Surprise washed over DeAndre’s face. “What?”
“Are we going to have a problem if I decide to do the thing that I never asked you for permission for in the first place?”
DeAndre’s eyes widened. “Baby, I don’t want a problem with you. Please. Can you calm down?”
“I’m calm.” Her chest rose and fell. “Can you answer my question?”
“We won’t have a problem.”
“Good.”
DeAndre watched her as she took a sip of her wine. “Does that mean you’re taking pole dancing lessons?”
She let out an exasperated breath. “I said I am.”
He nodded as they stared. “Okay.”
“Can you be happy for me and for you? Who knows what I’ll learn.” She smirked.
DeAndre nodded. “Sure.”
Avery’s smile fell. “Ugh.” She pushed back from the table and stood.
“Where are you going?”
“To shower. I’m done with dinner.”
“You haven’t eaten all of your food.”
“I’ve lost my appetite.”
“Avery.”
“No!” She lifted a finger, pointing at him. “Just say what you really mean, DeAndre.”
“Why are you upset?”
“You think I’m so weak that I can’t take pole dancing classes! It’s ridiculous. I mean, yeah, sure, sometimes I don’t feel my best, but I feel great right now. Why are you acting like I’m helpless?”
DeAndre clasped his hands. “I don’t think you're helpless. Is that what you think?”
“You’re not excited about this like I assumed you would be. You consider the worst because you feel like I can’t handle it.”
His brows dipped. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Well, I’m hurt now.” She moved away from the table, and DeAndre stood.
“Avery.”
She disappeared from view.
“Avery!”
She didn’t turn back, leaving DeAndre looking after her.
Four
DeAndre