Like lovers.

Nesto must have been able to tell what I was thinking because he just glanced at them and shook his head with a fond smile on his face. After a moment he hollered for Ari. As soon as he was within reach Nesto slapped him on the back. Ari looked at Nesto like he was his hero.

“Ari, come and talk to Patrice. He’s down with mentoring you.”

The young man’s face lit up before looking even as he appeared a little embarrassed.

“Boss man, I asked you not to say anything.”

Nesto shook his head and laughed. “Why, man? How’s he going to know you want him to mentor you if we never say anything?”

I intervened before Nesto embarrassed the kid any more. “I’d be honored to, Ari. I’m not sure how much I can actually mentor you on, you seem to have your shit more than together. But whatever you need, let me know.”

“Thank you, Patrice. That would be great. I have a lot of questions.”

I pointed at my jacket pocket, where my phone was. “Sure. I have to get going, but Nesto has my number. Send me a text and we can set up a time to talk. I’m interested in hearing your plans. Nesto said you’re taking classes at Cornell this semester. Good for you.”

He nodded enthusiastically at that. “Yes, I’m only taking two of them, but it’s going well.”

“Great.” I waved at Nesto, who had gone behind the counter again to do some work. “Catch you at home, Nes.” He muttered a “yes” with his eyes focused on the screen as he waved his hand over his head. I moved in to give Ari dap and then made my way out onto the street.

I walked to my car feeling lighter than I’d been a half hour before, Nesto’s words about giving things with Easton a chance still floating in my head.

Chapter Two

Easton

I tried not to stare too hard as I watched Patrice walk out of Nesto’s restaurant and get into a black SUV before driving up the hill to campus. He’d been wearing gray slacks and a navy jacket with some navy and gray oxfords. He even had a dark brown bowtie on. His locs in a half-knot. He looked dapper and professorial, and it suited him. As his car disappeared from my line of sight I thought about how there was something almost regal about the way Patrice carried himself. Like we were all supposed to bow when he walked by.

“He certainly has your attention.” My boss Cindy’s voice ripped me out of my musings, the amused tone in her voice promising questions about my staring. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that particular puppy face on you before. It takes a lot for me to notice a man, but even I have to admit, he’s gorgeous. Did you hit it and quit it or was he too smart to fall for your bullshit?”