Read Tameka's Smile for Free Online Page B

haven’t been home?”
    “It would have taken too long.” He jogged up the steps and buzzed her on the lips in passing. “What’s for dinner?”
    “Barbecued pork chops and salad. I hope it’s enough.” She headed into the kitchen and pulled the marinating meat out of the fridge.
    He followed. “Looks good. Any rice left from last night?” 33

    TAMEKA’S SMILE
    “Half a container.”
    “I’ll just heat some up to go with the rest of what you’re serving. You want any?” He reached into the refrigerator and pulled out the take-out container. He hunted in the cabinets until he found a microwavable bowl while she stuck the meat under the broiler.
    “None for me. I had some for lunch.”
    “More for me. You mind if I finish this off?” He held up the container, showing her the contents.
    “Knock yourself out. You bought it. Two days of Chinese back-to-back is my limit.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.” He poured the rice into the bowl and stuck it in the microwave while she took the salad from the fridge and placed it on the table.
    He called out, “I’ll get the plates. You got any paper plates?
    No sense dirtying dishes if we don’t have to.”
    “In the pantry. I made more tea. You want some?” She grabbed a bottle of water for herself.
    “Maybe in a bit. Right now that water looks good. It’s hot out there.”
    Tameka pulled another bottle from the fridge and set it on the counter, then checked the meat. It was ready to be turned.
    While she was doing so, Chad stirred the rice and stuck it back in the microwave to warm a little longer. “Meat will be done soon. You want me to add the sauce now or put the sauce on the table?”
    “I like mine baked on.”
    She took the barbeque sauce and poured it on three of the chops, leaving the remaining two bare. The marinade she used was barbeque flavored so she could enjoy the taste without the mess.
    The microwave dinged. “Let me borrow that potholder.” Tameka handed it to him and watched as he took the rice out and set it on the table. Meat done, she divided it onto two plates and carried it to the table and sat down. Everything else was already there. She said grace then dove into the salad, more than ready to eat. The Chinese she’d had for lunch had worn off hours ago.
    “These are good.” Chad held up his fork, which held a piece 34

    ZENA WYNN
    of meat on it. Between bites he said, “You know my name is Chad Wilson and that I’m a Bradford County Sheriff’s deputy. I know you’re Ms. Emma’s granddaughter, that you moved here from Delaware—don’t forget you only have thirty days to get a NC driver’s license and tag—and your driving record is clean.
    Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything.” Tameka arched her eyebrow, a little startled by the request.
    “Everything?”
    Chad looked a little sheepish. “Well, not right away. Start with the basics like, what’s your profession?”
    “I’m a hairdresser.” She sat back and waited to see what his reaction would be.
    “Really?” His eyebrows rose to his hairline.
    “Is there something wrong with being a hairdresser?” Her tone was just a touch defensive.
    “Not at all. It’s just that you look so intelligent…so bookish, I expected you to say something more professional, like a lawyer or doctor or something.”
    “So hair dressers aren’t intelligent?”
    He put his fork down and pierced her with a look. “You know that’s not what I’m saying. You just look like someone who’s spent years in college. Like you have a Master’s or even a Ph.D. hanging on your wall.”
    Mollified, she dropped her gaze to the table in shame.
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. I do have a Doctorate in Psychology.
    I’m a bit defensive about it. I spent all that time, wasted all that money, only to discover once I got into my field of practice I’d rather be doing hair. My decision to quit my job didn’t go over well with my family.” She could still hear them. What do