Page 26 of Rounds (Love In Scrubs)

I released her hand and brought my hand under the table to rub it on my pants.

Delaney lightly squeezed my hand, so I turned to her.

The anger in her facial expression told me that today, she wouldn’t give a damn about making a scene.

She’d seen what Charleigh was doing. This nigga was here for show.

He wasn’t her damn boyfriend. She was putting on a front for her dad.

I took a deep breath as he ended the prayer. Once he did, everyone dug in, while soft jazz played in the background. It almost sounded like the same music Delaney was listening to in that hotel room that night. Just as I was about to reach for the bowl of salad, she said, “I got it, babe.”

I nodded as she grabbed the salad bowl and put some on both our plates, then grabbed two pieces of garlic toast for us. When the platter of fish made it to us, I forgot about everything. It smelled amazing. “What type of fish is this, Miss Boutté?” I asked.

“Trout.”

I smiled and nodded, ready to kill it, until I felt feet against mine.

I frowned hard because I knew they weren’t Delaney’s.

Charleigh wanted me to blast her ass. The only thing that was keeping me from doing so was the fact that Delaney didn’t like making a scene.

She put a scoop of broccoli rice on my plate. “You okay?” she asked softly.

“I’m trying to hold my tongue, baby. I don’t want to embarrass you, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep my cool,” I said in a low voice near her ear.

Delaney’s gaze went right to Charleigh. When her eyes met Delaney’s, she looked the other way. My baby wasn’t finna play with her ass. Delaney’s frown was as deep as mine.

“Delaney, is something wrong?”

She glanced over to Denver then looked back at Charleigh. “Naw. We’re good . . . for now.”

I slid my hand over her leg and lightly rubbed it, trying to calm her down.

She was looking like she wanted to go across this table to get at Charleigh.

I didn’t know why she was fucking with me.

It wasn’t like I led her on in any way. I told her what was real.

I didn’t play games with her. I picked up some fish with my fork and said, “Here, baby.”

Delaney opened her mouth and accepted the fish from me. She released a huff as she chewed. Once she swallowed, she said, “It’s really good, Mom.”

“Thank you, baby. You mind helping me with something in the kitchen?”

Delaney glanced at her mom, then looked back at Charleigh. Before she could get up, she said, “Try something if you want to. You gon’ regret every step that led you here today.”

Shit. Charleigh frowned like she didn’t know why Delaney was coming at her like that. “I’ll be right back,” Delaney said to me.

She walked away, and I focused my attention on my food. As I ate, I heard someone clear their throat, so I looked up to see Denver and Mister Boutté staring at me. I glanced at Charleigh and her date to see they were in conversation with each other.

Finally, Denver said, “I take it that you and my daughter have history.”

“We do. The unfortunate part is that she’s trying to force us to have a present.

She’s being extremely disrespectful to everyone in this house, especially Malcolm and Delaney.

Although our history is recent, it’s still just that .

. . history. My intentions were vocalized from the beginning and at every turn of events. ”

All eyes were on Charleigh. Her face was red with embarrassment.

She didn’t say a word. I could tell Malcolm was somewhat bothered.

Maybe he was indeed trying to pursue something with her.

He kept glancing at her as she fidgeted.

She finally stood and asked to be directed to the bathroom.

Denver walked out of the dining area with her just as Delaney was returning with her mother.

When she sat next to me, she asked, “What happened?”

“Denver asked if we had history. I told him we did and that she was trying to bring it into the present, being disrespectful to both you and Malcolm.”

“Hmph. My mama could see I was about to unravel on her ass. That wouldn’t have been a good thing. I’m just hoping that this shit will be over with when they come back to the table.”

We resumed eating as did everyone else until Charleigh and Denver came back, both adorning frowns. When he sat, he said, “I hate to ruin dinner, but my daughter is extremely important to me, and I’m going to believe her before I believe a stranger. She said you were still pursuing her.”

I frowned extremely hard, and before I could filter my words, I said, “Why would I when I have a gorgeous queen like Delaney on my arm? Charleigh and I never had a relationship. I never promised her a thing. She’s selling you a wolf ticket to save face. Why didn’t she say all that here in my face?”

“Because she’s embarrassed about this whole situation.”

“She wasn’t embarrassed to rub her foot up my leg a minute ago.

I may have been a lot of things in the not-so-distant past, but one thing I’ve never been is a liar.

I’m extremely transparent, and I always make sure there is clarity whenever I’m involved in something.

I work all the time. My free time goes to Delaney and my father. I don’t have time for shit else.”

Delaney stood from her seat and grabbed my hand. “I’m sorry, Mom. We can’t stay. Y’all enjoy the rest of dinner.”

Delaney began walking away, so I quickly stood and followed her before she pulled me right out of my chair. Before we could get to the door, her parents were on our heels. “Delaney, wait!” her mom said.

We stopped walking, and when I noticed the tear slide down Delaney’s cheek, it made my heart sink. I pulled her in my arms. “I’m sorry, baby. I know you don’t like confusion and making a scene. I didn’t mean to disappoint you. Please don’t cry.”

I gently rubbed my hand over her curls. She lifted her head and said, “I’m not disappointed in you, Glover.”

“Delaney, please don’t leave. I would never allow my daughter to leave over someone else. Please stay and finish your dinner. If anyone leaves, it will be them. Are you okay with that, Glover?”

“I’m okay with whatever she wants to do.”

Ms. Boutté’s gaze went back to her daughter’s, waiting to see what she would decide. Delaney was so excited to be here, and my bullshit with Charleigh ruined everything. She took a deep breath and said, “It’s okay, Mom. We’re just gonna go. Maybe we can visit another time. I love you.”

Her mom pulled her in her arms and hugged her tightly.

It wasn’t nearly as awkward looking as it was earlier.

Her dad shook my hand. “I’m sorry my past interfered with and ruined dinner.

I just want you to know that I’m very serious about Delaney.

I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our relationship. ”

He nodded, but he didn’t say anything. Her mother extended her hand to me for a handshake while Delaney hugged her dad.

Once he released her, she grabbed my hand, and we walked out the door.

Stopping before we got to my SUV, I said, “Baby, if you wanna stay without me being here, I’ll come back and get you.

I’ll go see my dad while you visit with your parents. ”

She shook her head rapidly as I nodded my understanding.

I opened the door for her, then went around and joined her inside.

I sat still for a moment, feeling disgusted with myself then cranked the engine.

I was pretty sure she didn’t want to go to the nursing facility now.

I would just take her home so she could shower and relax, and I would have to explain to my dad how my past came back and fucked up dinner and his visit with his future daughter-in-law.