Page 79 of One Good Reason

After I got off work today, I stopped by Walmart and grabbed a few things to make sticky rice and pad Thai and had been in the kitchen with them since I got home.

“I always use egg wash,” I blurted.

“That’s why they come out bumpy. Them eggs be frying in that grease!” Gema teased.

“Girl, you playing. The last time I made ‘em, you said you loved em.”

“I say anything not to hurt your feelings.” She stuck her tongue out at me.

“That’s why your hair ugly!” I teased. Mrs. Jessie had washed and rolled Gema’s hair earlier and after taking her rollers out, she left the curls rolled up. She would comb ‘em out Sunday before church.

“You talking ‘bout somebody hair, you the one need to wash that greasy mess.”

Raking my hand through my ponytail I agreed, “You’re right I do.” I giggled.

“Tali somebody calling you,” Mrs. Jessie said and held my phone up.

Licking my bottom lip I smirked. “Hello,” I sang.

“I’m surprised you answered.”

“Don’t I always.”

“I guess. What are you doing? Got any plans for dinner?”

“Sitting here watching Gema make her famous egg rolls. And yeah, we’re having Asian cuisine.”

“That’s neat. Tell Gema and Mrs. Jessie I said good evening.”

“Ladies,” I called out. “Lawton said ‘good evening’.”

“Hey!” they sang in unison.

“I’m sure you heard them.” I laughed.

“I did.” Law chuckled. “I’ll let you get back to what you were doing. I was going to invite you out.”

“I mean…” I hesitated before urging, “you can come eat with us if you want. You do eat Thai food, don’t you?”

“I do. Ask Gema is it okay if I join y’all.”

“Gema, Law said ‘can he come for dinner?’.”

“The more the merrier,” she said, making me and Mrs. Jessie laugh.

“I guess that’s a yes.”

“Y’all need anything?”

“No. I stopped by Walmart.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes.”

“See you soon.” Hanging up the phone, I placed it down on the counter. When I looked, Mrs. Jessie was staring at me with a smirk on her face.

“Don’t start,” I retorted.

“I didn’t say a word.”

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