Chapter 5
ANGEL
“Mr. Cooper!” Mehki took off running.
“Mom, I have to go. I’ll keep you updated.” I ended the call with my mother, which had lasted from breakfast through the drive over to the house.
Construction on the house had started several weeks ago. Cooper and his crew were quickly transforming it into a place I couldn’t imagine walking away from. Cutie Prescott had been straightforward through the entire process, guiding me through each step and handling any problems that cropped up with ease. They worked swiftly, yet efficiently, which I appreciated tenfold. And I really didn’t have to do anything. His team cleared out the houseandrented a storage unit for everything. He sent daily progress reports that outlined materials installed, explained any safety incidents that slowed down the work, and summarized work completed.
As I neared him standing outside of the house talking to Mehki, my attention was transfixed to his right arm. The sleeve tattoo stretched from his shoulder to his wrist, and had been a source of my admiration since the first time I’d seen it. I wanted to ask questions, but it seemed very inappropriate.
Over the past two months, we’d gotten to know each other a little better. My attraction to him, while still simmering, wasn’t as overwhelming as it was initially. I’d grown used to his charming muthafucka ways, and looked forward to the time we would spend together going over plans or eating lunch or even playing with Mehki. Cooper had a way of looking at me that made my toes curl, almost like he was trying to systematically take me apart and examine every piece before he put me back together. The craziest part was that it didn’t make me nervous or uncomfortable. I loved it.
“Hey,” I said once I’d reached them.
He smiled. “Welcome back, Ms. Crawford. How was Charleston?”
I’d spent much of the last month back home, only returning to Rosewood Heights on the weekends. Mehki missed my parents and Tee. He’d also missed school. Although Mehki’s teachers had graciously allowed him to continue his studies remotely while we here for that extended time after Aunt Lou died, he loved being in the classroom. It made sense to stay in Charleston through the school week. Every Friday, we made the trip back to see Coop—Um…the house.
“Great,” I said. “I was able to get a lot done, and Mehki took first place at the science fair.”
Mehki held up his trophy. “See!”
Cooper held up his hand and Mehki jumped up to give him a high five. “I told you I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
“I told my teacher that my project would blow everyone out of the water!”
I laughed. Cooper had used those same words when he’d volunteered to help Mehki with his project. “Some things you shouldn’t repeat, babe.”
“And some things you should,” Cooper said. “Give me another one.”
Mehki gave him another high five. “Are you going to show me how to paint now?”
The last time we were at the house, Mehki had been so engrossed with the work being done that he could barely concentrate on his project. So, Cooper promised him he would show him how to paint if he finished his homework.
“You know I will, Lil Man.” Cooper eyed me. “When it’s time. Does Momma want me to show her how to paint, too?”
A smile tugged at my lips. “No, I think I’m good.”
Cooper gave me a rundown of a few last minute changes they’d had to make to the design. “We’re making good time. My goal is to start dropping the drywall next week.”
“Cool.” I stuffed my phone in my purse. “I can’t wait until it’s done. Did I tell you I decided to relocate?”
His right eyebrow shot up. “No, but I’m not surprised. You act like you love it here.”
“I do,” I admitted.
It was amazing how this town had endeared itself to me in such a short while. Mehki and I had found an Airbnb that allowed us to rent on the weekends, which enabled us to stretch out a bit on our visits. It wasn’t too far from Aunt Lou’s house, and Mehki had even met a few neighborhood kids that he enjoyed playing with when we were here. The contrast between city life and small town living, and the peaceful effect this little haven had on our family life, made the decision to relocate easy. I loved the slow pace and the tightknit community, the sweet tea and Mama Lil’s pot roast, the sea air and the friendly smiles. The best part was Mehki seemed to love Rosewood Heights as much as I’d grown to love it and couldn’t contain his excitement about moving.
“While I was home, I talked to Mehki and my family about it. Everything kind of clicked the last time I was here,” I explained. “The intricate details of the design, the additions we talked about … It felt like it was for me, not just a random homebuyer. I can’t see myself letting this place go.”
The scheduled date of completion coincided with the end of the semester for Mehki, which was ideal. He would be able to finish out the school year in Charleston. My family was on board with my decision, too. Tee had already started the process of putting my house on the market, and we hoped it would sell before my friend made her own move to Los Angeles in June.
Cooper’s mouth curved into a smile. “Again, I’m not surprised.”
I feigned offense. “Now, you think you know me?”
Laughing, he said, “I think I’m beginning to peep your game.”
