Off Script

Two Days and a Maybe-MBJ POV

I couldn't stop thinking about her.
Even with the chaos of the Halloween party behind me—kids hyped on sugar, costumes everywhere—I was still stuck on that moment. That almost.
Mina had looked at me with those soft hazel eyes like... like maybe she was about to do something she hadn't let herself do in a long time.
We were right there. Inches. Her breath on mine.
And then my damn phone rang.

Of course it was Kamila. I ain't mad—she was watching J.C. for Mina so we could get a few moments just us. But still. The timing? Legendary cockblock status.

I dropped onto the couch, phone still in my hand, scrolling to see if Mina had texted. She hadn't. And that was fine. I didn't want to come off too heavy. I just... didn't want her to think I didn't feel it.

Because I did.

All of it.

The warmth in her laugh. The way she talked to her son like he was the most important human on earth. How she pulled off that Catwoman costume. It was cute for the kids but had me ready to risk it all.

"Yo," Ryan's voice came through my speaker as soon as he picked up. "What's up, lover boy?"

I shook my head, laughing. "You stupid."

"Nah, I'm observant. You've been quiet all week and now you trying to FaceTime me at 11:45 at night? That's 'I need to talk about a girl' energy."

"Alright, relax." I stretched back on the couch, rubbing my hand over my beard. "It's... Mina."

"Ahhh." He smirked on camera like he already knew. "The school counselor with the kid? Cute. How's that going'?"

I exhaled. "It's different. She's different. Like... she ain't pressed, you feel me? Not trying to be seen, not trying to play me, not trying to get anything outta this. She's just—she real."

Ryan grinned. "You in deep, huh?"

I looked away. "We almost kissed tonight."

He leaned forward. "Almost?"

"I got cockblocked."

He cackled. "Damn. Who was it? One of them wild-ass Bebe's kids?"

"My sister."

"Of course it was. That's what you get for being the nice uncle with the free childcare."

"She was watching J.C. for Mina during the Halloween party," I said.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "J.C. huh?"

"I like him. He's a cool kid. Smart, funny. He got manners. And the way she moms him... I don't know, man. It's beautiful to watch."

Ryan let that sink in. "So what's your move?"

"I've been tryna think of a date. Something that shows her I see her. Not just the sexy counselor, not just J.C.'s mom. Her. But she ain't flashy. I can't pull up in a Rolls and drop a private chef on her front lawn."

"Do something intentional," Ryan said. "Not big. Just meaningful."

"I'm thinking maybe... something with her and J.C. too. Show her I don't just want her—I'm down for the full package."

Before he could answer, my phone buzzed again.

Alana Mayo.

I sat up straighter.

"Hold up," I told Ryan. "It's Alana."

"Big boss. Handle that."

I clicked over. "Yo, Alana. What's good?"