"That's exactly why I never said anything. Casey knew. I told her because I could trust her and she wouldn't think I was lying."
Mom winced and twisted her fingers together as if she didn't know what to do with her hands. After we sat wrapped in silence for several minutes, she sighed. "I know it doesn't help, but I'm sorry. I should have been more sensitive to what was happening. Christopher seemed like such a nice young man."
She went on making what I thought were excuses, but it didn't matter.
Once again, Kofi proved himself to be correct.
I should have done this years ago, but I was getting better and things were looking up. In telling Mom what happened with Christopher, I felt as if I'd released a burden.
To occupy my hands, I stood and picked up my father's empty plate, as well as the glass he used. After leaving them in the sink, I got my glass and left it there too.
Mom sat like a statue, with her head lowered and her hands folded on the table.
"I know you don't want to hear it," I said, "but Kofi has helped me face that experience and move beyond it."
She didn't answer, but I didn’t miss the micro-expression that came and left in seconds. Maybe she'd never approve of Kofi, but who cared?
Daddy was watching international news when I walked into the living room. Over the back of the sofa, I hugged him around the neck. "Gotta go, Pops."
"You and your mother okay?"
"Yeah, I am. She'll be all right."
"Should I expect things to improve around here?"
"I guess we'll see."
My phone buzzed inside my jeans. I reached for it and swiped the screen, then put the cell to my ear.
"Yeah, Kofi. I'm on my way."
"Thanks, hon. I love you."
"I love you more."
My father stopped me from moving away by holding on to my wrist. "You're sure you'll be all right, Gina?"
I think he was asking me if I'd be okay on an emotional level, so I nodded. "Yes, Daddy, I'll be fine."
Although he wasn't a hands-on kind of man, he'd always been a strong presence in my life. My smile widened as I realized that Kofi had some of the same qualities as Daddy—calm, caring, strong, and dependable.
I hugged myself as I came around the sofa. Then I kissed my father on the cheek. "I love you, Daddy. Thanks."
"For what?"
"Just for being you."
"Have I told you lately that you're the sweetest and strangest child I have?"
"Not lately, but I'm taking that as a compliment."
He laughed at what was a corny joke we'd shared a thousand times.
Inside the car, I chuckled still amused by Daddy's comment. Briefly, my thoughts flashed to my mother. I could only guess the effect my revelation would have on her, but she was tough. She'd manage. She wouldn't tell anyone what I revealed to her and it would be a while before she worked up the courage to reach out to me.
That was all right by me.
With Kofi, my future held exciting possibilities. This was no time to get bogged down in the past.
