“Thanks, Uncle Mitch. I have to go. Dad wants us to meet the new fiancée.” I can tell by his tone that he wasn’t excited about that.
After saying goodbye, I hang up the phone. I try to call Ella, not sure what kind of state I would find her in. The divorce was hard on her. I don’t think it came as much of a surprise, but I think she felt like she failed at her marriage.
My call goes to voicemail, making me worry a little more. Placing my phone in my pocket, I climb into my truck and head toward home.
Not Gon' Cry
Chapter Four
Mitchell
After parking my truck in my driveway, I walk right next door to El’s.
Tonight was book club night. The driveway is empty, but that didn’t mean anything. The ladies hardly ever drive to book club because, let’s be honest, they probably consume more wine than they talk about books.
As soon as I step onto the porch, I can understand why she isn’t answering her phone. The music is so loud I can hear it from here. I rap my knuckles on the door, but I doubt they’ll beable to hear me. Either way, I wait a few minutes before using my key to walk inside.
The music is loud enough to cause permanent damage, but I doubt they care. All six women are standing in the middle of the room with random objects used as microphones as they sing loudly with the woman on the speaker.
“That’s right, Mary,” Pam shouts. “Tell him you’re not gon’ cry no more.”
This seemed to get the women excited as they shouted and cheered. Jada turns around and spots me.
“Oh, look, Mitch is here.” All the women turned to face me. Jada grabs her phone off the coffee table, and seconds later the music cuts.
“Hey ladies.”
“Hi Mitch,” they all say in unison.
I have to admit, every single one of these women is beautiful in their own right. However, no one compares to El. Even with her puffy eyes and red nose, she still takes my breath away.
“Alright, ladies. Backup is here. We can head out now,” Jada announces. “Mitch, look after our girl.”
I watch as the women dig around for their phones, probably to call their rideshares.
“Oh, I have to get my baby,” Kyra says suddenly, as if she just remembered.
“I got her. Don’t worry.” I head to the back of the house toward El’s bedroom. I know exactly where baby girl will be.
This isn’t my first book club rodeo. Ari is fast asleep on El’s bed. I gently lift her up. She whimpers for only a second before placing her head on my shoulder and falling back to sleep. I take the baby back up the hall.
“I’m telling you, Ella, this is going to work. I’ll call you as soon as Jameel lets me know a date.”
I wasn’t sure what Jada was talking about, but whatever it was, I could tell that El was nervous about it. She was picking at her thumbnail; it’s the telltale sign she’s nervous.
“I don’t know, Jay. I don’t think this is going to work.”
Meagan walks up to her as I help Kyra buckle her daughter into the car seat.
“No, we are not backing down. You’re doing this.”
“Damn right she is,” Destiny chuckles.
“My ride's here,” Pamela says before walking over to Ella and giving her a hug. “You are beautiful inside and out. You need this.”
Ella only ducks her head. I head to the door to wait for Pamela. Her driver is a woman. I make eye contact with her and wave.
“Bye, Mitch,” Pamela sings, walking out past me.
