Page 52 of Pride and Protest

“This is not a protest. This”—Liza pointed to his outfit—“is lazy.”

“Oh, no one can plan a protest but you? You’re the only one who can be political in the family?”

“Of course not! I would love it if you were political. Right now, I just think you’re being provocative for its own sake, and at Granny’s expense.”

“So I’m supposed to go there dressed like a damned chandelier?”

“Just come with a little respect for what Granny has done to beautify the neighborhood.”

Maurice huffed and pulled off his sweatshirt, revealing anI Can’t BreatheT-shirt. He groomed his beard in the mirror while Janae swished around nervously. She popped into Liza’s room and delicately put on her drop earrings. Liza noted her hand shaking slightly.

“Janae, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just...”

“Nervous?” Liza finished.

“I think his mom and dad will be there.”

“So what?”

“So have you seen what Maurice has on? Have you heard Mama bragging to every person who will listen that I’m never working again? It’s terrible.”

“I know. But our family is our family. David knows that, and remarkably, he still loves you.”

“Loves?”

“Loves,” Liza assured her.

“I haven’t told him yet,” Janae whispered.

Liza only nodded. “Why not?”

“I’m afraid of the sadness finding its way into our relationship. Everything has been so fun and nice. I know if I tell him about my past, he’ll...” Janae trailed off.

“I think he can handle it, J. Trust him.”

“I will, just not now.” Janae shook her head, then expertlyshifted the subject. “So are you excited to finally hang out with WIC? I say the texting isn’t enough. You guys have to see each other.”

“This is how excited I am to see him!” Liza pulled a condom out of her tiny clutch, and Janae burst into fits of laughter.

Maurice groaned.

“Girl, are you falling for this man?” Janae asked.

“I think we’ll see! I mean, what if we don’t have any physical chemistry?”

“But the two go hand in hand,” Janae said. “Have you ever had physical chemistry with someone you didn’t particularly like?”

Hell yes.That night in the office with Dorsey looking out over DC. The feel of his broad shoulders under her palms. Even now, her insides tightened, and her pulse lit up thinking about it. But she shook her head rigidly instead. “No, I guess not,” Liza lied.

“See, don’t worry about that. You two will be fine.”

Liza smiled. She was happy to be seeing WIC again after so long. But something trembled in her belly, something a lot like fear, maybe nervousness. Janae flitted out of the room to finish the last of her makeup.

Liza’s phone buzzed and flickered in her brother’s hand.

No.