“You can’t be alone on Thanksgiving, eating crap to boot.” Her nose wrinkles in distaste. “I’m officially inviting you to my grandma’s house.”
“I’m good chilling here.”
“But why?” she asks, eyebrows puckering.
“I’d be uncomfortable,” I answer hesitantly.
She moves to a sitting position. “Because my family is Black.”
“There’s more you don’t know.”
“This was a huge mistake.” She hops out of the bed, a hurt expression marring her features.
I grab her wrist and sit up. “Let me explain.”
“Racism can’t be justified.”
“John is a fanatical racist and taught me other races were inferior ever since I could talk. Even so, my first crush was on a Black girl in the seventh grade. We went to the school dance together. Figured John wouldn’t find out, but somehow, he did. He beat me so bad, I missed school for two weeks. I’m not trying to make excuses, it’s just that old habits die hard, especially when they were literally beaten into you.”
“You have to break the cycle.” She climbs onto my lap and plants a kiss on my cheek. “You like me, right?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Then come to my grandmother’s house. Show me you can change.”
If I say no, she’ll be disappointed, and we’re back at square one. I can’t risk that.
“I’ll go, for you.”
Cocoa claps excitedly. “You’re going to have a blast and I’ll stick by your side the entire time.”
“Need me to bring anything? I can go to the grocery store and buy a pie or something.”
“Oh no, Maverick.” Cocoa chuckles. “My grandma would have a conniption if you brought a store-bought dessert into her house.”
“It’s been a while since I had a home-cooked meal.”
“You’re in for a treat. Her potato salad and collard greens are freaking amazing.”
“Can’t wait to taste both.”
“Great, it’s settled then.” She slides off my lap and plucks her thong from the floor.
“What are you doing?”
“I have to get back.”
“Spend the night with me.”
“Bertha Anne would skin me alive if I stayed out all night.”
“Come over in the morning. I’ll treat you to breakfast.”
“Sorry, I can’t.” She shimmies the skimpy undergarment up her legs. “I’m helping prep and cook all day.”
“Sneak away for a bit.”
“I’ll see, but no promises and it won’t be until the evening.”
