We went to the other side. The game evened up after that. We were close to winning and then, Trey fell and scratched his knee.
“You’re fine baby. It’s just a little scratch.” Nadia checked his knee. “Okay. Let’s end it here.”
“Mama, could we finish please?” Cory placed his hands in prayer sign. “Please. Please.”
“It’s late.”
“Zain and I were about to beat you!”
“Baby, that was never going to happen. I don’t lose.” She pointed to the house. “Shower time.”
“Okay.” Cory frowned. “But we have to do a rematch tomorrow.”
I nodded. “I agree. They’re only ending this because they don’t want to lose.”
“Wow.” Nadia laughed. “That’s how you both are going to do it?”
I shrugged.
Trey limped to the house. “I’m taking my shower first. Goodnight, Zain.”
I waved at him. “Goodnight, buddy.”
Cory remained outside, crossed his arms over his chest, and glared at me.
I guess we’re not team mates anymore.
Nadia raised her eyebrows. “Cory, what are you doing?”
“I’m just waiting on you to come in with me.”
She pointed at the door. “Get your behind in the house. Take your shower. Get ready for bed. Phones off too.”
Grumbling something to himself, he scowled at me and headed off.
Nadia turned my way. “Thanks. That was a lot of fun. Their dad isn’t big on playing sports, but he likes to watch it. It was good to have someone help me tire them out.”
“Call me anytime.” I rubbed my stomach. “After the steak, broccoli, and loaded potato, I have to find ways to stay in shape.”
“You don’t look like you have any problem with that.”
“I’m glad you’ve noticed.”
She laughed and headed to the house. “That reminds me. I forgot to give you a slice of pie. I had it in a container and then the boys asked me to play. I lost track of time.”
“That’s fine.” I followed her inside, watching that fat ass swing from side to side. While she hadn’t asked me to come with her, I would seize every opportunity to slip into her house and spend time with her.
And then a noise came from my house. “Yo, Zain! Where you at, man?!”
Continuing forward, I ignored my brother yelling.
“Who’s that?” She opened the fridge and pulled out the Tupperware full of apple pie.
“My brother.”
“Oh. I should get him a slice too.”
“He doesn’t need any pie.”
She rolled her eyes and took out the pie. “There’s a little bit of steak left over too.”
“He definitely doesn’t need any steak, but I wouldn’t mind the extra. I am a growing man.”
“Zain, you have to share with your brother.”
I frowned. “Do I?”
“Yes. It’s what brothers do.”
“Only someone without a brother would say that.”
“Facts. I am an only child.”
“See. You know nothing about sharing.” I frowned. “In fact, I would rather all your food go to me. If he realizes you cook this good, he’ll be over here all the time.”
“He won’t.” She pulled out the tray of steak, cut some off, and made Zachary another container.
I’m keeping this for myself.
“Bro!” Zachary yelled outside.
Would you shut up?
I was sure he was on my porch now.
She grinned and put cheesy broccoli along with the steak. “He’s okay with dairy?”
“This is my food. Don’t worry about him.”
“I can’t believe you, Zain.”
“Your food is that good.”
She placed tops on each bowl and handed me my pie. “Here you go, stingy man.”
I half-bowed and extended my hand for the other containers. “And my breakfast for tomorrow?”
“This is for your brother.” She carried them and walked around me.
“Oh, no. You can’t be serious.” I followed her out.
“Bro!” Zachary yelled from the porch.
“He’s over here!” Nadia waved at him with her free hand and entered my yard. “Are you hungry?”
“What do we have here?” Zachary stepped off the porch and studied her. Next, he whistled. “My. My. Hark! The herald angels sing.”
I groaned.
Zachary took her free hand and kissed it. “You are a mystical nymph from the land of beauty.”
“O-kay.” Nadia took her hand back and gave him the containers. “There’s steak and broccoli in this one. Apple pie is in the other.”
“You cook too? You’re not just beautiful?”
She blushed. “Thank you.”
Zachary raised the containers to his face and dramatically inhaled. “My lovely nymph, I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”
“Thank you.” Nadia curtsied.
Zachary beamed. “And can I tell you that your beauty—”
“Bro.” I glared at him. “Can I have a minute with Nadia?”
“Yes.” Zachary bowed. “I shall see you again, Nadia.”
Whistling, he walked off.
“Your brother is funny.” Nadia chuckled.
“He’s an idiot that took my food.”
“He deserved it. And anytime you need a good homecooked meal, call me.”
“Should I call you now to book you for tomorrow or should I wait an hour?”
She laughed. “No worries. I could make you an extra plate. Although I’m doing meatloaf. Do you like that?”
I grinned. “Yes, ma’am. I would love to try your meatloaf. However, allow me to give you some money for it. I don’t like eating up your groceries.”