Page 64 of If You Love Me

My mother waved me off as she stepped into the room. “You could never do too much, baby. With these new hips and curves you have, you can pull off any outfit.”

I giggled. “So what you’re saying is I was barely getting by before? Got it.”

She playfully smacked my arm. “Girl, stop. You have always been flawlessly beautiful. I’m just saying, the meat on your bones looks great on you. You might just catch up to me.”

I jokingly rolled my eyes. My mama looked good as hell for her age. Sis was thick in all the right places, and my daddy couldn’t keep his hands off her.

“I just hope I look as good when I get your age.”

“You will… Well, that’s if my genes kick in. You know your daddy has that one auntie that—”

“Don’t start on Aunt Gerty, Cheryl,” my father said, sticking his head in the door.

My mother laughed. “I didn’t even say a name, baby.”

“You didn’t have to.” He came into the room and gently pinched her. “You look beautiful, baby,” he said to me.

“Thank you, Daddy.” I stood from the vanity and grabbed my purse. “Let me grab Summer so we can go.”

Today, I was driving myself for the first time since being home. I was nervous, but I had to get used to it. If I was going to ask for my old job back, I had to get comfortable with driving again because I wouldn’t dare ask my parents to take me everywhere.

We left the bedroom, and I found Summer waiting in the living room, only she wasn’t alone. There stood Tyrion, dressed down in a black collar shirt and gray slacks. When his eyes met mine, he smiled softly as he looked me over. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him right now. After learning that it was Iona who sent me the divorce papers and not him, I was questioning things about him.

I felt like he let her get too damn comfortable calling whatever shots she called in their relationship. One thing was for certain, and two things were for sure: I wasn’t the bitch for her to play with, and if we had to take it there, we could.

“Good morning,” he said to everyone.

My parents spoke as they took a seat on the couch.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “I told you I was driving this morning.”

“I know, but I figured you might be a little nervous, so I was just gonna follow behind you to make sure you were okay.”

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I guess that was thoughtful of him.

“Thank you,” I said.

“No problem. You look very nice.”

“Not today, Tyrion. Come on, Summer. Daddy, I’ll be back with the car later.”

“Take your time, baby. Love you guys.”

We gave him our love, then headed out the front door. Tyrion opened the passenger door to let Summer in before coming around to open the driver’s side. I didn’t say anything as I climbed into the car. He shut the door behind me and retreated to his respective vehicle.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and said a quick prayer before cranking the car up. As the engine roared, a slight sense of panic set in. Summer Rose reached over and grabbed my hand.

“You’ve got this, Mommy. You’re a strong, independent, black woman.”

That made me burst into laughter.

“Where did you hear that?”

She grinned. “Auntie Nina. She said it would make you laugh.”

“That sounds about right.”

“Don’t be nervous. You’ll do great. I can sing you a song if you get scared, okay?”

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