“More good news. Now, this is what I like to hear.”
“Yeah, man, life is great.”
“How are your parents?”
“My mom is still as spunky as she always was. My dad is still chasing her around the house every chance he gets.”
“How are your parents?”
“The best they’ve ever been. Watching them grow together is inspiring in more ways than one.”
“I can imagine, Mr. Aerospace Engineer.”
The two men laughed as DeAndre nodded. “Yea… It took some special dedication to stay the course and make it happen, but the late night and early mornings were worth it in the end.”
“I bet they were. What do you make like a million dollars a year working with NASA?”
“Now, if I tell you that, I can’t let you walk out of here alive.”
Low guffaws shuffled from them, and a waitress approached their table with a round of fresh beers.
“Thank you,” they said while Corey’s eyes lingered on her parting form.
“You’re staring a little too hard…. Mr., what’s your fiancée’s last name? I know she’s not taking yours.”
“Ooooh!” Corey laughed. “Still quick with the shit-talking, I see.”
DeAndre’s broad smile was bright enough to light up the room. “You fell right into it.”
“You’re right, but my fiancée will be taking my last name, and there’s nothing wrong with looking, even flirting from time to time. We’re men. It’s the nature of the beast.”
“Now see, you’re playing with fire, old friend. If you’re still in the game to flirt, then why get married?”
“Because I love her, and I want her to be all mine.”
“But you want to share yourself with other women?”
“We have an understanding; let’s put it like that.”
“Don’t stop on my behalf.” DeAndre strolled to a lounge chair and sat, popping the top on the Budweiser with his teeth. “Are you in a polygamous relationship?”
Corey followed his lead and sat in a chair next to him. “Hell nall, man. That would be too much like right, wouldn’t it?”
“So, what is the understanding?”
“She knows I’m a big flirt. She’s okay with it as long as I don’t take it too far.”
A single brow rose up DeAndre’s face, and he checked his Rolex then his cell phone.
“What about your wife?”
“What about her?”
“You’rethee, DeAndre Valentine. A multimillionaire sex symbol. I’m sure women throw themselves at your feet daily. Is your wife okay with you flirting with other women?”
Low laughter cajoled from DeAndre. “Calling me a sex symbol is humorous. You said that like I was a Chippendale.”
Corey laughed. “A Black Chippendale without the stage presence is pretty accurate.”