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May?Did no one ever leave this town?
His gaze returned to Bebe like a magnet. Even from a distance, he could tell how petite her frame was. If memory served him right, she stopped growing at five foot three. As if she felt his gaze, she turned, and their eyes connected. Her pale green eyes glowed, and her hair fell in soft brown waves, brushing the top of her shoulders.
She’d grown even more beautiful, and Jahleel would’ve never thought that possible.
Bebe smiled and dipped her head in greeting. He lifted his hand in a small wave. May followed her friend’s gaze, then smirked. She leaned forward and whispered something inBebe’s ear. A blush graced his first girlfriend’s cheeks, and she bit her lip, glancing his way.
What are they talking about?
It had to be about him. He wasn’t being egotistical, but he was the prodigal elephant in the room. He began to hobble toward them. If they were going to gossip about him, he might as well listen to what they had to say.
Bebe’s eyes widened, and her brow furrowed. She rushed to his side. “You don’t have to crutch all the way over just to say hi.”
Jahleel stopped moving. “What if I wanted to speak to May?”
“Oh.” Her mouth dropped.
Why did he notice the little flecks of gold dancing around her irises? He blinked. “Uh no, not really. How’ve you been, Bebe?”
“Good.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “You?”
“Been better.”
She winced. “Right. Sorry.”
“What can you do?” He shrugged even though part of him wanted to shout,Why me?
“Eat your mama’s bread pudding?”
Her Southern drawl dropped thegand added a lilt to the words, captivating him. He could always listen to Bebe talk, even about the mundane. She had this light and softness about her that had always drawn him in. But then they’d parted ways.
It was your choice. Own it.
Jahleel gulped and redirected his thoughts. “Bread pudding sounds good.”
“Sit down and I’ll get you some.” She pointed toward the couches.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Well, you sure can’t.” She motioned to his leg.
“Thanks, Bebe.”
She waved it off. “That’s what friends are for, Jay.” With a smile, she headed for the kitchen.
Friend-zoned already.
But isn’t that what you wanted?
He sighed.
Chapter
THREE
Bebe laid a hand on her stomach as she took a calming breath.That’s what friends are for?She and Jay stopped being friends when he left for college without a backward glance. What were they now? Former classmates? Temporary neighbors?
Lord, please let his stay be temporary.
