On the drive back to Mia’s apartment, Walter nods off and starts snoring.
‘I know it’s early,’ Harriott says to Mia as we get out of the car. ‘But I need to get him to bed. It’s been a long day and he’s tired. And I’m sure you’d like some time alone with Jason.’ She winks at me.
‘Will you come by in the morning?’ Mia asks. ‘For breakfast?’
‘Yes, we’ll be here.’ Harriott leans into the car and shakes Walter. ‘Walter, wake up.’
He rouses and mutters something.
‘Walter, wake up,’ Harriott says. ‘We’re going to the hotel.’
His eyes open and he looks at all of us, finally realizing he was asleep. He holds onto the car as he gets out.
‘Goodnight, Dad,’ Mia says, kissing his cheek.
He narrows his eyes at me. ‘You better take good care of my girl.’
‘Yes, Sir. I will.’ I put my arm around Mia.
‘Goodnight, honey,’ Harriott says, smiling at us as she helps Walter to their rental car.
We remain on the sidewalk, my arm still around Mia, as we watch them drive off.
‘I worry about them,’ Mia says.
‘I know you do.’ I lean down and kiss her head, not even thinking about it.
She looks up at me. ‘Thanks for helping my dad. After he fell in my apartment, I didn’t think he’d be able to make it to dinner.’
‘He was fine. He just needed a little help.’
She softly smiles. ‘Want to go inside?’
‘I should probably get going. I need to go find a hotel. Any recommendations?’
‘You’re not staying with me?’
‘I didn’t think you’d want me to.’
‘Of course you can stay. C’mon.’ She takes my hand and heads to the building.
We go into her apartment and she sits down on the couch and closes her eyes.
‘You okay?’ I ask, sitting beside her.
‘I’m just tired.’ She opens her eyes. ‘I’ve been like this for months. I’ve heard I won’t be as tired later on in the pregnancy, but right now, I have to take naps or I won’t make it through the day.’
‘You want to go to bed?’
‘No, I just needed to sit down.’ She turns to me. ‘Hey, do you think you could help my parents get to the ceremony tomorrow? I have to be there early. My mom knows where to go, but I’d feel better if you were with them, to help my dad if he needs it.’
‘Of course. I’d be happy to.’
‘Thanks. I’m sure they’d be fine on their own, but I’d feel better if you were there.’ She gets up. ‘You want something to drink?’
‘No, I’m good.’ I watch as she goes to the kitchen and fills a glass with water. ‘Mia, I need to talk to you about something.’
‘Go ahead.’
