“What do you think he would’ve taught?”
“He could’ve taught any age, but younger kids really loved him, so I could see him teaching elementary school. He also loved science. He was always volunteering to help kids build baking soda volcanoes or balloon-powered cars.”
“That sounds dope.”
“It was. He was.”
They play for a little while longer while I watch contentedly, despite Tee’s urging for me to play H-O-R-S-E with them. Once I show him how terrible I am by attempting a shot and ending up with an air ball, the requests conveniently stop.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Tee says as he sinks another shot.
“What’s up?”
“Do you think maybe you could take me driving? Mom wants to, she just doesn’t have enough time with all her shifts and classes.”
I can see it written all over Micah’s face that he’s going to happily say yes, but he paces over the free-throw line to draw out the moment. He may not admit it, but he’s got a touch of Tanya’s dramatics too.
“Yeah, I guess I could do that.”
Tee starts to celebrate, but Micah holds up his index finger.
“On one condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“No more suspensions.”
Tee stands up straighter. “I can do that.”
“At least learn to deal with the bullies off school premises.”
We all bust out laughing and Micah makes him swear not to tell his mom what he said.
I’m heading over to Nelle’s place because I need to borrow a pair of sneakers from her. I realize that the very few sneakers I have are not made for the kind of walking required in New York City, and I love Tanya, but I’m not getting blisters for her.
And maybe I’m looking for a little self-assurance before I let myself walk into the lion’s den that is that city. I’ve been back to New York since moving home. My career doesn’t exactly allow me to avoid the place, but I’ve never gone back alone, and I always get out of there as soon as possible.
I won’t be alone, of course, but I know I won’t be getting out of there unscathed this time.
When I let myself into Nelle’s place, Evie turns around in her chair like a Bond villain.
“Jesus! You scared the shit out of me!” I yell.
She rubs her hands together maniacally as Nelle walks out from the back. “She’s been waiting for your ass.”
“Why?” I ask, hugging Nelle and making my fingers into a cross toward Evie.
“Oh, you know. You’re just about to go to New York with fine ass Micah. I wanted to see how you were feeling about that.”
Oh, brother. Here we go. Evie used to flirt with Micah relentlessly, which I always found entertaining, but now she’s more into figuring out what’s going on between Micah and me. I say let’s go back to the flirting.
“I feel fine about that,” I say, keeping my tone as flat as possible. Him going is the only reason I feel fine about this entire trip.
“Mhm. So, are you gonna admit that you and Micah are feelin’ each other?” she asks, looking over to Nelle, who nods.
Now’s my chance. My chance to come clean with two of my favorite people in the world. I want to let them in. I want to share this part ofmyself the way Micah has with Bailey. I’ve never gushed over a man with them before; the only one I ever felt inclined to do so about was Micah, and when it ended so suddenly, it felt like confirmation that I should never bring that part of me to light.
I can either rip off the Band-Aid or keep letting this wound fester.
