My mother was a retired beautician who still did hair for a few of her loyal clients out of the mini salon my father had added to their tandem garage, something he used to bribe her to join him in retirement when he retired from the Navy.
“Shit. You might as well prepare yourself to make some room. You know, when her and Ma get together, they have no self-control when it comes to my nephew.”
“I know. It’s a losing battle. Aye, but Livvy’s question is legit. Aren’t you ready to settle down?”
“I am, but I haven’t found the one yet.”
“Have you tried? A little effort goes a long way.”
“You know how my schedule is, man. I don’t have the time or energy to date with the intention of marrying.”
“Your wife ain’t gon’ fall into your lap, bruh.”
“She might have to because, as much as I’d like to settle down, I’m not actively looking for anyone to settle down with.”
“You know Taylor’s always trying to play matchmaker; maybe she can set something up.”
I began shaking my head before he finished his statement.
“I’m good on Taylor and her matchmaking. I let her set me up on two blind dates about ten years ago, and they were disastrous. I had to get a restraining order on one of the women.”
“Oh damn. I can’t believe this is the first I’ve heard of that.”
“You’ll probably never hear it from her since she claims to be great at helping people make connections.”
We laughed because my sister wholeheartedly believed that, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Will you be in town for Valentine’s Day? I saw a flyer at Smokin’ Dawg about a speed dating event they’re having.”
“I’ll have to check my schedule to confirm, but I think I’ll be flying. If not, I might check it out since I don’t have any plans.”
“If nothing else, you can add another ho to this area code.”
“Fuck you, nigga.”
We spent the next few hours talking shit and watching college basketball, eventually ordering pizza. When Taylor arrived home, we were summoned to retrieve her bags from her car. After putting them in the nursery, we found Taylor in the kitchen.
“My nephew got enough clothes to last him until he’s in kindergarten,” I commented teasingly.
“Don’t start, Sy. I already hear it from Maison nonstop.”
“Clearly, you haven’t heard it enough, because it hasn’t stopped you from buying something for him every time you leave the house,” Maison said, rubbing her stomach as he kissed her forehead.
“I promise. This is the last time. Between what I have and what Mama has, our son has more than enough.”
“I don’t believe you, but okay.”
She playfully pushed him away. “I’m serious this time. If I get anything else, there won’t be anything left for people to get me for my baby shower.”
“From the looks of that room, you’re already past that point, baby Sis.”
“Whatever.”
She dismissed me, opening the freezer and taking out a quart of ice cream.
“If you ever settle down, just hope your wife has more self-control than mine,” Maison teased, wrapping his arms around Taylor’s waist and kissing her temple.
I appreciated how much Maison loved my sister. Watching them reminded me of my parents, who were in their sixties and had been married for forty years. I couldn’t wait to find a woman to love like my father loved my mother, and how my brother-in-law loved my sister. Maison might be right . . . Maybe if I put forth some effort, it could go a long way.
