Page 60 of Lyric Squared

Though I’d loved his company any other time, now wasn’t it. That had nothing to do with Collin and everything to do with my solitude and desire to get through my show without someone attempting to talk my ear or my drawers off. I simply wanted to be alone, which was another concern of mine when it came to getting back into a relationship. I loved my solitude far too much.

Still working. Sorry.

It’s all good.

What are you doing?

Thinking about you. I was thinking dinner later this week.

Sounds doable. Let me know when, what time, and where we’re going.

I will, tomorrow, once I’ve finalized the plans.

Okay.

I’ll let you get back to work. Talk to you tomorrow.

Have a good night, Collin.

I will.

As soon as I read the final text, I tossed my cell over onto the couch and dug into the pile of garlic mashed potatoes I’d been craving. From the second they hit my tongue until they flowed down my throat, I hummed.

Ummmmmmm.

The broccoli was next to go. Before I was able to truly dig in, my phone disrupted me again. After placing my fork on the plate and my plate on the side table next to the couch, I scooted over a bit to retrieve it from the spot where I’d thrown it.

“Hello,” frustratedly, I greeted the caller.

“You should sound a little better than that when answering the phone for your favorite brother,” Laike grilled me.

“If it was my favorite brother calling, then I would have.”

“You just like your fucking daddy,” he fussed. “You and that nigga a hater.”

“Yet you love us all the same.”

“Admittedly, I do.”

“What is it, Laike? I’m watching my show.”

“You, watching a show?”

“Yeah. I’m really into Blacklist right now.”

“You cook something?”

“Yeah. You hungry? I can fix you a plate if you plan to stop by.”

“Hell yeah. I’m not even ten minutes away.”

“You live in The Hills, too, Laike. You’re only ever about ten minutes away.” I chuckled.

“Not always, but I’m on my way.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“Always.”