I say something funny?”
“Instead of trying to be tactful, why don’t you come right out and say he’s acting like one of Bebe’s kids?” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m not Veronika, Ms. Stevens. You don’t have to sugarcoat things for me. Be straight up.”
“All right. Terrance is doing well academically but his actions give me cause for concern.”
Kenyon suspected he would have any easier time extracting her wallet from her purse than getting a straight answer. “Which means?”
“He’s aggressive, defiant, disrespectful and—”
His face showed disapproval, but he didn’t interrupt.
“Yesterday I had to sit him out of gym because he kicked one of his female classmates. When I asked him to apologize he said he didn’t have to because I wasn’t his mother. There have even been a few occasions when he has thrown things in class. Sure, they’re small items, like crayons or marbles, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.”
The expression on Kenyon’s face was serious. “He’s been having the same problems at home, but Veronika insists it’s normal kid stuff. The last couple years have been tough on all of us, but I think Terrance has been hit the hardest.”
“I asked Mrs. Blake if there was anything wrong at home but she said everything was fine.”
“Veronika doesn’t like to talk about it.”
The waitress arrived with their orders and hung around the table until Kenyon told her they didn’t need anything else.
Alone with their thoughts, they ate in silence for several minutes.
“Do you want me to order some more?” Kenyon asked, noting the depleted plate of nacho chips and Buffalo wings.
Flushed, Makayla wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “No, thanks. I guess I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“Tell me about yourself, Ms. Stevens.”
“But we’re here to discuss Terrance.”
Kenyon grinned. “When I get home, I’ll get a switch from off a tree and give his butt the lashing it deserves. Problem solved.”
Makayla laughed, low and soft, her shoulders shaking lightly.
“I’ll have a talk with Terrance first thing in the morning. We have a great relationship and more times than not, he’ll listen to me rather than his mother. Veronika spoils him and he knows how to win her over.”
“Thank you. I think things will get better if we’re all on the same page.”
Kenyon pulled out his wallet and handed her a business card. “Feel free to call me anytime. I travel a lot but I’m reachable on my cell no matter where I am.”
“Hopefully I won’t have to call.” Makayla took the card and slipped it into her purse.
“I don’t even know your name,” Kenyon said. His eyes lingered on her lips. Like the rest of her, they were soft, moist and incredibly sensuous.
“My name?”
“You do have a first name, don’t you?”
The question triggered the memory of the first time they spoke. More than fifteen years had passed, but their conversation was still fresh in her mind. It was a balmy spring afternoon in senior year. Makayla was lounging under a tree, listening to Salt-N-Pepa, munching on a bag of potato chips. She felt a shadow fall across her face and opened her eyes. Lucas Shaw was towering over her, his thin, chapped lips moving at a rapid pace. Makayla couldn’t hear what he was saying, but the sinister expression on his face told her it wasn’t good. She slowly pulled off her headset. “Yes?”
Lucas kicked the side of her leg. “Beat it, moo-moo. We need to use this tree for an end zone and your fat ass is in the way.”
Hot tears burned her eyes as she gathered her things. Ever since Makayla wiped out in the cafeteria, Lucas had made it his personal mission to make her life a living hell.
Makayla was running across the field when she heard Lucas holler behind her, “Come on, QB, we’re ready to play.” She looked up just in time to see Kenyon and his girlfriend-of-the-month trot down the steps. After a long, sloppy kiss, the two love birds parted ways.
“What’s the hurry?” Kenyon asked. “You’re running like Freddy Krueger is chasing you!”
Makayla didn’t realize she was holding her breath until he waved a hand in her face. “Hello? Anybody home?”
Suddenly deaf and mute, Makayla blinked rapidly. The sun was blinding her eyes, so she arched a hand over her head. She had had a crush on him from the first day of high school, much like the rest of the girls in the freshman class. In a navy-blue football jacket, a white T-shirt and blue jeans, Kenyon looked like the poster boy for the U.S. Marines. His low top fade was neatly cut and his eyes, which twinkled whenever he was talking to a member of the opposite sex, were concealed by dark sunglasses. He was carrying his two most beloved items: a football and a camera.
“I’m Kenyon. I sit behind you in Mr. Ivanovich’s class. What’s your name again?” When she hesitated he said, “You do have a name, don’t you?”
“M-M-Makayla Stevens,” she said, finding her voice.
“You’re the smartest girl in our class and I couldn’t pass math if I had a cheat sheet. I bombed the last pop quiz while you got a perfect score.” His voice was tinged with sadness. “My pops said if I don’t pull up my grades, I’m off the football team. Can you tutor me? I can pay you ten bucks a week. Sound fair?”
Makayla spoke in a whisper. “Y-you don’t have to pay me. I’ll tutor you for free.”
“No, my dad says if you want something done right you have to pay for it.”
Lucas yelled across the field, “QB! Why are you talkin’ to fat ass? Hurry up, man, we’re waitin’ on you.”
Kenyon smiled down at her. “Can you meet me tomorrow in the library? Say twelve-fifteen?”
Too excited to speak, Makayla simply nodded in response.
Flashing those pearly whites again he said, “Thanks, Makayla.” With a smile and a wink, he sprinted across the field toward his friends.
For the rest of the semester, Makayla had been in her glory. Three days a week, she worked with Kenyon to complete his assignments and helped him prepare for the final exam. They chatted over lunch when they finished studying. Rather, Kenyon talked and Makayla listened. He shared his dream of one day playing football and taking care of his mom and stepdad. He never asked Makayla about herself and she didn’t volunteer any information. Unfortunately for her, Kenyon aced the next three tests and as quickly as their friendship had begun, it was over.
The sound of Kenyon’s voice jarred Makayla out of her daydream.
“I’m still waiting for that name,” he teased.
Makayla
