Page 3 of Impacted by Love

Opening my eyes, I pick up my phone and dial Mama Layton's number just as Shirley's voice fades at the song's outro.

"I don't know why I have to send word through someone else in order for you to let me know that you're still breathing, Asaiah Jamal." Mama Layton's rants hit my ear when the call connects after the second ring.

"It ain't even like that, Mama. You know I love you like fat kids love cookies."

"Not as much as I love you without conditions or obligations, either. You are the son God saw fit to add to my life, and I refuse to let you push away my adoration for you. Stop ignoring my calls, or I'm gonna bust your ass. Lord, forgive me, but you know my heart."

Thanks to the Laytons, I know who God is and have a relationship with Him for myself. I'm a member of Pursuing His Glory Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Lorenzo Reese. I joined the church when I was twenty and love it. Although I often fall short of His goodness, my mouth frequently resembles a truck driver, and my hormones walk me into situations that would have many doubt my Christian service. I'm thanking God right now because His mercy and grace in life have been felt after the first given to me by a motherly hug from Mama Layton. For the lack I have often gotten from my mother, Mama Layton has given me the motherly love, care, and attention I have needed over the years.

"Thank you, Lord. Thank you," I express before my words become incoherent from my crying and appreciation for God's blessing in my life.

"When you get yourself together, come home so I can wrap my arms around your big butt," Mama Layton advises lowly and gently, and I can hear the emotion within her vocals, letting me know that I’m not alone in my praises unto God about providing me with security.

Home.

"Yes, ma'am." Those two words are the only things I can say when my mind sputters over the one thing the Laytons gave me years ago, which I didn't have before meeting them.

* * *

"Do I have anything on my calendar this afternoon?" I ask my administrative assistant through the intercom.

"Nothing as of yet. You're clear," Dominic says a few seconds later.

Dominic Mann has been with me since becoming the CFO at Baxtown Technologies five years ago. He is efficient and handles my business with the utmost professionalism, making it easy for me to perform my duties. I expressed my interest in having a male assistant during the final stages of my interview process. While I'm not sexist or chauvinistic, I didn't want to ever face the possibility or potential of sexual harassment. Despite the things that have been done to me by the opposite sex, I value and respect women too much to place myself in a compromising position at work.

"Sounds good. I'm gonna head out for the rest of the day. Once you send that financial report to Sofia, you can head out. I'll see you in the morning."

"Thank you, man. Have a good evening," Dominic replies before releasing the intercom button, and I send a quick instant message to the CEO.

Me:

I'm heading out for the rest of the day. If you need me, my phone will be on. See you tomorrow.

Normani Nichols:

Okay. I'm right behind you, so I'm sure I won't need you for anything. Enjoy your evening.

Normani Nichols is one of the coolest bosses I have ever had the pleasure of working for. She's laid back and doesn't believe in micromanaging her employees, which I appreciate. Having to oversee the care of two individuals who often give me reasons to leave work, Normani's understanding lightens my load.

After closing my programs and shutting down my computer, my thoughts shift to where I'm heading once I leave. Grabbing my keys and messenger bag, I head toward the exit with my mind already in self-preservation mode.

Dear God,

You know where my steps are about to lead me. Go before me. Lead the way and make the path straight. Guide my heart and shield me from anything that can taint me. Give me the ability to show your love when I want to react to whatever obstacles I encounter. I know you have given me the mandate to honor my mother and father, and my days might be long on this earth. Please keep it at the forefront of my mind when my mom and dad do everything to make me want to ignore your command. This is a valley. I need you to walk in with me. Otherwise, I'm liable to flip out when they push my buttons.

In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen

Between my urgent steps and focusing on my prayer, I got to my car faster than I realized. Hitting the button to unlock the doors, I enter the driver's side before pushing the starter, securing my seat belt, and backing out of my spot.

Bzz.

The text notification from my phone has me retrieving it from my bag once I get to the red light. Quickly unlocking my device, I open the awaiting message.

Danielle:

It's been a while. Any idea when we'll link again? *eye emoji*

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