"Of course."
"Excuse me, Gina." Mama launched into a speech in Twi, warning me to be careful about what I was doing. She kept her tone even, so Gina wouldn't get a hint of what was being said.
I smiled to put Mama at ease, but it didn't work.
Her expression was bland, but I saw the concern in her eyes. Mama kept hoping I would marry a woman from our tribe and settle in Ghana. So far, those prospects seemed to be nil, so I understood why she was disturbed.
I changed the subject by asking about my siblings who still lived at home. "How are Kwame and Esi?"
"They are the same as the last time we spoke. He got a promotion at his job this past week and Esi is having final exams."
"Tell Esi I expect great results and I will talk with her soon. Goodbye, Mama."
"So because you are with her, you cannot say you love me?"
Her tone was teasing, but she was serious. I reverted to Twi and told her I'd never stop loving her.
Her smile was sad as she bid me goodbye.
I wished there was something I could say to convince Mama she wasn't losing her eldest son, but we both knew I'd do exactly what I wanted, even if she didn't agree. Going against her wishes didn't rest well with me, but my happiness was important.
Ever a beacon of life and light, Gina waved at Mama. "Bye-bye, Mrs. Danquah."
Mama nodded. "Nice to meet you, dear."
"It was good to meet you, too."
"We will talk again soon," Mama said, to let me know she had questions.
"Next week," I said before ending the call.
I closed the program and focused on Gina, who let down her hair and gathered it into a fresh ponytail.
"She doesn't look as if she approves of me."
"She doesn't know who you are, so why should it matter?"
"D'you usually introduce people to your mother without telling her who they are?"
She had a point there, but it was one I wasn't prepared to argue over. "You worry too much."
Gina got ready to stand, but I held her hand. "So, about what happened yesterday ... "
"What about it?"
"How did things go after I left?"
"Why are you asking now and not when I got here a half-hour ago?"
"I was making arrangements with Kemar, remember?" To take the sting from my words, I kissed her cheek.
She sat farther away, edging the chair back and turning her knees toward me. "I don't understand you."
"I'm sure you're going to tell me what you mean."
She opened her hands in a dramatic gesture. "It would have been the perfect opportunity for us to be together another night, but you chose to deprive yourself of my company."
I chuckled before responding. "The easy way out is not always the best answer. Taking you with me would only have made a bad situation worse."
