Page 52 of Buy Back My Love

“That ain’t knowing somebody.”

“No, but it’s enough to make me want to know the rest.”

Leona studied me for a second. “So what you saying?”

“I’m saying we can be friends.”

“Friends?”

“Yeah.” I sat back and looked at her. “You got a man. I heard you loud and clear.”

She kept looking at me like she was trying to figure out what kind of game I was playing, but I wasn’t playing one. I was attracted to her, and there wasn’t any point lying to myself about that. But she’d told me she had a man, and I could respect that without pretending I wasn’t interested.

Finally, Leona let out a breath. “I guess I could use a friend.”

“Good.”

She pointed at me. “Just don’t go getting no ideas.”

I laughed. “Little late for that.”

“Van.”

“What?” I picked up my water. “I said I can be your friend. I didn’t say I stopped being interested.”

She stared at me.

“I’m not asking you to do anything about it,” I added. “You told me your situation, and I can respect it. I’m just not gonna sit here and lie to you either.”

That seemed to catch her off guard because, for once, she didn’t have anything to say.

The waitress came back with my card and two to-go boxes. I signed the receipt, then slid one of the boxes across the table to Leona. Once we had our food packed up, I grabbed my box and slid out of the booth. Leona grabbed her purse and followed me toward the door.

Outside, I walked with her across the parking lot toward her Mercedes.

She glanced over at me. “You ain’t gotta walk me to my car.”

“I know.”

“Then why you doing it?”

“My mama raised me right.”

Leona laughed. “Oh, okay.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head as we reached her car. “Thank you for lunch.”

“You’re welcome.”

“And for the TV.”

“Anytime, neighbor.”

Leona smiled before getting in, and I closed the door behind her. I waited until she pulled out before heading back toward my Jeep. I still didn’t understand how she could do five years for JB and come home wanting to be with him, but after the way lunch had gone, I knew better than to keep questioning her about it.

If all she was offering me was friendship, I could respect that. At least I was gonna try.