He hands me the phone. An instrument of torture, at least for the next few minutes.
“Hello?”
“Raya. Hi. It’s Angela Taylor.”
Bitch, I know. The fuck?
“Yes, hi Mrs. Taylor.”
I hate calling her that. Mrs. Taylor ismyname.
“I was just checking in. Ace told me you had a loss. Your brother, was it?”
“Mm hm.”
“Yes, well, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.”
Please don’t.
“I appreciate that,” I say. “I’m okay, though. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Silence ensues. I look up at Ace, smiling at the expectant look on his face. He wants us to be close, to be ‘normal’ in-laws, but we’re not there.
Yet.
“Mrs. Taylor, I actually have some news to share with you. Let’s meet for lunch soon.”
Ace smiles.
“Good news, I hope.”
“I think it is.”
“Well, I’ll pick a time and place. I assume your schedule is flexible since you don’t work anymore.”
This bitch just can’t resist.
“Yes, that’s correct. Ace retired me like I’m sure your husband retired you.”
The other end is silent for a few beats, and then she gives a tight chuckle. “I’ll text you details.”
“You do that.”
I hand Ace his phone back, ignoring the questioning look on his face.
“I’m doing it for you,” I finally say. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“Alright. I won’t say a word.” He bends down to kiss my cheek. “I love you.”
“Mm hm. Bring me some Sprite.”
He returns with my drink, then sits on the other end of the couch and puts my feet in his lap.
“I got a question.”
I nod.
