She smiled. "I do not know what time frame that is."
"As soon as I finish what I am doing here."
"And when will that be?"
"Maybe another week or so."
I frowned while searching my mind. Somehow, it felt as if Mama had asked me all of these questions earlier in our conversation. I paid attention when she spoke again.
"Is she ... Gina going back to America with you?"
Nodding, I said, "Most likely."
Mama let out another dramatic sigh. "Please make sure you come and see your mother before she dies of a broken heart."
If I grinned at her dramatic words, Mama would be upset. She was now pulling out all the weapons in her arsenal. When she spoke about herself in third person, it meant she was distancing herself from the situation. I supposed it helped her handle the disappointment better.
"Mama, you are the strongest woman I know. You will certainly not die of any such thing."
"Ah, Kofi, your mother loves and misses you more than you know."
"I know, Mama."
Gina came back into the living room and I held out my hand to her.
She sat beside me, sliding her hand over my shoulder. Leaning forward, she said, "I hope you're not too worried about Kofi. My family and I are taking good care of him."
"I am happy to hear that."
"It was good talking to you, Mrs. Danquah. I hope we will meet one day."
Mama's eyes lit up, but I knew it wasn't at the thought of meeting Gina. "Ah, my child. It would be my greatest pleasure to have my son home with me."
Gina winced, and I squeezed her shoulder. She understood exactly what Mama had just done.
I reverted to Twi and told Mama that I loved her and expected better from her.
She kept her composure, smiling as she told me she was only thinking of what would make me happy.
I did not prolong our conversation beyond telling her I loved her. We'd talk again and when we did, I'd make sure she understood I had no intention of going back on my decision to make Gina my future.
After I closed the program, I stood and tugged Gina's tee-shirt until she got up. Without giving her a chance to say anything, I covered her lips with mine. She opened her mouth, accepting and giving in her usual generous fashion.
I stared into her eyes and although I hoped she'd get what I was trying to tell her, I saw that she needed to hear the words. Smiling slightly, I whispered. "I love you, Gina, and that's the only thing that matters."
She nodded, but I could tell she wasn't convinced everything would work out for us. I kissed her again, determined to change her mind about the future.
