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“Yeah, I know.” He shoves the six-pack into my hand and heads toward the living room. “And since my other buddies are out of town, you get the honor of my company.”
I shrug and follow him. We sit on the couch and I turn the television on until I find an out-of-season basketball game. Without knowing why he’s here, I don’t push him to find out. A companionable silence settles over us as we occupy ourselves with beer and the game. In the second quarter, I catch Pedro watching me from the corner of my eye.
I sip my beer and wait.
“I saw the posters advertising the band.”
I nod without turning to face him. “Kenya did a great job with the design.”
Another minute passes as a player shoots and the ball bounces off the basket.
“Good thing Cheryl Lee doesn’t know the real band members, huh? You might have been forced to come clean to Kenya.”
“Pedro, I don’t need your judgment. Just know I have a plan.” I stare into the can, knowing I’m betting my future happiness on the success of my strategy.
“Didn’t you have a plan when you first told me about your involvement with the band?”
I cross my ankles on the center table. “Is there a reason you’re riding my ass? Or do you think I intend to hurt Kenya?”
Pedro dangles his can between his knees. “As misguided as you are, I know you have good intentions. And I’d be blind not to see the way Kenya blossoms under your attention. I… I’m trying not to dwell on my relationship with Onyx and you seemed like a good distraction.”
“No offense, but I’d rather you not use my love life for your entertainment.”
“Hmph!” Pedro glares at me before studying the floor.
“Alright, you dumb schmuck, lay your troubles on me. Later we can get mani-pedis together.”
“Fuck off.”
“Is that how you talk to a future constituent?” I grin at his misery.
“Yeah, you can fuck all the way off. I won’t pander for your vote.” He slams his can on the table. “I need something stronger.”
I nod toward the fully stocked bar. Ever since Jazzy joined the household, we’ve rarely had occasion to drink like we used to.
Pedro pours himself a drink. “I’m not sure if the private concert is going to happen anymore.”
“I thought…”
“I know. It’s not on your band, and I honestly don’t know what’s changed, but yesterday Onyx began acting strange.” He drains his glass and refills it before returning to the couch. “Whereas she used to hint at my building a future family with another woman, she now pointedly asks me about prospects and when I’ll want to start having children. She is so maddening!”
“Did she mention a recent visit from Kenya?” I laugh nervously.
Pedro spears me with a lethal glance and I raise my hands to shield myself in case he launches an attack.
“We had a difference of opinion after the Cheryl Lee incident. We called a truce, but… I don’t know if Kenya has accepted my response.”
He chuckles, though there is nothing humorous in the sound. “Aren’t we a pair?”
“You’re on your own. I only accept Kenya as my match. And you don’t have to wait until Liquid Obsession is in Onyx’s backyard to clear up her misunderstanding.”
“You think I’m not aware of this already? I try to address the issue, but then she accuses me of handling her and using my politician’s voice and it makes me so angry.” He raises his hands to the sky as if beseeching God for patience. “There are few people who can press my buttons to the point where I want to rage at them, but Onyx has a PhD in tying my tongue in knots. That’s why I’m banking on the concert leaving her speechless long enough for me to make my case. I just have to hold out until then.”
“Good luck with that. I would help, but you already know my track record.” I clink my can to his glass.
Pedro’s lips tilt in a sardonic smirk. “Have you noticed the only time we really talk like this is when we’re in some relationship crisis?”
I shove his shoulder. “Then next time invite me to a game or something. Maybe I won’t feel so used while you exploit me for my valuable advice.” I hug myself and fake an aggrieved shiver.
