That caught his attention. He’d been frowning down at the floor but lifted his gaze to look at her. “You trying to sweet-talk me?” he asked.
“No,” Tamika answered with a smile. “He really does remind me of you.”
“How?”
“He’s a protector and a provider. He’s a really good man, and I’m lucky to have found him. I’m glad I know the difference between a good man and a bad one now.”
Linwood sighed and leaned back against the sofa. “I want you to be happy, Tam Tam. You’ve been through a lot,” he said in a grave voice.
“You, too,” she said quietly.
“Yeah.” Linwood nodded.
They both fell silent, quietly commiserating on their shared pain. She had lost her sister and mother. He had lost his daughter and wife.
“I’m not coming back home, daddy,” Tamika said quietly.
He swallowed, and when he spoke, his voice was thick with emotion. “I know.”
“And I’ll be fine.” She took his hand and gently squeezed. “You need to start dating.”
Her father was protective, but part of his need to have her close was because he was lonely. She realized that and believed nudging him toward dating would help alleviate the loneliness he experienced in the house by himself.
“There’s nothing out there for an old man like me,” he grumbled.
“That’s not true. People find love at any age, and you can, too.” She rubbed the back of her hand over his beard. “We need to clean up your beard a little and do something with these nails.”
“I’m amechanic.”
“That’s no excuse. You can still take care of your hands.”
He harrumphed. “Well, tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. You know all about that stuff.”
“Deal.” Tamika smiled, happy to have another project to work on. Her father would be okay. “Before you leave, I’ll write down some instructions for you. Now, I have some good news. The negotiations are complete, and next week I sign the paperwork. I’ll officially be in business with SJ Brands Cosmetics!”
“Whaaat! You did it? You know, I told Cindy in the office about your business deal. I hope you don’t mind. She says that’s the makeup she wears. It’s expensive as hell, but she said it’s the best makeup on the market. I have to tell her the good news. Tam Tam, I’m so proud of you.” Linwood pulled her into a hug.
When he released her, she said, “And I have some more news.”
“Oh my goodness. You giving me a heart attack today.”
Tamika giggled and got up from the sofa. “Let me get you something to drink. I have to wait for Anton to get here. He should be back any minute with lunch.”
She and her father talked for about ten minutes before she heard the key turning in the door. Tamika and her father stood up as Anton entered the apartment.
He walked over to them and set the food on the table.
“Hello, Mr. Jones. Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Linwood said, inspecting him from head to toe.
Nervously licking her lips, Tamika edged closer to Anton. “The reason I wanted to wait until Anton came home is because what I have to tell you involves him, too. Daddy, you’re going to be a grandfather. Anton and I are going to have a baby.”
The smile on her father’s face faltered and eventually died. “A baby?”
“I want this baby,” Tamika quickly added.
Anton took her hand in his.
