Page 55 of Full Court Press

“Hey, baby. I saw you called me earlier. I was on the phone with the water company.”

“Oh. Is everything okay?” I asked, studying her face for any signs of stress.

She shook her head, already knowing why I asked. “I swear, this past year has made you a worry bug. Tomorrow is the first of the month, Piper. I’m just paying my bills in advance. Is that okay, Daughter?”

I smiled softly. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I can’t help it sometimes. I just want to make sure you’re good.”

“I’m more than good. I should be asking you that. I see those pretty diamonds in your ears and around your neck, and you haven’t asked me to send you any money lately. Care to share what that’s about?” she asked, setting her phone up on the kitchen counter, then proceeding to cut up some lettuce.

I couldn’t hide my blush as I thought about Khalil and his need to spend obscene amounts of money on me. I couldn’t stand it sometimes, but it was nice to be spoiled. Something Andre never did.

“It’s nothing, really. Just gifts courtesy of my . . . Khalil.”

“Mmhmm. I see you two are getting closer. I thought he was just a friend?” Mommy queried with a knowing smirk on her face.

I laughed. “We are—were. We’re dating now.”

“I see you all blushing and glowing. This is a huge contrast from months ago. How are you feeling?”

I thought about what word I could use to explain my feelings. “Hmm . . . Optimistic.”

“That’s a start. I would like to meet him soon.”

“You will. We’re about to head out to get costumes for this Halloween party I really don’t want to attend.”

“Then why are you?”

“Because my friends and boyfriend won’t let me stay in my bubble.”

We both laughed.

“You’ve always been an extreme introvert. I’m glad you’re making friends this year and even dating. You deserve happiness, Piper.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Mommy. I love you to the moon and back.”

“I love you more, my darling. You two be safe out there, and call me when you get some free time. I want to talk to you about something. And before you think it, it’s not anything bad.”

I chuckled. “Because you know I was about to ask.” We both laughed, then said our goodbyes with plans for me to come home for Thanksgiving.

It didn’t take long for Khalil to return, and I grabbed my purse, then followed him downstairs. As we were walking out, Nana was walking in with a smile on her face. I could see Khalil frowning while looking at the red Cadillac pulling out from the curb. I tried to hold back my smile, but it broke through anyway when I saw Nana dressed in a black, form-fitting dress, a leather peacoat, high heels, her salt-and-pepper hair in wand curls, and light makeup on her face.

“Hey, Nana. You look beautiful,” I told her, pulling her in for a hug.

“Thank you, sweet face.”

“That nigga couldn’t walk you to the door? Just letting you walk to the door while he watches?” Khalil griped.

“Boy, hush. I told him he didn’t have to.”

“He shouldn’t have listened. His old ass should know better.”

“Watch your damn mouth, Lilo. You ain’t too old to get ya ass beat. Now, where y’all headed?”

“To get costumes for the Halloween party tonight,” I answered.

She smiled. “Nice. Where my GG-baby?”

“With her birth giver,” Khalil replied, clearly still upset.