“He ruined everything,” I say, throat tightening.
“Maverick’s fucking stupid, but he isn’t a racist,” Nix points out. “He acted that way because of John.”
“I know, but it doesn’t change anything.”
“Give him the chance to make it right,” Dee says, taking ahold of my wrist.
“It’s not that simple.” My bottom lip quivers.
“It could be,” he counters.
“You and Maverick belong together,” Nix says.
“He humiliated me.” I swipe the solemn tear rolling down my cheek. “He stood by while food was thrown at me. Sometimes love isn’t enough.” I bolt from the room, hopelessness eating me alive.
I look down at my mother’s gravestone, holding a bouquet of peonies.
Lynette told me these were her favorites. It’s strange being back in Montgomery, but a visit is long overdue. I have to make amends for wrongs done.
Mourners to my left circle a casket, laying to rest a loved one. Death is inevitable, but it’s still a shock to the system when it happens. The day of my own mother’s funeral is mostly a blur. I remember begging her to wake up, not to leave me.
I look towards the sky. Fluffy clouds float by at a snail’s pace and a flock of birds soar across the bright blue expanse. It’s unseasonably hot and my shirt clings to my sweaty torso. I’m stalling. I refocus my attention on the gray granite, at a loss for words.
“I practiced what I’d say to you for weeks, but now my mind is drawing a blank.” I exhale, massaging the nape of my neck.
I need to do this. Lynette and Dr. Stallard worked tirelessly to help me overcome my childhood trauma. This is the final step in recovery.
“You were living in hell and I shouldn’t have judged you. I’m sorry for hating you all these years.” I stoop to my haunches and place the flowers at the foot of the gravestone. “I forgive you.”
A gentle breeze ruffles my hair and calmness envelops me. The sound of approaching footsteps reaches my ears.
“Appreciate you coming,” I say without glancing back.
“No problem,” Dee replies.
I brush my thumb over my mother’s name before standing and facing him. I asked Dee to meet me here so we can bury thehatchet. There’s still lingering tension between us.
“I’m a prick.” I cut to the chase, no sense in beating around the bush.
He arches an eyebrow and crosses his arms. “Go on.”
“You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”
“Nope.” He draws out the word, popping the “p”.
“I’m a fucking idiot.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I should’ve trusted her.”
“I’ve watched you become more reckless over the years and was afraid you wouldn’t live to see graduation. Cocoa changed you for the better, and for the first time, you were genuinely happy, then you royally fucked it up.”
“Jealously blinded me and I reacted without thinking. I’ve learned my lesson.”
“We’re cool, man. Can’t stay pissed at you forever.”
“Can I get a ride since I’m back in your good graces?”
I took a cab from the airport to the closest florist shop, then here. My Jeep is back in Minnesota.
“Yeah, I’m parked down the hill.”
