This one said:Because I listen.
A discussion at Naija’s birthday party came to mind. I’d mentioned something about Duke cooking for me. And Dex had made it happen. Breakfast consisted of Belgian waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs with lots of cheese, and freshly squeezed orange juice. All my favorites.
Mom breezed into the kitchen, a big smile on her face. “There you are.” She kissed me and took her seat at the corner nook. Duke brought her a plate as well. “Yum. Thank you, baby.”
While we ate, I filled Mom in on the spa experience and the latest gift. By the time we’d finished eating, Duke had disappeared, leaving us with a clean kitchen and a chicken lasagna in the oven for Mom.
The doorbell interrupted our conversation about the television show Mom had binged last night. I stacked the plates and took them to the dishwasher, while she answered the door. My mother returned with Mama V.
I hugged her. “What a surprise!”
Mama V leaned on the island and took a few deep breaths. “Shoot, I’m out of breath. That’s what I get for eating two of Duke’s cinnamon rolls. My son is so damn talented in that kitchen.”
I giggled. “He made us waffles this morning.”
Mama V winked. “I know.” She rounded the island and gently took the plate from me. “I can do that.”
“Oh no, Mama V. I don’t want you to wash the dishes. You can relax with Mom.” We played a little tug-of-war with a plate, until she gave methatlook, the one that every kid knew not to test. I finally let go and held up my hands. “Yes, ma’am.”
Mama V flashed a wide smile. “That’s what I thought.” She finished the dishes in silence while Mom chatted with her about something I knew nothing about. “Charlye, I don’t want you to worry about your mother while you’re gone. That’s why I’m here.”
I blinked. “What?”
Mama V handed me a card. “No buts, chile.”
My mouth fell open when I realized the envelope contained a flight itinerary. My heart stammered in my chest as I scanned the flight information, the destination, the times. And my eyes filled with tears when I read the message:Because I want to date you.In person. Counting the minutes.
Dex had really outdone himself. Every gift, every note… I felt overwhelmed yet excited, nervous but happy. I braced myself against the counter and took several cleansing breaths. Scanning the room, I thought about everything, took in the evidence of Dex’s affection. Flowers. Notes. My new tool belt. He’d treated me to a spa day, he’d hired his brother to make me waffles. He’d done everything I’d hoped Kelvin would’ve done throughout our years-long relationship. He’d put every man I’d ever dated to shame in one day, with one perfect kiss, with one hot orgasm. Yet, some small part still couldn’t believe that it was all for me.
I felt my mother’s hand on my back. “Sweetie? Are you okay?”
I opened my mouth to speak but closed it because I didn’t know what to say.
“Char?” Mama V called, feeling my forehead. It was aherthing. “Maybe she ate too many waffles?”
Mom chuckled. “I think she’s just in shock.”
“Maybe?” Mama V tilted her head and met my gaze. “Sweetie, I get it. It’s overwhelming to say the least. Especially if you’re not used to being the center of attention.”
I nodded. “I…”
Mama V cupped my cheek. “And that’s fine. I can see that you’re scared, but don’t let fear keep you from him. If you want to be with Dex, go to him.”
“She’s right,” Mom agreed. “It’s time to make a decision. Miami or nah?”
I laughed. My mom and Mama V had taken trying to keep up with the latest sayings to another level. “Thank you,” I said. “I guess I have a plane to catch. I love you both.”
“Love you too,” Mama V said. “Now, you might want to go pack. Your flight leaves very soon.”
Even as I’d resolved to take the next step, my feet were seemingly glued to the floor. I couldn’t move. Mom squeezed my shoulders and turned me toward the staircase, whispering, “Char, you have to move to pack. Go.” She plucked the envelope out of my hand. “I’ll print your boarding pass.”
It didn’t take long for me to pack, probably because my mother and Mama V had taken it upon themselves to hurry my ass along. Once everything was loaded in the Uber, I settled in the back seat for the drive to Detroit Metro Airport. Before we arrived at the McNamara Terminal, my phone buzzed. I smiled and accepted the video chat request. “Hey, sis.”
Elise grinned. “Are you at the airport yet?”
I looked out the window. “Almost.”
“You better enjoy every minute of the trip.”
