Page 72 of Love Always, Nova Black

“What? I’m just saying…”

“Mmhmm, I know what you’re saying,” I replied as I stood up straight and took another glance at my phone.

“Just call her son. I’m sure she’s waiting to hear from you.”

Feeling like she was probably right, I opened my call logs and tapped on Nova’s number. It only rang once before going straight to voicemail.

I jerked my head back. “I think she just ignored my call.”

“You sure?”

Thinking that I might be tripping, I called her again. But just like before, it went straight to voicemail. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure,” I replied.

“Oh, damn, you must have really pissed her off.”

“I guess I did. So, now what?”

“What do you mean? Figure out how to fix it.”

“How?”

My mother shook her head. “Nope, I’ve already told you enough. Use that brain of yours and figure it out. Turn on the charm and be the man she needs you to be.”

“Okay…I can do that.”

“Mmhmm, well, you better get started. Time’s running out.”

My eyes widened. “What do you mean time’s running out? You think she’s going to dump me over this?”

“Anything’s possible.”

“What?”

Breaking into laughter, my mother placed her hand on my shoulder. “I’m just teasing you, son. I’m sure she’s not going to end things with you because of this. Then again…”

“Okay, you know what? I need to get going,” I said before hurrying off towards my room. “Love you, Mama. You can see yourself out.”

“Love you too. Good luck.”

“Thanks. I’m going to need it.”

30

Nova

“Another one!” I called out after watching my bowling ball knock down the last pin. “I know you wish you were as good as me.”

Kendra rolled her eyes. “Girl, bye. You’re just having some weird ass luck today.”

“Oh, so you’re in full hater mode I see.”

“Nah, I’m just telling it like it is. You know damn well you don’t beat me like this at bowling. I’m a fucking champ.”

“Not today,” I teased.

“Whatever. I still got another game in me.”

“Yeah, well, I’m hungry, so that’ll have to wait. Let’s go get some nachos.”