Free I Saw Your Profile by Rhonda Swan Page A

his father and
he waved from the court. Jamal smiled and waved back.
         Nicole opened her
water and took a sip. “What’s up, Jamal? I feel like you’re here for more than
to watch our son play ball.”
        “You’re right. You always did know me.
I’m seeing someone, Nikki.”
        “That’s news? You’re always
seeing somebody. Usually more than one somebody. That’s why we’re not together,
remember?”
         “Let’s not go there. I
mean I’m seeing someone special. And she wants to meet Jay.”
         “Oh. Now you want to
use my son to impress your women?”
         “It’s not like that. I
think she might be the one and if she is, I want her to meet my son. She will be a part of his life.”
         Nicole rolled her
eyes. “You’re kidding right? You’re barely a part of his life. I think he needs
to get to know you before he gets to know your future ex-wife.”
         The game started with
the other team having possession of the ball. Nicole started clapping and
yelling. “Okay now, defense! Put your hands up Jay! Play that ‘D.’”
         She looked out of
place shouting from the bleachers in her beige Ellen Tracey silk skirt suit,
but she didn’t have time to change after work. Chauncey had dropped Jay off on
his way to see a client.
          Jamal was amused by her exuberance.
          “Calm down, Nik.
You gonna make the boy self-conscious. Let his coach tell him what to do.”
          “Don’t tell me
how to encourage my son. I’m the parent who comes to every game. The one
who is always here for him.”
         Jamal frowned. “Damn!
Why can’t we ever have a conversation without you taking it there?”
         He leaned forward,
causing his locks to fall into his eyes.       He pulled them
away, lowering his voice.
         “Look, Nikki. I’m
sorry things didn’t work out between you and me. I wasn’t the knight in shining
armor your father was, and I admit I could be a better father to Jay. But
that’s why I’m here. Because I want to start.”
         “Because of this new
woman?”
         “Heather’s part of
it.”
         “Heather? She white?”
         “Of course not.”
         “It’s not like you’ve
never had jungle fever.”
          “That was for play. This is for real.
Heather has a son, and we want the boys to meet, to get to know each other.”
         “Well if Heather helps
you become a better father, then more power to her. When do I get to meet her?
If she’s going to be a part of my son’s life, I’d like to get to know her.”
          “That’s cool.
She’ll be over tonight. Why don’t you pick up Jay’s clothes after the game and
come by later? You can meet her then.”
           Jay scored, sending
both his parents to their feet.
         “Yeah, Jay! That’s my
boy!” Jamal shouted.
         Nicole’s praises
followed. “Good job, Jay.”
         When they took their
seats, Nicole began to unwrap her candy bar.
         “You sharing?” Jamal
asked.
         Nicole handed him the
whole thing. “Take it. I don’t need it.”
          “By the way how are things between you
and London Fog?”
         “His name is
Chauncey.”
         “My bad. For real,
though Nikki. What do you see in that guy? You know somethin ain’t right with
him.”
         “No, Jamal. I don’t
know that. And you are the last person I would talk to about my relationship.”
         “You should. Guys know
guys. But I’ll leave it alone.”
         They watched the rest
of the game showing enthusiasm for their son’s performance, but with few words
passing between them.
         Nicole was distracted
thinking about Jamal’s comment. He wasn’t the only person who’d told her they
didn’t trust Chauncey and, after two years, she was beginning to have her own
doubts.
         Chauncey’s clients
called all the time, day and night. Why women needed