You're All I Need. Karen White-Owens

      “No, you’re not. You have family. And I’m going to tell you something. There are other men interested in you. There always have been. You were so involved with pleasing Darnell that you couldn’t see what was in front of you.”

      “Yeah, right,” Tia dismissed. “Like who?”

      “That hottie at your job is very interesting and interested.”

      “Who are you talking about? Adam has a girlfriend.”

      “I’m not talking about Adam. That new guy. What’s his name? Um…Chris.” Nia waved the spatula in the air. “I know. Chris Jensen.”

      A jolt of something unique went through Tia. She almost choked on her coffee. “Have you lost your mind? I don’t know him. He’s been in our office about a month.”

      “What’s that got to do with anything?” Nia placed a platter of Canadian bacon and waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on the table before returning to the kitchen. “He likes you, Tia.”

      “There’s a couple of flaws in your thinking. First, he’s white and French. What am I going to do with that?” Nia opened her mouth, but Tia continued, ignoring her sister and refusing to let her say a word. “Second, I don’t know how long Chris will be in the States. There’s no specific timetable set up for him. Why would I let myself get involved with someone who could be gone in a matter of days? And third, our mother would have a fit.”

      Standing at the refrigerator, Nia stated defiantly, “Let her. This is your life, not hers. One thing I know about our mother: She would never allow Daddy to treat her the way Darnell has treated you.” Nia returned to the dining room and placed a pitcher of orange juice on the table and then sat across from her twin.

      “That’s easy for you to say.”

      “No, it’s not. But I do understand how Mother controls you and won’t let go. She wants to turn you into her own personal mini-me. Remember this: Mother has a man. Why shouldn’t you have one? You deserve someone who’ll be there for you when you need him and who will love you and care for you just the way Daddy does for Mother.”

      “Some days I feel as if it’s not in the cards for me. I think about Momma and it’s too hard to deal with.”

      “Mother will have to get used to the idea. And, yeah, that would be interesting to watch. She’s not a bigot. You’re her favorite child, and whether you realize it or not, she wants you to be happy, no matter what color the man is.”

      Tia added waffles and bacon to her plate and then dug into her food. “I think you’re wrong on all of it.”

      “I’m rarely wrong. And in this case, I believe I’m right on track.”

      “I’m not Momma’s favorite.”

      Nia snorted. “Yes, you are. We’ve never gotten along, and I don’t think that’s going to change.”

      Tia held her sister’s gaze with her own. “You could work a little harder at developing your relationship with her.”

      Waving away Tia’s suggestion, Nia answered, “It’s too hard to please Mother. Things always go way wrong when I try to do that. I’d rather live my own life.”

      “Well you do that.”

      “Yeah, I do.” Nia twisted her shoulders in a sassy way before focusing her attention on her breakfast.

      They ate in a comfortable silence for several minutes, and then Tia said, “Talking about men at the office, what was that I saw going on between you and JerrDan?”

      Frowning, Nia asked cautiously, “What are you talking about?”

      “Hey, I was there. I saw sparks flying all over you and JerrDan like Fourth of July fireworks. You two could have lit up a room with your chemistry.”

      Although a faint stain of red flooded Nia’s cheeks, she maintained a strong, confident tone. “Obviously, this situation between you and Darnell has dulled your senses. I don’t know the guy. He could be married with children for all I know.”

      “He isn’t,” Tia responded, watching the flicker of interest flare in her sister’s eyes and quickly die. Oh, yeah. Nia wanted more. “JerrDan graduated from the University of Michigan. He came out of school at the top of his class. He’s been with Gautier for about five years. The man works hard and is really focused.”

      “Why are you telling me all of this?”

      Smiling sweetly, Tia answered, “Because you want to know.”

      “Okay. Maybe I do. He’s some big dog at your company. I’m not his type.”

      Tia shot back, “How do you know?”

      “Oh, come on. Do you really think he’ll consider being in a permanent relationship with a hairdresser?”

      “Maybe. I don’t know. Why not? You’re beautiful, talented, cultured when you choose to be, and you own your own business.”

      “Sweetie, I know and understand my place in the world. I’m perfect for the bedroom. Nothing more.”

      Tia silently studied her sister. Until today, she’d always believed Nia was the strong one. Maybe not. She had a bunch of insecurities. “Nia, don’t do this. There’s more to you. Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got a lot to offer any man.”

      “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” Nia pushed her plate away.

      Tia grabbed her sister’s arm. “You can’t avoid it.”

      “Yes, I can.” Nia shook off her hand. “Besides, I’m not going to change for some man I know nothing about.”

      “No one’s asked you to.”

      “Let’s drop the subject, okay?” Nia perked up. “Anyway, that’s not why I’m here.”

      “Why are you here?”

      “To make sure my twin is okay.” Nia’s gaze swept over Tia. “From what I can see, you’re going to be okay. It’ll take a little time, but you’ll do just fine.”