“Dominique. Jake. Your gratitude is premature because not only do I not understand your cancelling our dinner plans, but I don’t accept it either. You want to protect Justin and I respect that. But to accept my invitation knowing full well that you never intended to honor your word? That’s just foul.”

Dominique sat back in her chair. She wanted to be angry, but a part of her agreed with Jake. She never should have accepted the invitation in the first place and wouldn’t have, had lust not clouded her thinking for a moment. She thought about calling him back and apologizing again, but what good would that do? Probably more harm than good, since hearing his voice seemed to always bring on flutters and squiggles and cause her kitty to go all meow meow and shit. He was obviously too through with her. And isn’t that what she wanted? Dominique hit speed dial. Within seconds, the voice that could give her joy no matter the circumstances spilled into her ear.

“Mommy!”

“Hey, baby. What are y’all doing?”

“Watching movies. And Grandma’s here, too.”

“Mama’s at Faith’s house?”

“Uh-huh,” Justin said. “And she brought snacks with her, just like at the movies.”

“Snacks, huh? What kind?”

“Skittles, hot dogs, nachos, everything!”

Hm, wonder what Mr. Organic would think about that? Dominique chose not to dampen Justin’s joy by pointing out how quickly he’d forgotten his coach’s admonishment about junk food.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, baby. Put Mama on the phone.”

“Grandma, Mom wants to talk to you.”

“Hey, baby.” Her mother’s voice was as soothing as Justin’s, and Dominique hadn’t missed that the same term of endearment she’d used with her twelve-year-old still applied when one was thirty-plus.

“Hey, Mama.”

“You sound tired, Dominique.”

“A little bit; I just left work.”

“On a Sunday, Dominique?”

Dominique told Anita about the photo shoot.

“Baby, I know your career means a lot to you but you’re working too hard. You need balance in your life.”

Jake’s words from the previous night rushed into her mind. In fact, Dominique surmised, he’d been taking up way too much of her brain space. Still, her mom’s words echoed what he’d said. Where’s the balance? You’re focused on your job and on Justin. Who’s focused on you?

“Don’t worry about me, Mama. I’m finished here, and looking forward to a long, hot”... Ball Park frank... “soak in the tub when I get home.”

“I do worry about you, baby. There hasn’t been anyone meaningful for me since your dad left. I don’t want my story to be your life.”

“It won’t, Mama.”

“Are you sure? Because I haven’t heard you mention a man in quite some time. I want you to be happy, baby.”

“I am happy.”