Page 35 of Fumble Into the End Zone

He opened my door, and helped me from my seat.

“Why didn’t you let Harley out first,” I asked.

“Do you want the filtered answer or the unapologetic truth?”

I folded my arms amused by this question. “The unapologetic truth,” I selected.

“One, it teaches her patience and safety; two, I’m establishing you as her mother,” he said.

My mouth fell open at his response. Marcus stood tall in his answer before I followed him to the driver’s side door. Harley hopped out and grabbed my hand.

“Ms. Mia, I can’t wait to show you my room,” she said, leading the way but pausing at the front door.

Marcus hovered over me from behind. He kissed my ear as he unlocked the door.

Harley burst inside, dragging me into the living room. In a recliner sat an older woman with smooth wrinkled skin and salt and pepper hair. A brown cane laid next to her as she rested her head with closed eyes. Seeing she was resting, Harley paused her steps. She gave me her lips with a pressed finger, signaling me to be quiet.

“I’m not sleeping,” a low but wise voice said.

Marcus chuckled as he stood behind us, placing a hand on my waist. Mrs. Allen sat forward, giving me a full examination. I pushed Marcus’s hand away and gave her a smile.

“Hi, Granny. Did you sleep well?” Harley said.

She released my hand, and speed walked to her grandmother, hugging her neck. Marcus tried tangling our fingers on the opposite side, but I shifted my hand away.

“I wasn’t sleep, I was resting my eyes,” she said, and I fought hard not to laugh.

Mrs. Allen was sleeping with her mouth open.

“Granny, I want you to meet Ms. Mia. Remember, I told you about her last night,” Harley said and turned to me.

The pride in Harley’s eyes captured my heart. Somewhere within two days, I’d made a grand impression on her.

“Ms. Mia, this is Granny,” Harley said.

“Hello Mrs. Allen,” I said and moved to greet her with respect.

She gripped the arms of the couch in an attempt to stand. Before I could reach her Mrs. Allen was halfway in an upward motion. She blew out an exhaled breath but extended her arms.

“We give hugs around here,” she said before I embraced her.

The warmth from a grandmother could heal any opened wounds. I inhaled the wisdom and grace she held hidden beneath her skin.

“I needed that hug more than you know,” I said after we seperated.

She fanned me away and set her focus on Marcus.

“Marcus, offer her a seat,” she scolded, and he complied.

“Mia, please have a seat anywhere you feel comfortable. But I would prefer for you to sit next to me,” he said.

I secured a spot on the couch and tapped the empty seat for Harley. Marcus rounded the couch, beating her to it.

“Harley, come sit with us,” I requested with extended arms.

She squeezed between Marcus and I, forcing him to make room. I noticed there were no family photos hanging on the walls but the atmosphere was still cozy.

“Are you stayin’ for dinner? I have greens and cornbread ready on the stove,” Mrs. Allen asked.

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