Page 70 of Fumble Into the End Zone

Clarence Robinson was the glue of our small family. He was driven and ambitious, creating wealth for his family. My personality mirrored his, quiet and reserved, but we both didthings to make my mother happy. We joked about her being our little extrovert behind her back.

“I should have . . . ”

“Does he treat you right? Are you ignoring the red flags?” he questioned.

I patted his chest. “We are still new, but he’s treated me better than anyone thus far.”

“Okay,” he said.

Locking arms with my dad, we walked inside to see my mother already greeting Mrs. Eddy. I gave Marcus’s entire family the play book on my mother. Our personalities balanced each other. I was calmer and she was extravagant.

“And who are you?” she said to Harley, exaggerating each word.

“I’m Harley. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Robinson.”

Mom turned to me and smiled before returning her attention to Harley.

“You are beautiful. Those cheekbones and your flawless skin. Please share your skin care routine.”

“Water,” Harley said in a confident tone, and raised brows.

The room cackled, and Harley shrugged. She will soon find out Harley was a sixty-year-old woman who believed her granny’s word was law.

“Marcus, Mrs. Eddy, and Harley, please meet my dad, Clarence Robinson. Dad, please meet everyone,” I said.

Marcus extended his hand to my dad, and they exchanged a shake. Their eye contact was strong, but the energy between them stood more on the side of respect. My father broke their connection and strolled over to greet Mrs. Eddy. He kissed her hand, and she blushed afterward, giving Marcus a smirk. He shook his head as they shared a comical, secret language.

“Dinner is ready. Harley can you lead the group to the kitchen,” I asked.

She stood and first headed over to help her grandmother stand. Mrs. Eddy gripped the chair, and my father extended his hand to help her.

“Everyone, please follow me,” Harley said.

The group migrated behind her as I stayed back with Marcus. We held hands as I gathered my nervousness. From the living room, I grinned as my father pulled the ladies’ chairs back. Hands tangled, Marcus and I entered the kitchen.

“Tonight, dinner is smothered chicken, homemade mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and fresh sautéed vegetables. The iced tea was brewed by Harley. Marcus will serve the women, and I will serve the men,” I said.

My mother called and asked about the menu earlier today. When I told her Mrs. Eddy walked me through the homemade gravy, she kissed her teeth in excitement. My parents were loaded with money, but they couldn’t escape their southern roots. Trendy could shop at a high-end boutique during the day and shell peas by night.

“Mrs. Eddy, tell us, do you enjoy Texas?” my mother asked.

With my back facing the table, my heart smiled at our families being together.

“It’s hot down here, but people are nice,” she answered.

“And what about you, Harley? Do you enjoy school?” my mother asked.

I passed Marcus a completed plate, and as our hands touched, my heart skipped a beat.

“It’s okay. I miss my friends in Ohio. Daddy said we could call them. But I love Ms. Mia’s pool,” Harley said.

On the initial purchase of my house, I didn’t care about the pool. In fact, I spoke with several landscapers and contractors about covering it. But Mom convinced me to keep it.

“My pool is bigger than Mia’s, and I have a waterfall. You should come over and swim some time. We could fill the poolwith floaties, and you can invite some friends over,” my mother offered.

“Yes. We should do it. I have two friends,” Harley said with her voice reaching another octave.

“And the spoiling has begun,” I said, loud enough for Marcus to hear.

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