“Shane, how you doing, son?”
“I’m good, Miss Cora. I see you sitting up and dressed. You look nice.”
“Thank you. Jade is taking me out to dinner in a few,” she expressed.
“That’ll be fun. Hey, beautiful. How was your day?” I asked with my attention now on Celeste.
Grabbing her hands, I pulled them to my lips and placed kisses on each. I tried to keep it respectful when we were in front of either of our mothers. This was my first time seeing my lady since yesterday and I couldn’t wait to have her to myself.
“It was long, but I got a lot done. Inventory has been coming in left and right. Erick and Jade have been working hard with the online orders, but I can’t complain. How was your day?”
“It just got better now that I’m seeing you.”
Playfully, Celeste rolled her eyes at my statement, but I saw her small smile come through. I took my coat off and sat on the chair off in the corner of the room. I wanted to be on the road in the next hour, but I’d wait for Jade to get here to see Cora off. I was in the middle of checking an email when the doorbell rang. Jade’s voice echoed throughout the space and I couldn’t help but laugh. She was truly like a sister to me and I was glad Celeste had someone like her to lean on. There was no faking when it came to Jade. What you saw was what you got.
“Hey, everybody.”
Different variations of a greeting came from the three of us as she walked over to Cora.
“You ready, Momma? Where’s your coat?”
“It’s in the front closet. I’ll grab it and help get her in the car,” Celeste said as she stood.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come? I’m not doing anything else.”
“It’s cool. I need some one on one time with my second momma. We’ll be fine,” Jade responded.
Celeste helped Cora into her coat and I followed them as they headed out of the door. After helping Cora into the car and saying my goodbyes, I walked over to Jade.
“Thank you for doin’ this on such short notice. We’ll be back Sunday afternoon.”
“No worries, Shane. She needs the break so I’m happy to help. Momma Cora has never been a problem. Y’all have a good time,” Jade stated before opening her car door.
It felt like forever before Celeste pulled herself away from the passenger seat and let them leave.
“Come put a coat on and grab your purse.”
“Where we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there.”
“Do I need to change? Will I be back before my mom gets back?” she quizzed as we walked inside.
“All you need is your coat and purse, baby. Miss Cora will be just fine.”
Since she was already dressed, it only took a few minutes for her to grab her things and let Stella know we were leaving. Stella had stayed at the house alone on a few occasions and everything would be cool. This time felt no different.
“Shane…what is all this?”
“Just a lil somethin’ for you, baby. Now get in.”
As I backed out of the driveway, Celeste took the envelope off the roses and opened it. Like I knew she would, she started reading the card aloud and I was entertained.
“Baby. I hope your day is as beautiful as you. Love, your man.Thank you, baby. I love them.”
“Good. I never bought your ass roses, so I’m glad you like them.”
“I do. Now, can you tell me where we’re going? Why are we getting on the expressway?”
