Page 22 of Honey's Special Roux

“You’re always welcomed back again another time,” Mr. Hix added.

I stood up from my seat at the table and shook both of their hands before I took the bag with my food. “Fa sho. Thank you.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Honey stated as she stood up as well.

We walked hand in hand to the front and stepped outside. She had a goofy grin on her face as she pulled me down to kiss her. Our lips lingered for a few moments before she hugged me tight.

“That was perfect, right?” she asked as I held her.

“It was cool. Nobody threatened to kill me, so I say it was a win.”

She giggled. “Trust me. Daddy wanted to, but Mama kept him levelheaded. He can’t believe his baby girl is growing up.”

“The only person I was really worried about was yo’ granny. I know you care a lot about her opinion on shit, so if she wasn’t on board, I figured you’d be trying to end this.”

“No. I would have changed her mind.”

“Good to know. You enjoy the rest of your night, beautiful. I’ll hit you up after school tomorrow.”

“Okay. Have a good night.”

Once she was back inside, I walked across the grass to Aunt Dee’s house. On nights like these, I’d usually head out into the night, but after two bowls of gumbo, all I wanted to do was shower and go to sleep. Asleep before midnight was an accomplishment to celebrate.

Things will be different with Honey. She’s already making such a difference in my life.

* * *

Weeks later

As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed Honey on the front steps of her house, crying. I barely had time to put my car in park before I hopped out and bolted over to her.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her as I approached. I prepared for the worst when she looked up at me with tears staining her pretty face.

“My daddy yelled at me while he was teaching me how to drive. I was so overwhelmed, Marquise. He scared me so bad.” She sobbed.

“Aye, wipe yo’ eyes, baby.”

“B-but?—”

“But nothing. Wipe yo’ eyes and stand up.”

She sniffled as she stood up and used her hands to wipe her face. She continued to whimper as I cupped her face.

“You don’t need to cry. When do you take your driver’s test?”

“N-next week.”

“That’s plenty of time for you to learn. C’mon. I’ll teach you.”

She looked at me as if I’d had three heads. “What? You’re going to let me drive your car?”

“Yeah. You gon’ do just fine, so don’t even worry about the what-ifs. We can get you a couple minutes in right now. C’mon.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, Honey.”

“O-okay.”

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