opened the note and slowly walked toward the door.
Keaton,
Sorry I had to run. Dinner sounds very nice. Call me at 555-8458 and tell me where and the time. It was nice seeing you again.
Meridan
Pleased, he smiled, folded the note, and slid it inside his jacket before walking out into the cool night air.
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C HAPTER 6
S aturday morning Keaton was awakened once again by MaLeah trying to pry open his eyelids. He was startled awake and when he saw who was staring down at him, he sighed.
âMaLeah, baby, youâre going to have to stop doing your uncle like this. What are you doing up so early?â
She pouted. âI wanna play, Uncie Key.â
Keaton picked her up and put her in bed beside him, covering them both with the comforter.
She cuddled against his chest. âCan I watch TV, Uncie Key?â
Closing his eyes and turning onto his stomach, he responded, âKnock yourself out.â
She crawled over his body and grabbed the remote off the nightstand. She sat on his back and proceeded to watch the Nickelodeon channel. Keaton tried to go back to sleep, but it was difficult with MaLeah laughing and bouncing on his back. Just when he thought all hope was gone, Winston walked into the room.
âBaby girl, I shouldâve known youâd be in here bothering your uncle. Get off his back and come on so you can get your clothes on,â he said, laughing.
Pointing toward the TV, she yelled, âDaddy, look! Rugrats!â
Winston walked over to the bed and picked her up. As he turned and walked out, he looked back at Keaton. âSorry, Bro. Weâll try to keep better tabs on her. You can go back to sleep now.â
Keaton turned over. âSheâs all right, Man. Donât worry about it. Howâs Fredrick doing?â
âHeâs much better. His temp is down, thank God. You really came through for him last night. Speaking of whichâ¦What happened between you and the beautiful doctor last night?â
MaLeah heard the word âdoctorâ and yelled, âDr. MeMe!â
Winston looked at her in frustration and sat her down. He playfully patted her on the bottom. âGo find your momma and stop being so nosey.â
MaLeah giggled and ran from the room. Winston folded his arms and said, âNow back to you. Whatâs up?â
Keaton sat on the side of the bed, smiling. He stood and said, âNothingâs up. I only asked her out.â
âTonight?â
âThatâs what Iâm hoping for.â He grinned mischievously. âI have to call her and see if weâre on.â
Winston watched as Keaton blushed simply from talking about Meridan. It was obvious heâd been very interested in Meridan every since heâd laid eyes on her. As long as Winston had known Keaton, heâd vowed he would never, ever, marry. As Keaton would tell his familyâ¦heâd get married âwhen hell freezes over.â Heâd never allowed himself to get serious with any one woman because of the demands of his restaurant and his loyalty to bachelorhood.
Winston laughed again. âIâm surprised she has time for you, or any man. Her medical career is very demanding and stressful. She has her private practice and covers at the hospital when needed. I assume thatâs why she was there last night.â
Keaton curiously asked, âI wonder why she works so hard?â
Winston flicked some lint off his sleeve. âIâm not sure. Maybe she loves her job.â
Keaton stood and started making up his bed. He turned and said, âIâm sure as fine as she is, she takes the time to wind down and go out every now and then.â
Winston picked up a CD case off the nightstand and scanned the titles. âI donât know when she has time for much of a social life. Iâm surprised she even considered your invitation.â
Keaton flexed his muscles in the mirror. âShe accepted because she likes what she sees and Iâm