Page 90 of When I Thug You Like That

“Damn,” I muttered once the steaming hot plate was placed in the middle of us.

Jay chuckled. “See what I mean? Greedy.”

“All I said was damn.”

“Yeah, but your eyes said goddamn.”

“My eyes don’t talk.”

“I find that hard to believe since they’ve been talkin’ to me all night.”

I tried to suppress my laugh, but it came out anyway. “Do me a favor and text me that line. I gotta use it one day.”

“Mannn, you just tried me. Getcho own shit.”

He picked up his fork and scooped the noodles onto a separate plate. I went to reach for mine, and he stopped me.

“This for you.” He handed me the plate that I thought was meant for him.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Go ‘head and add thoughtful to my list of qualities.”

Little did he know, I had already noted that.

The night continued, and it felt like everything but a first date. It was easy for anyone looking in the direction of our table to think that I was out with my man. The chemistry was just that good. Each time Jay would say something slick, I’d respond with something slicker. And somehow, he’d find a way to twist my words in a way that put him in the best light. He was quick on his feet, and I liked that.

Morgan had been the same way. Cocky, witty, and quick on her feet. And that was where the comparisons stopped.

Taking a bite of the noodles, I immediately savored the sauce.

“Oouuu,” I crooned, closing my eyes. “This is too good.”

“It’s my favorite dish on the menu. You got a favorite?”

“I love their chicken satay. But that ain’t got nothing on this. You have good taste.”

“I’m already knowing. Have you seen my date?”

“She is fine,” I said, reaching for another forkful. “Tell me something, Jay. How long have you been single?”

He set his fork down, giving me his undivided attention. “Single, three years. Single and not in limbo for the last two.”

“I’m not sure I follow. What is single and not in limbo?”

“Means I wasn’t in the relationship, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try to make it work.”

I nodded. “Got it. Was it with one of your sons’ mothers? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Yeah.”

“Did part of you want to make it work because of your son?”

He paused. The look on his face let me know that he was thinking about how he wanted to answer the question. I anticipated a lie, but what I got instead made me respect him more.

“I wanted to make it work because I come from a family where men don’t create empty homes. To be real witchu, at one point, I thought we was gon’ be on some Big Love shit. All of us, my sons and their mothers, under one roof. I thought it made sense for our bigger picture.”

I frowned. “So, your bigger picture was poly?”