The Last Chance by Darrien Lee Page B

and Keilah went on to enjoy a wonderful dinner and livelier conversation. Michael filled her in on his family, education, and military background. They didn’t discuss past relationships, but the couple did share with each other their interests and hobbies before bidding each other good-night.
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    That was the first of many dates between Michael and Keilah and with each date, they grew a little closer together—much to the approval of
    Teresa Randolph and the disapproval of Ramsey. He was still skeptical of the relationship between Keilah and Michael, but he kept his opinion to himself. He missed Keilah terribly. Even though he was actively dating two other women, they could never measure up to the woman Keilah Chance was.
    Three weeks into Keilah’s relationship with Michael, she had to cancel a date with Michael to work late with Ramsey. Michael was disappointed but understood her responsibilities.
    Ramsey met Keilah at her house after picking up dinner on the way. He handed her a container of food and tried to set things up in her kitchen, but before he could get everything out of the bag, Keilah said, “Bring everything into the living room. I have the files in there.”
    â€œSlow down, Keilah, before you choke,” Ramsey joked as he followed her into the living room.
    She looked over at him and smiled. “You don’t understand. I am starving.”
    He sat down on the sofa and opened his plate. His eyes widened as he viewed the baked chicken, macaroni and cheese and green beans. When he looked over at Keilah, her plate was nearly empty.
    â€œWhy didn’t you eat lunch?” he asked. “You know you get a little crazy if you go too long without eating.”
    She wiped her mouth and said, “I know, Ramsey, but I didn’t get hungry until around two o’clock, so I just ate a breakfast bar. Besides, I thought I was going to be eating dinner by six o’clock, remember?”
    He shook his head and said, “Poor baby. Listen, I have to go to court next week for that shooting incident at that club.”
    She giggled as she got up to throw her empty container in the garbage. “Did that kid really call you Rambo?”
    â€œYes, he did. I wanted to smack him,” Ramsey replied as he admired her heavenly figure. She was dressed in a short, navy blue skirt with a light blue silk blouse. When she returned to the room she caught him staring at her. She smiled as she sat down next to him and opened her laptop.
    â€œWhat are you staring at, Stone?”
    â€œYou,” he answered casually as he took a bite of his food. “You look good ... I mean happy.”
    She opened a folder and without making eye contact, she said, “Thanks, and good luck in court.”
    â€œSo, Miss Chance?”
    She looked over at him again. “So what, Mr. Stone?”
    â€œAre you happy?”
    She thought to herself for a moment. “I’m good.”
    He frowned and sat his fork down. “What does that mean?”
    â€œIt means I like Michael very much.”
    Still frowning he asked, “That’s it?”
    Keilah tilted her head and look at Ramsey. “What do you really want to know, Ramsey?”
    Ramsey had the weirdest expression on his face, which was a cross between angry and confused. He stood up, removed his tie, and unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt, then looked down at her. “I want to know if you’re happy with this guy. Is he treating you good? Taking care of you?”
    Keilah blushed. “Michael is a gentleman, Ramsey. He’s tender, attentive, loving, and compassionate. What can I say? I guess you can say I am happy.”
    â€œYou guess? Either you are or you’re not, Keilah.”
    She reached over, took his hand, and caressed it. “What’s really on your mind, Ramsey?”
    At that moment, Ramsey realized that Keilah could see right through him, but he wasn’t about to give her the