind having a little company. You’re pretty good at helping me relax.”

Clearing my throat, I adjusted myself in my seat. “As tempting as that is, I’m going to take a raincheck.”

“Oh, really? Since when do you miss out on a chance to—”

Hopping into the seat behind us, Keyon said, “This is beautiful. You know, you two have mad chemistry. Y’all hooking up?”

Alauni’s eyes widened, and I quickly jumped in to change the subject. “Why are you up here, Key? Shouldn’t you be back there running your mouth? Or better yet, getting your head in the game to get first place today.”

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he replied, confidently.

“What Coach Jeffers and I do is none of your business.”

“That’s right, Keyon. We’re two grown adults and we’re your coaches. This conversation is extremely inappropriate.”

“You know what, you’re right. I’m a child, so I should stay in a child’s place, huh?”

I eyed him in suspicion.

Keyon was saying the words, but something about the way he said them didn’t seem like he was actually about to follow through.

“Exactly,” I replied.

He nodded. “You know, grown folks only say that when they’ve been caught in something and are avoiding admitting the truth. So, with that being said, I completely understand if y’all don’t want to talk about what the two of you got going on. But my uncle is quite the catch, Coach Jeffers. He’ll treat you right. You better snag him before someone else does. Word gets around, and Uncle Law is definitely in high demand. These teachers want him bad.”

“Keyon!” I spat.

“I’m just saying.” Lifting his hands, he scooted out of the seat and made his way to the back of the bus.

Turning back towards Alauni, I said, “My bad. You know how Keyon is.”

“Oh, I definitely know.”

“But don’t pay him any mind. I mean, yeah, I’m definitely a catch, but—”

“Here you go,” she said, rolling her eyes and laughing.

“What? It’s the truth.”

“I know it’s the truth.”

“Oh, do you? Because if I’m not mistaken you felt like my previous profession defined who I was, based on qualities that I don’t even possess.”

“You’re right.” She nodded. “But the more time we spend outside of the bedroom I’m coming to realize that I might be wrong. I mean, you do have somewhat of a controlling personality when we’re…” she leaned into me and slowly whispered, “fucking. But that’s it.”

“As I should. Do you want me to be softer?”

“Nah, I’m good with the way you do things. I was just making a point.”

“Well, point received. Now, I know you’re purposely trying to get me riled up, so I’ll come home with you tonight, but it’s not going to work. I’m going to let you relax.”

Frowning, she folded her arms over her chest and eyed the road ahead. “Is that really necessary?”