Alani kissed her aunt’s cheek and walked her to the door. “And don’t you let them biscuits burn.”

“I won’t,” Alani called. Alani checked her watch. It was almost time for Ethic to arrive. She had cleaned her house from top to bottom, but it was only so much shining she could do to an old shoe. Her house was worn and old, but it was clean, and she hoped Ethic didn’t judge her. It was clear he was used to living a certain lifestyle. He had blown $60,000 on her, without batting an eye. She didn’t come from that. Spending the $60 it had taken to put together tonight’s meal had been a big decision for her, and she would have to eat the leftovers for days to make up for the splurge. He was worth it, however. His friendship made her pain dull a bit; and for that, she wanted to show appreciation. When he knocked at the door, Alani checked herself in the mirror, fluffing her day-old twist out, trying to tame it a bit. She frowned because her fluffing just made it worse. She hurriedly pulled the hair tie off her arm and pineapple’d all the curls on top of her head. She hadn’t had time to get super cute. She had just left class a few hours before. The long sleeve, black, maxi dress hugged her nicely, but it wasn’t date material. “Good thing this isn’t a date. Thank God for just friends,” she whispered. This was as good as it was going to get. When she heard the bell a second time, she hurried to the door.

Ethic stood there, dapper as ever, without even trying. The cowl neck, Ferragamo sweater, dark wash, denim jeans, and Prada shoes told her this was as casual as he was going to get. He emanated grown man, even down to the scent of his cologne.

“Hi,” she greeted.

“I didn’t know what you drank, so I just brought wine. It’s a 1999 Bordeaux,” Ethic said, as he handed her the bottle.

“Considering that I drink 10-dollar Moscato, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I’m not very hard to please,” she said, smiling. “Thank you.” She looked at the box he held as well.

“Can I take that for you?” she asked, unsure of what he was holding.