When Hell Freezes Over by Darrien Lee

it because she knew only one person could’ve sent them.
    Ashley sat the basket on Meridan’s desk. “Do you know who sent this?”
    Meridan removed the card. “I have a good idea. It’s from a very good friend.”
    â€œFrom the way you’re smiling, I take it you mean a male friend?”
    â€œYes. Thanks for bringing it in for me.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Enjoy!”
    Ashley gave Meridan her privacy. Once alone, Meridan sat down and opened the card.
    Meridan,
    This is just a little something to let you know that you could never have too much latex. Hehehe! For the record, I’ll never be caught without my latex again. Hope I made you laugh and I can’t wait to see you.
    Keaton
    Meridan laughed again and picked up the telephone. She dialed Keaton’s cell phone.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œYou’re so bad, Keaton” she said, laughing.
    He chuckled. “I take it you got my delivery?”
    Twirling in her chair, she said, “Yes, I did. You’re so crazy and your little note was even funnier.”
    â€œI’m glad you like it. So are you going to let me cook dinner for you tonight?”
    She stood, playing with the latex gloves.
    â€œI guess that could be arranged.”
    Keaton smiled.
    â€œGreat! You’re coming over for dinner. Is it okay if I pick you up around five-thirty?”
    â€œThat’ll be fine. Thanks again, Keaton.”
    â€œThe pleasure was all mine. I’ll see you at five-thirty.”
    Meridan hung up the telephone and left her office to attend to more patients.

    Hours later, Keaton worked diligently in the kitchen preparing dinner. Winston arrived home first with MaLeah and Fredrick.
    She danced around the room, yelling, “Uncie Key!”
    He looked down at her. “Hey, Shorty. What you know, Fredrick?”
    MaLeah ran over and hugged her uncle’s leg. Keaton stood at the sink, rinsing off vegetables.
    Winston put Fredrick in his highchair. “What’s for dinner, Bro?”
    Since Keaton had been in Philly, he volunteered to be the cook since he was at home all day.
    â€œJust a little sumptin’ sumptin’. Meridan’s coming over for dinner tonight.”
    Winston gave him a sneaky grin.
    â€œOh really? That’s so sweet. You guys must’ve really had a good time the other night. You got in kind of late. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
    Keaton wouldn’t give Winston the satisfaction.
    â€œYeah, Man, we had a good time. I told you I like hanging out with her.” Winston gave Fredrick his milk.
    â€œThat’s good. How’s your throat?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    He took his jacket off. “I don’t want you to strain your voice before the wedding.”
    Keaton put a dish in the oven. “Forget you, Winston! I told you, my name is all over your motorcycle. You have the wrong guy.”
    â€œHow would you like to sweeten the deal?”
    Throwing the dish towel over his shoulder, Keaton folded his arms. “What do you have in mind?”
    â€œI’ll tell you what. If I’m wrong, I’ll go in with you on that Sports Bar and Grill you’ve been talking about opening. If I’m right, you’ll have to go in with me on that summer house in Florida Arnelle has been eyeing.”
    Rubbing his hands together, Keaton yelled, “Damn, Winston! This is going to be so easy. You’re on!”
    As Winston walked out of the room, he said, “By the way, Craig, Venice and the kids are coming over for dinner, so make sure we have enough.”
    â€œI’ve got this,” he assured Winston.

 
C HAPTER 16
    W hen Keaton arrived later with Meridan, MaLeah was in the process of pushing her brother full speed down the hallway in his walker. As usual, she was going too fast, causing Fredrick to hold on for dear life. Winston and Arnelle were nowhere to be found but he knew they weren’t far away from the