Page 87 of Reticent

“Yas?” I look up from my phone at the sound of the familiar voice.

“Hey, Dru!” I wave to Dru, who managed to snag a table. We haven’t seen each other in months, not since running into each other at Niko and Jordyn’s engagement party. He didn’t say much except for a quick hello. He was there with a date. And Hunter and I were there together with a two-month-old Liam. After Liam was born, I thought about hiring him for Liam’s newborn pictures, but Hunter wanted no part of that. We went with a different photographer who comes to the house and takes pictures of Liam during every month’s milestone.

I make my way over to Dru’s table, and he stands, giving me a hug. “Damn, Yas. I’m loving the new look.”

“Thanks, Dru.”

He takes his seat. “Sit down. You’ll be here for a minute.”

I look back at the number of people still waiting for their orders and take the available seat.

“I’m lovin' the new look. Over here looking like a chocolate Halle Berry,” he says. I laugh, and he flashes that charming grin of his. “Where’s lil man?”

“He’s with Skylar. I’m actually on my way to pick him up.”

“He looks like you.”

I grin proudly. “I’d like to think so. But some people say he’s starting to look more like Hunter.”

At the mention of Hunter, Dru’s demeanor slightly changes. “Cool,” he says almost vacantly.

Things feel a little off now, but I don’t know what to do about that. It is what it is. He doesn’t like Hunter, and the feeling is very mutual. “What have you been up to?” I ask, shifting the conversation in another direction.

“Working mostly. What about you? Besides, you know, being a mom.”

My lip twitches. “Yeah, besides that. I went back to work last month, so it’s been an adjustment.”

Dru leans back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “So you don’t have to work, though, right?”

My smile feels forced. “No. I guess not.”

“Must be nice, right?” He cocks his head, giving me judgy vibes. A few months ago, before I had Liam, his attitude would’ve made me insecure.

“What do you want me to say, Dru?” I ask, almost tiredly. Yes, my baby’s father is a multi-millionaire. Yes, he spoils me rotten. No, I don’t have to work. And if I choose to take some time off in the future, I will. If that makes me kept in the eyes of Dru Cooper, so be it.

He shakes his head, a weak smile curving his lips. “Nothing, I guess. What does baby daddy think about you working so much?”

“He doesn’t care either way.”

Dru slants his head. “Really?”

“Yes. We’re a team.”

“A team, huh?” Dru runs his index finger along his bottom lip. And I don’t know what he’s thinking. “Y’all still live together?”

“We do.”

He takes a sip of his drink. “So is he your man now?”

“No.”

“So you’re single?”

“Yes.” Technically.

“Does he know that?”

“Why do you ask?”