Page 8 of Anything Goes

Like clockwork, he called right back, but this time I didn’t answer.

Just seeing his number on my screen made my blood boil. I couldn’t seem to understand why he thought that he could weasel his way out of this situation. We were already having issues because he couldn’t seem to understand that I was never getting back with him. This definitely didn’t make it any better.

“Hey, you good?” Law asked, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“It’s nothing. Did the kids separate into their groups?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Everyone is good to go.”

“Okay, great. If you don’t mind, I’m going to run to the ladies room for a sec.”

“Alauni, I can tell that something is bothering you. Tell me what’s going on.”

Sighing, I lifted my phone. “Latrell just called.”

“What happened this time?”

“I really don’t want to talk about it right now. Besides we have a practice to run.”

“Fine, how about after practice then?”

Unsure if it was a good idea, I said, “I don’t know…”

“Look, even if you don’t want to be with me, I’m still going to be here for you. Just let me do that.”

Lowering my gaze, I smiled.

Like always, Law had a way of making me feel good on the inside. It didn’t take much effort, which wasn’t something that I was used to. With Latrell, it was always work. So much about him irritated my insides. His crazy ass temper, his needy ass behavior and of course, the damn alcohol. He just couldn't seem to get it together.

“Okay, fine. We can go back to my place after practice since my daughter is with Latrell’s mother for the night. But your ass can’t stay too long. Shit gets real once the sun goes down.”

He smiled. “Well, you know I’m always down for the real.”

“Law…” I said with a lifted brow.

“I’m just messing with you. I’ll be sure to be out of there before it gets too late.”

“I’m not playing.”

“I got you,” he replied with a wink. “Trust me.”

4

Law

Although I intended to get some alone time with Alauni as well as be there for her as a friend, my mind had drifted to a completely different place. Sitting on her living room couch, I stared at my phone, waiting for my sister to answer. But it went to voicemail after the third ring.

I guess I should have answered when she called me yesterday, I thought.

But that would have only ended in disaster.

The second my mother realized that it was Tokyo on the phone, she would have snatched it straight from my hand and tossed it to the floor. The two of them haven’t talked since Tokyo announced that she was marrying her boyfriend, Reggie.

“Everything okay?” Alauni asked as she stepped into the living room.