Black Lace Read Online Free

pictures?”
    Lacy looked over at His Fineness standing just outside the door, talking on his own phone, and reluctantly admitted, “Yes.”
    “If he asks you out, say yes.”
    Lacy raised her eyes to heaven for strength. “He isn’t going to ask me out. He’s just here because of the accident. If we go anywhere, it will be to court.”
    “Be nice. Just because you fell and skinned your knee once doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the bicycle.”
    “I’m not looking for anyone right now, Mama.”
    “I know, baby. I know. Studley’s enough to make any woman celibate.”
    They both laughed. Studley was Val’s name for Lacy’s ex, Wilton Cox. According to the media, Wil was one of America’s most trusted Black leaders, but Lacy knew him to be an arrogant, self-promoting son of a bitch whose manipulative and adulterous ways led to a very public—all over the newspapers—divorce. She didn’t think him qualified to lead anything or anybody, anywhere.
    Her mother didn’t either, and Lacy could hear it in Val’s voice when she said, “He was here in Atlanta last weekend rallying folks for something or other. Had the streets all tied up. But enough about him.”
    Lacy agreed.
    “Let me know how the X rays turn out. Like I said, if you need me, I can come.”
    “I’ll be okay, don’t worry.”
    “I’m supposed to worry. I’m your mama.”
    Lacy chuckled. Through the exam room’s open door she could see Drake and Carson heading her way. Carson carried a large brown envelope that she assumed held the film. “I have to go, Ma. The mayor’s coming.”
    “Okay, baby. Tell that cutie I say hello, and don’t forget to call back and talk to your father.”
    “Will do. Love you.”
    “Love you more,” Val replied affectionately. “’Bye.”
    “’Bye.” Lacy closed the phone.
    The X ray showed no broken bones but lots of bruising. While the mayor looked on, Reg Carson explained, “The injury to your ankle was probably caused by you standing on the brake when you spun out. It’s a natural reaction in situations like that to want to stop the car. Your neck’s fine too, but the soreness and stiffness may be with you for a while.”
    Lacy was relieved that the injuries weren’t real serious.
    “I’ll prescribe something for the pain. A few days of staying off of it and some ice should have you back on your feet good as new.”
    “Thanks,” she said genuinely.
    “You’re welcome. Excuse me a minute. Need to talk to Denise.”
    As he and Denise consulted outside, Lacy discreetly checked out the mayor standing across the room. He was checking her out too, which made her look away. All the hype surrounding how fine he was certainly was warranted. His well-cut hair, medium brown skin, and sexy moustache, coupled with his height and build in the black suit and the long, black, GQ cashmere coat, added up to a man any sister would be proud to call her own. Any sister but Lacy. Her marriage to Cox had left her gun-shy. Even though the divorce had been five years ago, she hadn’t allowed herself to get emotionally involved with another man since.
    Dr. Carson reentered the room and said, “Before I wrap your ankle, let me write the scrip. Denise needs to get back to her other patients but she’ll have one of the aides run it up to the pharmacy.”
    Lacy was then asked a series of doctor-type questions about her allergies and so forth. When he seemed satisfied with her answers, he scribbled on the white prescription pad he’d pulled from his pocket and ripped the sheet free. He handed it to Denise, who took off to find the aide.
    Reg said, “I’ll get some tape and be right back.”
    His exit left her and the mayor alone. Neither said anything at first. Lacy sent a few glances his way, only to find him watching her intently. She quickly turnedaway again, then said, “Um, how long have you been a doctor?”
    “About ten years.”
    “Which do you like more, being mayor or a doctor?”
    Drake shrugged.