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I sighed. “Sorry, Dad. I just…she’s being really standoffish and it's stressing me out.”
He eased back into the chair. “Women are fickle creatures, son. Where did you see her? Maybe you need to chat with her.”
“Well, I somehow managed to rent an apartment where she lives. So, I’ve run into her a few times.”
“Did you do that on purpose?” His eyes were wide.
“No, I swear. Last I heard, she was staying with her parents. I didn’t ask around because, well, I don’t know why. I assumed she was the same ole Jaz. But that’s far from the case.”
“They’re fickle creatures, but they don’t often change who they are deep down.”
“That’s not true. People change all the time.” I changed. I wasn’t the same as when I was last here.
“Kids. Think they know everything.” Dad shook his head but kept watching the TV.
We sat quietly for a few minutes until Mom called us to the kitchen for lunch.
I let out a whistle and rubbed my belly. “I sure did miss this!”
Mom beamed and sat down while Dad carved the ham. I added potato salad, green beans, and a roll to my plate while Mom did the same for both of them. Dad carved about half the ham then pushed it away from his seat. Mom grabbed a couple of slices for him then put his plate down and I waited for her to grab some for herself before I did.
“Honey, this ham is perfect,” Dad said as he started eating.
“You always say that.” She grinned. I loved watching my parents interact. They were so loving and complimentary. There was a time I felt that way with Jaz. The thought sent a sharp pang in my chest, and I grimaced.
“Son, are you alright? Something go down the wrong hole?” They both looked at me with tilted heads and furrowed brows.
I waved them off and smiled. “I’m fine. Must have taken too big of a bite.” Dad was already preaching to me, so I wasn’t ready to explain my feelings. “It’s delicious, Mom. I’m so glad to be back here.”
She nodded as her shoulders softened. “I’m just tickled. I’m so glad my baby boy is home. And for good!” She sipped her tea. “So maybe next week you can bring Jaz. I miss her.”
That time Ididchoke on my ham. I grabbed my tea and took a big chug and blinked away the small tears forming at the corner of my eyes. “Um, we’ll see. I’m sure she’s busy.”
“Honey, I know you’re not together but there’s no reason you can’t be friends. You two were like peanut butter and jelly. She was always around and such a wonderful girl. She was practically the daughter I never had. I’m just saying, she is welcome to come visit.”
I grinned at Mom. She was right.Friends. No reason we couldn’t start fresh. Maybe that would take the edge off? Put her at ease around me. Suddenly, I felt lighter. Less tense.
Eating lunch with my parents was just what I needed, especially since I had plenty of leftovers of Mom’s cooking to take with me.
Chapter 7
Jaz
“I didn’t realize you invited everyone to dinner,” I said as I helped Mom and Onyx set the table.
“Well honey, tomorrow is a big day for you. Of course, we wanted to celebrate!” Mom scurried around the kitchen adding pickles, cheese, veggies, and various dips to serving platters. She had a lighter skin tone like me but was more voluptuous. Pictures of her before she had kids proved she once was thin like me. She was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen, and her short hair and perfect cheekbones made her look regal.
“She’s just being grumpy, Mom. Don’t listen to her.” Onyx smirked at me.
Mom turned from the fridge. “Grumpy? What’s there to be grumpy about? You start the next part of your life tomorrow! Although, I had hoped one of you would follow in my footsteps.”
Dad walked through the kitchen from the back door. “Oh, let her be. I think it’s great, Jazzy. Now I have someone to keep my spine straight, my hair straight, and my body straight.” Dad was tall but a medium build, he kept his hair short with sharp edges thanks to Onyx, and his skin was a touch darker like hers. Still, out of the whole family, the lot of us were light skinned.
“Grill smells good. Burgers?” I asked as he walked by and kissed my temple.
“Yes, smash burgers. Your mother got me some fun new gadgets for the griddle. I got the extra tables outside and the canopy up.”
The front door opened, and my cousin called in, “Hello! Ya’ll in here or out back?”
