“I didn’t.” She shook her head. “I felt blindsided . . . which I’m sure you did too. I felt judged. But those are Teagan’s parents. They lost their daughter. It’s not surprising that they feel uncomfortable with you having a new lady in your life. They probably feel like you’re moving on and leaving their daughter in your past. They can’t see that you’re making room for me while you’re holding her in your heart.”
I pulled her into my arms and held her tightly. I felt her stiffen. I buried my face in the crook of her neck, while my heart pounded in my chest. I was attached to Eastley. I didn’t want Monique and DeVaughn Powell to run her out of my life. “Don’t shut down on me, baby. Their thoughts and feelings ain’t my thoughts and feelings.”
“I know.” She sighed softly. “But I need to let my emotions settle before we talk about it. Can we just get through lunch?”
“Yeah. We can do that.” I agreed.
Mr. Bishop still lived in the same house that Quentin had grown up in. I knew him in passing. He was Q’s father, and Sweet Jackson was a small town. But we’d never been formally introduced. He was a large man, just like his son—tall and muscular. He looked intimidating. He looked like he was mean. But as soon as you engaged with him, you realized that he was a jovial jokester.
“Say Pops, this is my lady, Eastley.” Quentin did the introductions as soon as his father appeared at the front door.
Mr. Bishop smiled, showing me the same dimples that I admired so much on his son. He stuck out his hand, and I shook it. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I know your brother well. AndI’m sure you know that I went through the Sweet Jackson school system with Kevin and Dana.”
Kevin and Dana were my parents.
“But I’m honored to finally formally meet the young lady that makes my son light up like a Christmas tree,” he continued.
I blushed wildly. “It’s nice to finally meet you too, Mr. Bishop.”
“Dana was always one of the prettiest girls in school”—he lowered his voice—“behind Quentin’s mama, of course.”
That caused me to grin. “Of course.”
“And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” He continued.
“Thank you.” I just knew my cheeks had to be bright red.
Quentin screwed up his face. “You flirtin’ with my lady, old man?”
Before Mr. Bishop could respond, a loud, feminine voice blasted from inside the house. “Quincy! Don’t forget you got this food on the smoker!”
He looked up at the sky in annoyance, then brought his gaze back down to us. “Let’s go on the deck before this woman alerts all my neighbors that I’m out there smokin’ meat.”
On the back deck, Quentin introduced me to his dad’s friend, Ms. Janey. It wasn’t long after we arrived that we were seated at the dining table on the back deck.
Mr. Bishop had gone all out, making the most juicy, flavorful, and tender smoked brisket. His lady friend, Ms. Janey, had chipped in by making macaroni salad, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and yeast rolls.
“I talked to my daughter this morning, Quentin. She told me that you closed the studio today. My grandbaby really hated that because he loves his karate class.” Ms. Janey initiated the conversation.
“Yeah. With Labor Day being Monday, I felt like I deserved a break. I work six days a week, and I haven’t closed the studio on a Saturday in over three years.”
Mr. Bishop pretended to choke on his food, but the smirk on his face and the twinkle in his eyes gave away the fact that he was messing with Q. “Stayed around the house this morning, instead of jumping up to busy yourself with work, did you? How’d that work out?”
I continued to eat, pretending not to notice the identical smirk that Q gave his dad before answering. “It was working out good . . . until DeVaughn and Monique showed up unexpectedly.”
“What? What for? Why’d they show up?”
Quentin shrugged. “I don’t know, man. But it was awkward and uncomfortable.”
“Uh, Teagan’s mom really didn’t appreciate me opening the door,” I added sheepishly.
“Oh sh . . . wow.” Mr. Bishop caught himself. “Okay. So, they were caught off guard.”
“We were caught off guard,” Quentin amended. “I was in my house, where I pay the mortgage. Who I have in there is my business.”
“Yeah, but it’s almost her birthday. They didn’t mean any harm,” I said.
“DeVaughn didn’t mean any harm. Monique definitely meant harm.”
