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Deja tried to force herself to relax, cushioned by the fancy rose-colored pillows that perfectly matched the couch. She swallowed her last bite of food and stood. “Nina, that meal was absolute perfection. Thanks for inviting us over.”
Nina stood, leaning against the wall, and pushed her curls behind an ear. “I’m glad you could come. I thought you weren’t, actually.”
“I had a few things to do at home before we could head over.” Deja glanced at Miles, who lowered his head. She was glad they’d gotten out of the house after Kevin’s intrusion.
Rodney’s words slurred. “Well, you two are here now, and that’s all that matters.”
Miles sat right next to Rodney. “Open your present, Uncle Rod.”
Rodney opened the envelope. “A beautiful basketball picture frame. Oh, and it’s you and your mom. This is great. Thanks.” He held up the framed picture.
Miles beamed. “I made the frame in art class just for you.”
Deja’s face grew warm, and she glanced at Nina, who barely seemed able to stay awake, let alone care about the picture. “Miles, when did you sneak that picture in there?” She doubted Nina would want a picture of another woman hanging around her husband’s desk.
Miles ignored Deja. “How’s your birthday been, Uncle Rod? I like your watch.”
“It’s perfect now that you’re here.” Rodney removed the Rolex. He placed it around Miles’s tiny wrist, which fell to his knee with the added weight.
Deja averted her gaze from the watch. She’d never been given a present as expensive as a Rolex and doubted she ever would.
Miles inspected the watch. “I’m gonna buy one just like this when I’m in the NBA and rich like Auntie Nina.”
Nina coughed, her face growing stern. “Miles...”
Deja didn’t understand why Nina became so uptight at the mention of money. If she had it, why not be grateful, or even better, spread the wealth? “He’s just kidding, girl.”
Nina yawned. “I’m so sorry to ruin the fun, but I am absolutely exhausted. I think I’m going to take a shower and head to bed early.”
Deja picked up Miles’s plate, which he’d left on the side table, then hugged Nina. “Night. Thanks for inviting us. I’m going to return our plates to the kitchen.”
“Just leave them in the sink, and I’ll get to the dishes tomorrow.” Nina headed down the hall to her room.
Deja walked to the kitchen and set the plates in the overflowing kitchen sink. She didn’t know how Nina could go to sleep with her kitchen such a mess. She gathered the pots and pans from the stove. The least she could do was help Nina clean up.
Rodney staggered into the kitchen. “You don’t have to do that.” He retrieved a bottle of champagne from the fridge, pointed it at Deja, and attempted to twist off the cork, to no avail.
“You’ll end up making a mess the way you’re swinging it around.” Deja grabbed the bottle and gently tilted it forty-five degrees. The cork came off with a muffled pop, and Deja released the bottle.
“So that’s how you do it, huh?” Rodney grabbed two champagne flutes from the cabinet then poured the amber liquid into them. He stepped toward Deja and handed her a glass.
“I’m not drinking.” Deja turned her back to Rodney and scrubbed a pot.
Rodney placed her glass on the counter then moved behind Deja, almost touching her back. “I knew you’d change your mind about us and come tonight.”
Deja pinched her lips together and focused on scrubbing the pot. “I haven’t changed my mind about anything. Nina invited us, and Miles wanted to come.”
“Come on, Deja. Don’t be like that. It’s my birthday.” Rodney leaned in for a kiss.
Deja elbowed him in the stomach. “You’re drunk and acting like an idiot.” She couldn’t believe how reckless Rodney acted at times.
“Just leave the dishes for the morning, Deja,” Nina said.
Deja jumped, and Rodney took a couple steps away from her. “After that delicious meal, you shouldn’t have to touch the dishes. But Rodney keeps piling the pots in the sink.” Deja forced a laugh, hoping Nina couldn’t detect the tremble in her voice.
“Oh, is that what he’s doing over there?” Nina’s forehead crinkled as if she wanted to know what the hell was going on. “The girls came in our room looking for you, Rodney.”
Rodney held up his champagne flute. “I’m heading back to the living room right now. I just got a drink.”
“And Miles and I will be heading out as soon as I load your dishwasher. Thanks again for dinner.” Deja returned to washing the dishes, her hands shaking. She still felt Nina’s eyes on her.
“Come on, Nina. Let’s see what the girls wanted me for,” Rodney said.
The kitchen grew quiet, and Deja peeked over her shoulder, relieved Nina and Rodney had left the room. Hopefully, her explanation for Rodney’s closeness had been convincing.
She’d last done the dishes in this kitchen nearly nine months before when Nina lived with her dad. Candace had taken Miles home with the girls one afternoon, and by the time Deja arrived at Rodney’s after working a wedding in San Francisco, the three kids were all asleep.
Deja had skipped dinner, and Rodney convinced her to stay for a bite. He’d warmed up dinner’s leftovers, and after she’d eaten, she’d stood in the same spot, washing the dishes. She could sense Rodney behind her, and when she’d faced him, tears were in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
A tear slid down Rodney’s cheek. “It’s just so hard trying to do everything by myself. I’m barely holding it together, and the loneliness is killing me.”
Deja’s heart broke for Rodney. She couldn’t even imagine how hard it was for him after his whole life seemed to be falling apart after his wife’s breakdown. Not knowing what to do, she’d said, “Nina will be better soon.”
“I don’t miss Nina. I’m ready to file for divorce and move on. I can’t trust her after what’s happened.” Rodney stepped toward Deja. “You’re beautiful, Deja. Inside and out. Thank you.”
She’d stood still, and when he’d kissed her, she’d kissed him back. Rodney led her to his bedroom, and before she’d had a chance to think about the repercussions, they had slept together.
Deja rinsed off the last pot in the sink. In the darkness outside the bay window, the girls’ swing set and the basketball hoop could be made out. Rodney had bought the basketball hoop for Miles. Though things like that and his relationship with Miles had attracted Deja to Rodney, now with Nina back in the picture, he had to be off limits. Nina walking in on them had been a close call, and Deja would have to make sure Nina wasn’t suspicious of their relationship.
Unlike her mother, Deja had full awareness of how her actions could affect so many people, and especially her child. That was why she couldn’t just forgive her mom. For years, the one person responsible for protecting Deja had failed miserably. Her mom had placed her interests before everyone else’s and basically forced her into Kevin’s care. Ever since then, Deja knew all too well how another person could ruin her life. She couldn’t take back the months she’d been sleeping with Rodney, but she would do everything in her power to make sure Nina never found out.