Mallory speaks before I can. “Pearl, this is Kenneth. He’s a classmate of mine and swims for CLU.”
“TheNational Champion,” Riley corrects her with a proud grin.
I extend my hand. “Hi, Ms. Pearl. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Call me Pearl, sweetheart.” She gives my hand a firm handshake and winks at Mallory. “Talented and respectful. Handsome too. Nice work, Mal.”
Mallory crawls into the round booth and covers her face with the large menu. “Can you guys be any more embarrassing?”
“Don’t hide from me, sweet girl! It’s been too long since I saw your pretty face,” Pearl teases. “What can I get y’all to drink?”
We all give our orders. Once Pearl disappears through the kitchen doors, Riley opens the menu and looks at me. “Any food allergies, Kenny Boy?
“Nope,” I say.
“But he doesn’t like spicy food,” Mallory adds, peeking over the menu.
Riley gives me a disappointed look. “Everything here is spicy!”
“No it’s not. The food is only spicy because you douse your plate in hot sauce, Ma.” Mallory knocks away the hand trying to flick her. “Do you mind if we order for you, Gray? I’ll make sure to get things you’ll love.”
“I don’t mind at all,” I say, pushing my menu aside.
“Perfect. We eat family style. Three meals, three sides, and one dessert split between us.”
As if sensing we’re ready, Pearl reappears and Mallory grins. “Can we please get an oxtail plate, fried catfish and chicken platter, and shrimp and grits. For sides, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole. Andddd… banana pudding for dessert.”
My mouth salivates at the order. The price doesn’t even cross my mind. This will be the best meal I’ve had in years, and I’m in great company.
Riley pushes out her bottom lip. “No chitterlings? So rude.”
I lean close to Mallory’s ear. “What’s a chitterling?”
A look of humor gleams in her eyes. “You wouldn’t like them, I promise. Shrimp and grits are more up your alley. She’ll get over it.”
“Probably not,” Riley grumbles.
Mallory downs her water glass, and I stand to let her out of the booth. “I’ve got to run to the restroom. Will you get me a refill if Pearl comes by?” I nod, and she turns to her mom. “Be good, Ma, and don’t be too… you.”
Mallory’s flowy skirt barely makes it through the restroom door before Riley does exactly what her daughter told her not to do.
“So…” she says.
And it begins. “So…”
Mallory’s reminder from earlier comes to the forefront of my mind. Riley is a lot like Nan, a bit nosy, but it’s all with love. No beating around the bush. No easy questions.
“Is she teaching you how to be a copilot?” she asks.
“I’m currently in the trial period. It’s going pretty well so far.”
She laughs, twisting the wedding band on her finger. “She’s her father’s child, I’ll tell you that. He would’ve loved to see the independent, strong woman she’s become.” Riley’s face falls slightly. “I’m going to make this quick, Kenny Boy. I don’t know how much you know about our relationship, nor is it my business to tell you, but I want to give you a bit of advice.”
I reach for my glass. “I’d appreciate that.”
“There are a lot of things I regret in my life, but the biggest would be pushing my baby girl away to the point of almost losing her.” Her eyes dart to the dark hallway. “My advice is that patience is going to be your best friend. Think before you speak and approach her with love. It’s so much harder to come back from a mistake than it is to pausebefore you make it.”
Long gone is the silly woman who has neon-green aliens painted on her toenails. Now sits a mother with regret weighing heavily on her chest. From what Mallory has told me, I know Riley is doing everything in her power to move forward and make things right.
