“I am. I just need to grab my purse.”
Nodding, I stood at the entry as Celeste disappeared into the hallway. When she returned, her purse was thrown over her shoulder while she applied lip balm. She was dressed perfectly in a pair of leggings with a long-sleeved shirt. It was on the cooler side today, and with the evening near, the temperature would only drop. Once she locked the door, I grabbed her hand and led her to my truck. When she and my mother made eye contact and waved at each other, I knew the whole ride would be filled with nonstop talking.
I helped Celeste into the backseat and walked to the driver’s side. The two of them were already in a conversation about Celeste’s townhouse. She was telling my mother all the perks that came with living in the community.
“I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these turkey legs,” Celeste said as I pulled into the parking lot.
“You can’t stop thinking about ’em, huh?” I joked.
“Nope. When you said the word fair, my brain went straight to the food. I’m glad they’re still around. I wanna do the photobooth too.”
“We can do whatever you ladies want.”
It took the three of us a few minutes to walk from the lot to the fairgrounds. From adults to children, there were so many people out. Loud talking and noise from the rides and games filled the air. As we waited in line to get our wristbands, I spotted a few places with oversized stuffed animals. Women loved those big ass things, so Celeste and my mother would both leave with one.
“What y’all wanna do first?” I asked once we got past security.
“Let’s do the Ferris wheel,” my mother suggested.
As we walked through the park, I took Celeste’s hand. The line for the Ferris wheel was a little lengthy, but it was cool. I never came to things like this not expecting to wait in lines.
“So what school did you graduate from, Celeste? What neighborhood are you from?”
“I graduated from Gwendal West. I grew up in New Topia.”
“Oh, I thought New Topia was a different district.”
“It is. I was on the border, so my county was still Gwendal.”
“That makes sense. How old are you?”
“Thirty-one. I’ll be thirty-two next February.”
“Okay, so you’re only a year younger than Shane. I’m telling you now, I’m looking forward to loving on some grandchildren one day, so I hope you want kids,” my mom said, only halfway joking.
“Yes, ma’am. I don’t want many, but at least two. I don’t really care if they’re boys or girls. I just want two healthy kids.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I couldn’t imagine going through life with no grandbabies to spoil. That part of my life is one I’ve been ready for these last few years. The only piece missing is my husband. I have to get that man home,” my mother expressed.
“I hope so. Shane had told me so much about him that I feel like I already know him.”
“Oh, girl…you have no idea.”
I didn’t like to speak about my dad or linger over the possibility that he’d come home one day soon. I felt deep down he would be coming home, but I didn’t know how or when it would happen. I’d called my uncle Dennis after he went to visit him, but I didn’t get an answer or call back. My dad wouldn’t tell me what was said, but I needed to know so I could help. Even from behind bars, my dad stood firm on his business. He only wanted me to focus on the music, but he didn’t know that was easier said than done. He was a part of me and the only man I admired. Flaws and all, my pops was a real one.
When it was finally our turn to get on the Ferris wheel, I sat in the middle of my mother and Celeste. My mother was snapping pictures while Celeste ate the cotton candy from astand right in front of the ride. The energy was peaceful and I was enjoying myself. As time went on, we got on more rides and stopped by every food stand the ladies wanted. Celeste was more than satisfied after ordering her turkey leg with sweet potatoes on the side. Right before we left, I kept my word and won the two of them oversized stuffed animals. I walked back to my truck with nothing but laughter and smiles coming from my favorite women. As if the time I was having was too good to be true, a familiar voice called out to me. Looking over, I spotted Deontay and some random chick.
“What’s good, cuz? What you doin’ out here?”
“Chillin’…mindin’ my business and shit,” I responded as I remote started my truck.
When he went to speak to my mother, I pulled the back passenger door open to help Celeste inside.
“What’s good, Celeste? How you and my nigga Spinna doin’?”
Since he was being sarcastic, Celeste ignored him and got inside the truck. This nigga was running out of chances with me. I already didn’t fuck with him, but this was the second time he’d said something out of the way to Celeste. I wasn’t going for that shit and I let his ass know.
“Yo, Deontay… the next time you say anything to Celeste will be the day I put my hands on you. The only reason you been goin’ this long without a well whooped ass is because of my uncle. If it wasn’t for him, I woulda been knocked them mini twists out yo’ head.”
