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“Sonjay, this is amazing.” Anderson took another bite of the tangy meatloaf at the dinner table that night. “You’re beautiful and you cook great too? Klein better hurry up and marry you before some other guy snatches you right from under him.”
Klein ate beside Sonjay, beaming. “Now you see why she’s the ruler of my universe.”
“I’m so glad you like it, Anderson.” Sonjay smiled. “The meatloaf is my mother’s recipe.”
“I wish my mother could cook this good.” Anderson chewed the creamy macaroni and cheese. “She burns wieners.”
They laughed.
“My mom and dad run the soul food restaurant on Fifth Street.” Sonjay smiled. “My great-grandfather started it.”
“I have to check it out before I leave. I love soul food.”
“He took African-American studies, loves soul food and old school R&B.” Klein chewed. “Sure you’re not a brother under there, Anderson?”
He chuckled, dabbing his mouth. “Do you like teaching?” he asked Sonjay.
“Yeah, I love kids.” She wiggled, blushing. “Always wanted a house full.”
Anderson chewed, watching her. “What grade do you teach?”
“Fourth.”
“I’m sure you’d make a great mother. Your face lights up when you speak about children.”
“She wants to pop out them babies now.” Klein cackled, grabbing her hand. “It’s best we wait and then we can create our own little community.”
“Why wait?” Impatience peeked through Sonjay’s face despite her smile.
“I’m busy getting things together in my career.” Klein looked at Anderson as if he expected him to agree. “It can be rough bringing up kids in a toxic environment like politics.”
“What about you, Anderson?” Sonjay finished her last sliver of macaroni and cheese. “Anyone special in your life?”
“Nah. I’m focusing on my career too.”
“Klein said you were married before.” Sonjay’s eyes widened. “How long?”
“Eight years.” The lump returned in his throat whenever Anderson thought of Tyla. “Her name’s Tyla.”
“That’s a beautiful name.” Sonjay tilted her head, gazing at him. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out. How long have you been divorced?”
“Five years.” He ate more meatloaf.
“Why did you get a divorce?”
“Honey.” Klein nudged her. “He might not want to discuss that.”
“It’s okay. Money issues made smaller problems bigger. She was a struggling fashion designer, and I was just getting started with a real job in journalism. We caved to financial pressures and we were unhappy so we let the marriage go.”
Sonjay sipped from her cup. “Are you on good terms?”
“We have nothing to do with each other. We didn’t have kids so there wasn’t a need to stay in each other’s lives. I haven’t seen her since the divorce.”
“You’re not still in love with her?”
“Honey.” Klein propped his arm on the back of Sonjay’s chair. “Cool it.”
Sonjay studied Anderson while chewing. “Anyone since her?”
“Not anyone serious.” Anderson covered his mouth and coughed. “Your sister is interesting.”
“I’m sorry she gave you a hard time at the hospital. She’s going through so much. I’m sure she didn’t mean to be rude.”
Anderson nodded. “I take it you and Channing are close.”
“We’d die for each other.” Sonjay sat back. “I’m glad you want to do a story on Presley. I told Channing she should use the media to bring national attention to this. It’s bigger than her and Presley. It’s about racial injustice and how blacks can be treated like crap and no one gives a damn.”
“She won’t give me the time of day.”
“I’ll try to warm her up for you.” Sonjay wiped her mouth. “Not promising anything but we’ll see.”
“Before this happened Thompsonville was a peaceful community,” Klein said. “Since the accident everyone’s split. It reminded us that things hadn’t changed so much.”
“You’d think after having a black president in office that America had outgrown this,” Sonjay said. “But there’s no cure for racism.”
“We have to keep educating,” Anderson said. “It’s about stomping out ignorance and fear.”
“Anyway enough of this gloom and doom.” Klein laid his napkin in his plate. “I forgot to tell you something, Anderson. You’re staying with us.”
“What?”
“Yep. I won’t take no for an answer. I can’t have my best friend staying in no hotel.” Klein grimaced. “Sonjay and I discussed it and we want you here with us.”
She smiled. “We’d love it if you stayed.”
“I can’t put you guys out on short notice.”
“We have this giant, two-story palace.” Klein spread out his arms. “It’s just me and Sonjay. You’re more than welcome and it’ll give us a chance to reconnect.”
“I’d love it.” Sonjay smiled.
“It’ll be like the good old days.” Klein reached across the table and smacked Anderson’s forehead.
“Ow.” Anderson rubbed it, grinning.
Klein sat again. “We won’t take no for an answer.”
“Okay.” Anderson scooted his chair from the table. “I gotta get my stuff from the hotel. Would you mind taking me to the car rental place?”
Klein stood with his head high. “Your wish is my command.”
****
Klein and Anderson returned home an hour and a half later.
“Lucy, I’m home,” Klein shouted, mimicking Ricky Ricardo.
Sonjay dashed through the hallway with a dishtowel. “Ricky!” She ran into his arms.
Anderson laughed, carrying in his bags. “You guys are insane.”
“Did you get a car?” Sonjay asked Anderson.
“Yep.” He stood aside as she looked through the window.
“A Mazda.” She whistled. “It’s nice.”
“Just something to ride around in.” Anderson put his hands in his pockets. “What have you been doing?”
“Getting ready to do the dishes.” She slapped Klein’s butt with the towel. “It’s Klein’s turn but since you’re here, I’ll let you two catch up.” She kissed Klein. “If you need anything, I’m here for you.”
Before she left, the doorbell rang.
Klein checked the peephole. “It’s Dex.”