Page 16 of A Don & His Doll

“I love it,” Promise admitted. “Especially my new place,” she added, latching on to Monroe’s hand on top of the table.

Macie appreciated the answer.

“I’m glad Monroe has someone who understands ambition,” Macie said thoughtfully, shifting the conversation to her son and his lifestyle, curious to see if Promise thought she'd be able to handle it the same as Sienna had.

Promise smiled softly. “We understand each other very well,” Promise shifted the conversation again using us, unapologetically implying that she and Monroe were one because they were as far as she was concerned.

Monroe smirked, but chose to stay quiet. He knew his mother was used to being in control, but she had met her match when it came to Promise because she didn’t back down from a soul no matter who it was. She’d never be disrespectful, Monroe knew that, but she’d never not be who she was. Monroe both respected and loved that about his Doll.

“What are your long-term plans?” Macie asked casually.

“I’m almost done with my doctoral degree in Psychology,” Promise answered honestly. “I’d like to start my own firm and help men and women get reaclimated with their families and society upon their release from prison. I plan to have the capacity to facilitate enough counselors and therapists, and provide unlimited resources for families no matter what walk of life they come from.”

“That’s a commendable vision, but tell me… How does my son fit into this equation with the lifestyle he leads?”

“Monroe doesn’t have to fit into anything. He’s a part of me. He supports me, and honestly that’s enough. We don’t complicate our relationship with things that are irrelevant. He knows who I am, and what I do. I know who he is, and what he does… and we accept it,” Promise answered simply, and without hesitation.

Promise had given all the right answers to all Macie’s questions, but it didn’t matter, she still wasn’t good enough for her son. Truth be told, no one would ever be. There was no room for anyone else, and Macie hated that Monroe couldn’t see that.

Monroe chuckled softly to himself, appreciating how naturally the two most important women in his life naturally engaged. They were very different, yet both carried a presence that demanded respect. Each held weight in his world, though they occupied entirely different spaces within his world. One had helped build the structure he now ruled, and the other had somehow softened the sharp edges without dulling the blade. He wasn’t willing to lose either.

While Macie and Promise exchanged pleasantries, a waitress approached their table respectfully, careful not to disturb their conversation.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Black,” she greeted politely. “Will you be having your customized order today?”

“Yes,” Monroe answered smoothly, never needing to glance at a menu. “I’ll take my usual. And bring the grilled chicken and salad for my lady.” He didn’t ask Promise what she wanted. He was attentive like that, so he already knew.

Macie noticed, but kept her cool.

Promise did too, it was one of the things she loved about Monroe.

The waitress nodded. “And, what can I get you both to drink?”

“White cranberry juice,” Monroe added casually.

Promise smiled softly at the gesture, appreciating the quiet attention to detail. It was always the little things.

“Coming right up,” the waitress replied before stepping away.

Monroe leaned back slightly, settling into his seat with relaxed confidence, his arm resting naturally along the back of Promise’s chair as the conversation resumed.

Macie observed everything.

The subtle touches.

The comfort.

The familiarity. Nothing about this felt new.

"That was real clever of you to have me thinking we were coming here to talk business this morning. The truth was too much of a stretch?" Macie pulled Monroe's card, but softened the delivery with a smile.

Monroe was unfazed, but understood the underlying message as he calmly replied. "A little shock ain't never hurt nobody." He knew his mother hated surprises. Control had always been her preference.

"You know as well as I do that you wouldn't have taken this seriously had I done it any other way. I needed you to know this was real, and I wanted y'all to meet. This was the perfect place," Monroe stated, pulling Promise closer to his side. "We can still talk business though."

Macie paused momentarily, a bit thrown by his response, but she bounced back quickly. "Have you heard anything from Mitch lately?" She asked, dodging the real conversation she knew Monroe was speaking of.

"Yea, I spoke to Unc the other day. I got everything set up for him. Everything went as planned with his bail hearing. I’ma pick him up when I get back to New York in a few days," Monroe answered, going with the flow.