Page 18 of Believing in You
At six-feet tall and decked out in his police uniform and a dark blue wool beanie pulled low over his eyes, he looked fierce and intimidating. Nyla hated that he was a cop, risking his life to keep the city safe, but from a young age, Zion had proven he’d been born to protect others. That had a lot to do with why he had joined the Marines right out of high school. After leaving the military, he returned to Chicago and became a cop.
“Hey, Peanut,” she said, using the nickname he hated, and before she could scurry away from him, he put her in a headlock. She burst out laughing and tried to wiggle free, which was fruitless.
“What’s up, little sis?” he said before eventually releasing her.
She swatted his arm and scowled. “You do know I’m older than you, right?” She was four years older, and at twenty-nine, Zion was the baby of the group.
“I know, but you’re also shorter,” he said and greeted Dorian the same way.
“If you want what I’ve cooked, I suggest you unhand me boy,” Dorian said between giggles as she playfully punched him in the arm.
Once Zion prepared his plate, and Dorian poured coffee for all of them, they joined Nyla at the table. Small talk flowed between them as they played catch up with each other’s lives. Unlike some families, they didn’t meet up at a set time every week to eat together, but they were all very close. Nyla knew without a doubt that, if anyone needed the other, they were only a phone call away.
“Nyla, I’m glad you stopped by,” their mother said when she strolled into the kitchen. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Mom,” Nyla groaned and had to stop herself from whimpering.
She should’ve gone straight to the club. She didn’t realize her mother was still on her matchmaking mission determined to see them all married sooner rather than later.
“Not interested,” Nyla said around a mouthful of food.
“All I ask is that you meet him.” Her mother leaned on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. “That’s it. He’s a nice, handsome young man. He’s new to the city, smart, funny, creative, and he has a good job. Oh, and did I mention he’s a cutie-pie? I think you two would be perfect for each other.”
Nyla glanced at Dorian. She had gone back to the large center island where she’d been whipping up another batch of muffins. Nyla didn’t miss the way her sister kept her head down whiletrying not to laugh. That meant she’d probably suggested Nyla for whatever their mother was cooking up.
“Why me? You have three other daughters, two who are olderandunmarried. Why are you asking me? Oh, and you also have a son who you can matchmake. I’m sure he’d love that,” she said pointedly, looking at Zion.
“I’m not in this. So keep my name out of your mouth,” he said.
Their mother ignored them and kept talking. She rattled off one reason after another of why she thought Nyla would be perfect for the guy. Nyla had to admit, the man did sound intriguing, but instead of saying that, she said, “I’m not interested, Mom, but thanks. And would you look at the time? I should’ve been gone.”
Dorian snorted but then tried covering the sound with a cough.
Zion didn’t bother trying to hide his laughter.
“You all laugh, but I’m tired of being invited to my friends’ kid’s weddings or hearing how they have another grandchild on the way,” their mother grumbled. “I didn’t go through a thousand hours of labor to bring the five of you into the world to be treated like this. I should have more grandkids by now!”
Nyla tried not to laugh, but she couldn’t hold it in. “Mom, why are you being so extra today?”
“Today?” Dorian said, still cracking up. “This is a daily occurrence of her bringing up the subject. And she’s so busy that when more grandkids do come along, she’ll probably be too busy to even babysit.”
“I won’t! I promise I’ll babysit whenever I’m needed. Try me,” their mother insisted. “Okay, so Nyla. What day would be good for…”
“I can’t. I’m already seeing someone,” Nyla bit out, then immediately regretted saying anything. Three sets of eyes werelooking at her, and she already knew the questions would start flying thanks to her little white lie.
But was it really a lie?
While she worked at Telecom, she and Harrison had gotten to know each other. Sort of. And though it might’ve been over a week ago when he kissed her and gave her a ride home, that had to count for something. Right? Not only that, but he had also left her a voice message to thank her for lunch the other day. Surely, that meant they were sorta kinda seeing each other. Even if she still hadn’t talked to him because she’d gotten his voicemail when she returned his call.
“What?” she said defensively as her family continued to stare. “Y’all act like I can’t get a man.”
“We’re not saying that, dear,” her mother said soothingly, though she didn’t look convinced. “But you haven’t brought anyone around, and—”
“What’s his name?” Zion interrupted, looking at her through narrowed eyes.
“None of your business. No way am I telling you anything just so you can run a background check on him.” Nyla stood with her empty plate.
As the words about the background check left her mouth, she remembered what Harrison had said about going to prison for murder. She still didn’t know the details, and considering how he’d been avoiding her and the club, she might never know. And she didn’t want Zion or anyone else digging into Harrison’s background.
