Who's That Lady? Read Online Free PDF Page A

gesture of innocence. “Who me? Lines? Baby, you know I’m real.”
    “Please, Emerson. You haven’t been real with a woman since—” She broke off with a start of embarrassment.
    Key rolled his eyes. “Geez, Taylor, I’m way over Monica. I was a kid back then.”
    “I know,” she said. “It’s just….” She chewed thoughtfully a moment. “Sometimes I think you’re afraid to give yourself totally to a woman anymore.”
    He banged his fork down with a grunt of disgust. “Do not psychoanalyze me, Taylor! I’m just fine, thank you. I’ve never hurt or deceived anybody. I haven’t brought any unwanted kids into the world. What’s wrong with that?”
    “Nothing,” she said hastily.
    “When I’m ready to settle down, I’ll find a woman.”
    “I know you will,” she said. “You have a lot to offer any woman, Key. Trust me, I know.” She quirked an eyebrow at him teasingly.
    He chuckled. “Yeah? How do I measure up to Pirate Graham?”
    She pretended to consider. “Hmm. It’s been a long time but I’d say that on technique, you out-rate him, while his originality and enthusiasm have you beat. Maybe you could arrange for him to give you a few lessons.”
    “Smarty-pants,” he said with a playful swat at her butt. “I gotta go. Tell Shont é to give me a call.”
    In seconds he was out the door and gone.
    Thoughtful, Crystal turned to the sink with its few dirty dishes, her movements automatic. Key might protest, but she knew how deeply he had once been hurt. On the outside, he was charming and careless about love. He never got too involved, despite all the women who had laid snares for him over the years.
    But she knew him better than any of them did. She knew that beneath the slick exterior, Key was passionate, loyal and vulnerable. Key usually guarded his heart well, but when he was hurt—
    Back in college, Monica Owens had been beautiful, smart, and ambitious. Everyone had said she was perfect for Key. He fell hard when he met her. For two years, they were an item. Then he was injured playing football and messed up his leg so badly that he was in the hospital for weeks. His family was devastated to see him lying in bed in so much pain.
    Monica was by his side for the first couple of weeks. Through her own tears, Crystal approved of her care. She didn’t even mind too much being pushed aside when she saw his eyes light up at the arrival of Monica. He obviously loved her so much.
    Monica was the most impatient of them all in the concern about when Key would regain full use of his leg. She was with the family when they went to the doctor’s office for his briefing. He assured them that Key would be fine in normal life, but it wasn’t wise for him to play football again. That meant the end of his promising career as a professional athlete. Key had already learned the news and asked the doctor to speak to his family.
    Crystal cried with Key’s parents and sister over the news. Then they got themselves together and prepared to be strong and thankful as they went back to Key’s room. Monica trailed behind, her wrinkled brow still troubled. Crystal paused to offer her comfort.
    “He’ll be okay, Monica. They said this won’t affect his normal abilities.”
    The pretty college junior hugged herself in obvious distress. “But his career! It’s so unfair. Pro scouts have already been looking at him. Now that’s all over.”
    “I know. But he’ll go on to something else. You know Key. He’s strong. He’ll adapt.”
    “But it won’t be the same!” Monica wailed.
    After that day she started to be “too busy” to come to the hospital. Joe and Vonetta had to return to their home and jobs, which left Crystal and Shonté to keep Key company in the hospital. They tried to downplay Monica’s inattention, to make excuses for her. But it tore at Crystal’s heart to see the light go out of Key’s eyes each time anyone walked in the door who wasn’t Monica.
    After several days of her excuses,