“I defied the odds, and it’s almost a hundred percent.”
“That’s good. Umm, . . . how’s your head?”
I was surprised by her question because my mother was the only other person who ever asked about my mental health.
“It’s good, but I went to therapy.”
“Good. I swear by it. Most Black men aren’t willing to admit they need therapy, let alone go.”
“If you give me the opportunity to get to know you, you’ll find out I’m not like most men, regardless of their background. I’m a different breed.”
I toldmyself to stay away from him, but here he was, sitting on my porch. To make matters worse, my dog, whose sole purpose was for protection, was cozied up with him. I was confused by Que’s behavior but also intrigued. He’d never been this way with anyone, let alone a complete stranger.
“I’m not dating right now,” I responded.
“Who said anything about dating? We’re just two adults who live across the street from each other, getting to know one another.”
“Isn’t that dating?”
“I wouldn’t call it that, at least not initially.”
“I’m a divorced, single mother with trust issues. I’m sure you can find someone else in the neighborhood to befriend.”
“I’m sure I will at some point, but tonight, right now, it’s you who I want to befriend. Are you open to that?”
His eyes looked sincere, and since he and Herqueles were besties, I might as well follow his lead.
“Sure.”
“Good. Tell me about Naryah.”
“I’ve already told you the basics.”
“Tell me the complicated or complex.”
“You’re nosy.”
“Not really, but I am curious about you.”
“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m a pretty boring person. I work, take care of my son, and stay out of the way. My circle is small because I learned the hard way not to be so trustworthy. My sister is my best friend, and my mother and I are close.”
“What happened that caused you to lose trust in people?”
“My ex-husband happened. While we were married, he managed to fuck the only two friends outside my sister that I had.”
“Damn. I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
“I wasn’t expecting my friends to fuck my husband, but hey, shit happens.”
“What they did was wrong as hell, but don’t let it taint your view of others before you get to know them.”
“It’s safer that way.”
“Possibly, but I guarantee there are some amazing people right here in Black Elm who would prove to be great friends, if given the opportunity.”
I shrugged. “I’m not interested in finding out.”
He nodded and changed the subject. “How old is Keelan?”
