“And that’s not bad? I was hoping you’d get married someday.”

“It’s been ten years, Mom. Aiko didn’t believe in marriage when she got pregnant with Noah, and she still doesn’t.”

“Is that why you’re breaking up?”

“No. We’re breaking up because we shouldn’t be together, and staying for Noah is actually a disservice to us all.”

It’s quiet in the car, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s thinking about her own marriage. Over the years, my parents drifted so far apart that by the time Dad died, they were practically living separate lives. My mom completely re-immersed herself into her community, her family, her synagogue when they moved back to New York. My father dug his heels deeper into the notion that it was all nonsense. He worked more, was away from home more. I wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually found someone else that he kept on the side. I suspected, but I’m glad I never knew for sure.

After a few moments of quiet, Mom looks out the window and clutches the purse in her lap. “Well, it sounds like you know what’s best.”

Considering that Aiko is already sleeping with Chaz and I’m potentially getting my chance with Kimba, I think I do.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kimba

“Looks like your tip was right,” I tell Felita on the phone. “The future governor of Georgia is here tonight.”

I find Burton Colson, Mateo Ruiz’s probable opposition, on one side of the ballroom at the charity gala, and Congressman Ruiz on the other.

“Whomever that will be,” I say. “They’re both here.”

“Good,” Felita says. There’s a muffled conversation in the background.

“You out?” I ask her.

“No, watching West Wing, season three.”

“That’s the best season.”

“Wrong. Season two is better, but three is great. So what’s your game plan?”

“Work this room,” I say, scanning the luxurious ballroom. “See what I can find and get out of here. I’m supposed to be on vacation, you know.”

“I know that.” She laughs. “I just thought you forgot. Make sure you do something good for yourself while you’re in Atlanta.”

I’ve done enough good for myself the last few years. After what Ezra did for me on that trampoline, I’ve caught myself wishing he could handle all my good in the coming future. He’s still in New York, which is a good thing because when I woke up horny last night in my mama’s house, I might have been banging on Ezra’s door if he was in town.

“If I want to get out of here as fast as possible,” I tell Felita, “I better go. Enjoy season three.”

“K. Bye.”