I couldn’t hear Loso’s response, but Mrs. Terri ended the call wearing a smile.
“All right, Mrs. Terri. I think I have everything I need. I’ll get these uploaded and sent to the videographer.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let me get off my behind. I need to get in that kitchen.”
“Oh. What are you making? Can I help?”
“No, ma’am. I can’t ask you to help me with anything else.”
I waved her off as I scooted to the end of the couch. “I would be honored to help. I don’t get the chance to make desserts often.”
“Really? Your mama doesn’t put you to work during the holidays?”
I shook my head. “We aren’t close. When I was younger, I was always with my dad’s family. Now that I’m grown, I like being with people who want me around.”
She rocked her body forward and hopped to her feet. “Well, let me teach you a little something. God blessed me with two knuckleheads, so I never had a daughter I could pass recipes down to.”
I marched into the kitchen like a student determined to leave class withsomething. The wooden cabinets, tile floor, and white refrigerator were nostalgic. A large crockpot rested on the countertop, and without lifting the pots, I could smell the roast cooking on low.
“Go ahead and wash your hands. I’m going to grab you an apron.”
She rushed off with eager energy, making me feel welcomed in her kitchen. As I cleaned under my fingernails, the sweet sound of The Temptations floated into the kitchen. I smiled so hard, my cheeks hurt.
“All right, Essen. Are you ready to get started?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Mrs. Terri asked that I grab buttermilk and strawberries from the fridge while she gathered ingredients from the cabinets.
“What are we making?” I asked cheerfully.
“Yeah, what are y’all making?”
The familiar voice carried my focus from the countertop. “Hey, handsome.”
Loso slowly strolled over to me with his hands in his pockets. When his lips touched my forehead, my muscles slackened. I thought it was cute when he stepped to his mom and gave her the same touch of affection.
Mrs. Terri giggled. “Hey, Son. I see youfinallystopped by and used your key.”
“Yeah.” He looked over to me. “There is something precious in here that belongs to me.”
“Here you go.” I snickered.
“Here I am,” he replied. “What are y’all in here burning?”
Mrs. Terri’s head snapped back. “Burning? Boy, please. You know I don’t burn nothing except calories when I’m fasting.”
“Smells like y’all are cooking dinner too,” he added. “I stopped by right on time.”
The giddy grin on Loso’s face was wiped away when his father came into view.
“I didn’t know we were having company,” Mr. Lawrence commented, eyes locked on his son.
“How are you doing, Pops?”
“I’m here,” he answered keeping it short. “Shop still going good?”
“Yes, sir.”
