“Do you think Knox is a ho . . . because y’all are essentially doing the same thing?”
“We aren’t—I’m not—he’s—you know what? I’ll call you later.”
I ended the call and tossed my phone on my desk. I wasn’t mad, but I was mad, and I knew that didn’t make any sense. I didn’t know what made me think Knox, with his fine ass, didn’t have pussy being thrown at him from every direction.
It didn’t mean he was catching it, but he probably kept a few women in the chamber, just as I kept a few men. If I thought he was a ho, then I was one as well.
“I’ll be damned.”
My phone vibrated, and I picked it up to see a text from Nyomi.
Bestie:
I love you, bestie!
Me:
Yeah, whatever.
Bestie:
You’d better call me later too.
Me:
I said I would. Love you too.
Nyomi and I were like sisters, and we were always honest with each other, even when we knew what we had to say mightnot be well received. Although I didn’t like being faced with reality sometimes, our conversation gave me something to think about.
I lied and didn’t call Nyomi that evening. Stokely was headed back to Prairie View tomorrow evening, and we had dinner plans that had slipped my mind. He wanted to go to Elm Street Blues, and once we were seated, we quietly perused the menu.
I was still thinking about my conversation with Nyomi about Knox, and I hadn’t been the best company. Once we ordered drinks and appetizers, Stokely finally inquired about my mood.
“What’s going on with you, Ma?” he asked.
“What do you mean? I’m trying to decide what I want to eat.”
He eyed me like he knew I was lying, then returned his attention to the menu. The server returned with our drinks and appetizer, then took our meal orders. When she walked away, my son stared at me.
“What, Stokely?”
“You aren’t the best company right now,” he said.
“There was a lot going on at work today. I’m just a little tired. Tell me what’s going on with you. Do you have any internship interviews lined up?”
“A few.”
“Good. Do you have a nice suit to wear to the interviews?”
“I got everything I need.”
“How’s the one girl you were dating when you came home for Christmas?”
“Chauntelle?” I nodded. “She’s good, but we ended things a few months ago. She wants to get married right out of college, and that’s the last thing I want to do.”
“I’m glad you let her know and didn’t lead her on.”
“I liked her a lot, but she was doing too much, too soon. What’s up with you and your roster?”