When Cora came into full view, she looked even smaller than she had in the pictures Celeste had around her apartment. Not only did she have a thin frame, but she was short in stature. Cora had copied and pasted her face to Celeste’s body. They looked identical, from their skin tone to their button noses. There was no need for me to imagine what Celeste would look like in twenty years since her mother gave me a preview.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Peterson,” I said as I reached out to shake her hand.
“Nice to finally meet you as well. I can see why my daughter is smitten.”
“Momma, please,” Celeste countered as she walked over to Cora.
I watched as she helped her mother into the wheelchair parked next to the recliner. The three of us had plans for lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Gwendal. I’d heard of the place before but had never eaten there.
“Let me take that,” I said as I grabbed the bag from Celeste.
“I like you already. You’re a gentleman.”
“That’s good to hear, Ms. Cora. I like your daughter very much, so we’re off to a good start.”
Celeste couldn’t help the smile that broke through her lips after my statement. Slowly but surely, my girl was starting to realize how bad I had it for her. She was looking good today ina cropped graphic T-shirt with purple jogging pants. Normally, she wore her brand, but today she had on a pair of gray New Balance 530s. Her hair was pressed and flowing down her back. A small Cuban link was around her neck with matching earrings. Although she had on makeup, it didn’t take away from her natural beauty. Before we left the facility, Cora had to be signed out. Thankfully, the process was fast as we left moments later.
“Momma, you wanna sit in the front?”
“No. I’m okay in the back.”
Since my truck was high from the ground, I carefully lifted Cora and sat her inside. After Celeste made sure she was buckled in, I folded the wheelchair and put it into my trunk. The first few minutes of the ride were silent until Cora spoke up.
“Tell me a little about yourself, Shane. Are you from Gwendal?”
“Yes, ma’am. Born and raised.”
“Who are your people?”
“My dad’s side are the Scotts and my mother’s side are the Stevensons. Most of my family on both sides still reside here,” I answered.
“Stevenson? You wouldn’t happen to know an Erma Stevenson, would you?”
“Yes, ma’am. Erma is my great aunt. That’s my grandmother’s baby sister.”
I wasn’t surprised at all that Cora knew of my family members. Gwendal was a big city, but it was small at the same time. At times it felt like everybody knew everybody. I wasn’t close with my aunt Erma, but she was good people. These days, all she did was look after her grandkids and go to church. She was one of those family members that had to be called if anyone wanted to know anything about her.
“You’ll have to tell her I said hey. She goes to the church I attended before I got sick. She’s a sweet woman.”
“I’ll make sure I let her know. How about you? Were you born and raised in Gwendal?” I questioned to keep the conversation going.
During the rest of the drive, I listened to Cora inform me about bits and pieces of her upbringing. Celeste jumped in every now and again, but she let us converse alone for the most part. When we got to the restaurant, we were seated within the first five minutes of being there. From how packed the restaurant was on a random Thursday afternoon, I could only assume the food was good. While the three of us ate, I paid close attention to the way Celeste and Cora interacted. I was glad they were close and hoped that never changed. Cora may have made mistakes in the past, but I could tell she genuinely loved her child.
“Hold on y’all, this is Erick calling. Let me make sure he doesn’t need anything,” Celeste said as she held up her ringing phone.
Cora’s face turned serious when the two of us were alone. I didn’t know what I expected her to say, but what she told me next wasn’t it.
“Shane… are you serious about my daughter?”
“Very serious,” I replied.
“I think you’re a nice guy, but I can’t say I’m gung-ho about my baby leaving a bad situation and jumping into another. She’s grown, but she has a good heart and only sees the good in people. I’m not sure what all she’s told you about her past relationship, but I don’t wanna see her hurt again.”
“I know enough to know I don’t intend to play with her like Spinna did. If I had it my way, Celeste would never leave my side. We’ve only known each other for a short period, but time isn’t a factor when it comes to her. I’m here for as long as she allows me to be.”
“That’s good to hear. It puts me at ease knowing she’ll have you when she needs you.”
Taking a sip of her water, Cora sat back in her chair and clasped her hands together. Her attention now across the room toward Celeste let me know there was more she needed to say.
