Page 85

Mama checked something on her phone.

A conversation only one of us could hear, apparently.

“The room at the end of the hall is for my grandson,” she continued. “Leave the toys where they are. Just make sure the furniture is wiped down and the bedding is fresh.”

I froze.

Her grandson.

Before I could decide whether to get excited, her phone rang.

Mama glanced at the screen, smiled, and answered on speaker while opening the folder she had brought with her. “Hey, Lakelyn.”

Lakelyn.

“Hey. We’re packing up the last of our things now. I just wanted to make sure we're still good to come over today. We have to make a few stops after leaving here, so we probably won't get there until around noon.”

Today?

My woman and my son were moving into my house today?

I was beside Mama before she finished speaking.

“Of course, sweetie,” Mama replied. “I’m getting the house ready for you now. The cleaners are finishing up, and I’m checking everything before I leave. By the time y’all get here, it’ll be ready.”

“Henrietta, you didn’t have to hire anybody. We could’ve cleaned when we got there.”

“And you could also walk into a clean house and unpack. That sounds better to me.”

I nodded.

Listen to her, baby.

Lakelyn gave a quiet laugh. “Okay. Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome. Anything for you and my grandson. What is he doing anyway?"

“In the background asking why we haven’t left yet.”

“Grandma!” Kaidence yelled.

Mama’s whole face softened. “Hey, my baby!”

“Did you put my toys in my room?”

“They’re waiting on you.”

“All of them?”

“Yes, all of them.”

I looked upstairs.

Let me go verify that shit.

By the time Mama started telling him she loved him, I was in his doorway inspecting everything.

Bed made.