Page 98 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

“I asked her a question and she squeezed my hand.” I smiled, still staring at my momma.

“You sure?”

I paused for a second to glance at Big Momma.

“I know what I felt. Ma, do it again.” My thumb rubbed against her fingers.

She didn’t move, she just stared at me.

“Ma, I love you.” I tucked her hair behind her ear. “You do know I love you, right?”

Then, very slowly, her fingers tightened around mine once again.

“Oh my Lord!” Big Momma gasped.

Tears instantly filled her eyes as we came to the realization that my momma was trying to communicate. It had been so long, and doctors had been saying for quite some time that there was a slim chance this would happen. At that moment, I felt like a kid again. For the next two hours, I chilled with momma and made sure she ate at least a few bites of her food. It felt good to know that she was starting to show better progress since I brought her back home. Her interactions had been far and few but that was better than none.

On my way back home, I vibed to the music as I went over business moves in my head. In the middle of rapping to Str8 Like Dat by Joyner Lucas, my phone rang out through the Bluetooth speakers. It was Ava.

“How you doing, beautiful?” I answered while changing lanes.

“I’m doing fine. What about you, handsome?”

The sound of her voice put a smile on my face.

“I’m good, I just left my mom. What you doin’?”

“Nothing, I just finished prepping all of this food for tomorrow’s event. Have you eaten anything yet?”

“Nah, I haven’t seen you all day. How am I supposed to do that?” I smirked, listening to her giggle.

“Food, Ethan.”

“Eatin’ you is like eatin’ food. You’re my favorite meal.”

“Stop,” she giggled.

“You tryin’ to come over? I know you’re tired, we can order something and chill.” I said.

“I can.”

“Well hurry up and bring your fine ass to me then.”

“Okay.” She giggled.

By the time I pulled up to my spot, Ava was pulling in right behind me. We exited our cars at the same time, and she came straight to me, reaching out for a hug and kiss. I led the way inside, and she got comfortable in the living room as I went to change into something more comfortable—no shirt and a pair of red basketball shorts. As soon as I came back into the living room, I laid on the couch with my head on her lap. Shit, the moment her fingers started rubbing against my scalp, I closed my eyes. I was in my right mind to take a nap until she started speaking.

“Do you know what you want me to order?”

“Nah. You already know what I have a taste for.” I smirked with my eyes still closed.

“I am starving, Ethan.” she giggled. “I’ve been around food all day. I was so busy, the only thing I had today was a small bag of popcorn. I want to know what kind of real food you want to eat. I’ll serve you dessert afterward.”

“We can serve each other now and afterward.” I licked my lips, looking up at her. “But nah, I don’t care. Whatever you order, I’m cool with.”

“Okay.” She pulled out her phone.

After she ordered our food, I continued to lay on her lap while we talked and laughed at stupid shit. She was telling me that she and Aja had an appointment to get their hair done, right after she delivered the food to Julia’s friends event. She explained how she was indecisive about whether she wanted bundles or a lace front. To be honest, I loved her natural hair. She didn’t need any of that shit, but I understood how women liked to change up styles and whatnot. However, I did suggest she’d get bundles rather than a lace front. I didn’t want her complaining when I sweat or pull that muthafucka off.