Page 30 of Off the Charts
“Anytime,” I scratched my beard. This shit felt like an awkward scene in a movie when you didn’t know whether to walk away or lean in for a kiss. “Look, I know I’m coming on strong as fuck, J, but it’s ‘cause I’m fucking with you. I hope I’m not creeping you out or no shit like that.”
Jersei giggled and it was the cutest shit. I started laughing too. “I don’t think you’re creepy. I think you’re…” she lookedaway in search of the word. “Persistent and I like that. It’s different and I’m fucking with you too.”
Her eyes flickered to my lips and back. That was all I needed. Leaning forward, I pressed a kiss against her lips that she moaned into. Her hand cupped my cheek and deepened it. The saltiness of our sweat didn’t stop either of us from tracing the corners of the other’s mouth. Our lips together mimicked magic. When she tried to pull away, I placed another kiss on her lips. I could visibly see her melt as she took a deep breath.
“I have a cabin in Harvest Mountain. I spend my summers there. I know Zion is gone and,” I shrugged, shocking myself from how smooth the words came out. It was supposed to be me-time, but apparently my heart had other plans. “You’re more than welcome to join me. I plan to leave next week.”
Jersei smiled as she nodded. “I’ll let you know before then.”
Her answer had me regretting saying anything, but she didn’t say no so I took it. I nodded. “I enjoyed you.”
“Same,” she looked toward the door. Her leg started to bounce and when she saw me look down, she immediately stopped. “I…I needed some company today and I’m glad it was you that was at my doorstep. I’ll see you soon Mr. Vayce Denver,” she enunciated with a chuckle as she opened her door.
I smiled because she was grinning. It felt dumb but I liked it. “See you soon, J.”
Damn.
Good Days
“And guess what else?”
“What baby?” I propped the phone up on the kitchen window sill. I was in the second phase with this batch of wine and was currently racking the grapes skin into the liquid.
“I’m not one to tell people business, but I do think Granny has a boyfriend. When we get back to the house, she goes in the room and talks on the phone for hours, Mama,” Zy whispered into the phone. My mouth opened as he continued. “I saw him too. I think it’s that man that she plays cards with on the porch.”
“With the walker?” I whisper-yelled. Zion put his full face in the camera and nodded. I fell into laughter. “Not Mr. Teddy,” Igrimaced thinking of the fact that he was Mrs. Humphrey’s ex-husband. If that old messy heffa got ahold of that information, the entire Harvest Hills would know. Then I would have to fight the hoes at the bingo hall for talking shit about my mama. It could get too messy for my liking.
“But you can’t say I told you.”
I quickly pressed a finger to my lips. “You know it’s our secret, baby.”
“Dad called me yesterday. I was happy to hear from him. Him and Uncle Vic were on the beach.”
I wanted to sayfuck them pussy ass niggas, but this was Zion I was talking to, not one of my homeboys, although it sometimes felt like it. Solomon was still too engulfed in his relationship that he still wasn’t worried about our son. As I told him a few weeks ago, I wasn’t going to force him into doing what the hell he was supposed to. Zy had too many people that loved him, and I would step in as much as I could, so he wouldn’t feel that something was missing.
I smiled as genuinely as I could. “Good for you. I’m glad you two talked,” I put the hydrometer in the container to check the sugar levels. I liked my wine not too sweet or bitter so seeing the meter at seventy-eight was perfect. I clapped my hands already excited for this batch. “There is some amazing beach weather outside. Speaking of outside, I’m so glad that you are having fun. I saw the pictures of you and Tee Tee Jade riding scooters. It is so nice up there.”
“It was so fun, Mama! I was going so fast that I kept losing Tee Tee in the dust,” he chuckled.
I laughed, covering the wine for now and washing my hands. “That’s good, Zy. I miss you so much.”
“And I miss you too, Mama. I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug in the whole world!”
My sensitive self was trying to fight tears. “I can’t wait, baby. Y’all going to Baltimore today? Did you take all your medicines?”
“Yes, to both. I feel really good. I haven’t had any flares, but if that changes, I promise to speak up,” he answered all the questions he knew I would have asked. I chuckled.
“Zy! You about ready, baby?”
“Yes, Granny! I am.” He yelled behind him then looked back at the phone. “Okay Mommy. We are about to go. I love you.”
“I love you, baby. Please tell Granny and Jade I said hello.”
We said our goodbyes, and I cleaned the mess I created in the kitchen. My wine cooler, pantry, and fridge were all stocked with finished and in progress wine. The silence of my home was hard at first, but I was getting acquainted with how peaceful it was. Placing my hands on my hips, I smiled as I stood in the middle of my living room. A lot had changed since leaving Solomon, but I could proudly say that this was mine. Luxury wasn’t always the brand; it was in the fact that all this shit had my name on it. Nobody but God could take that from me.
As I cleaned up the house, I remembered Harmoni telling me she left me something in Zion’s room. I flipped his light on, checking around his space. There were many basketball posters plastered on his walls and in the center of his bed was the teddy bear I’d given him as a baby. I picked it up, inhaling it, thankful that it still held his scent. I couldn’t wait to see him. I returned the bear to the bed and in the corner of the room, a black bag caught my eye. Unsure of what was inside, I carried it to my room and unzipped it. I gasped looking over the thick wads of money wrapped in rubber bands. There was a letter on top. I unfolded it.
From me to you as a thank you for being the only mutha’fucka that never judged me. As you navigate thisnew season, I want you to know that you don’t have to be alone. You don’t see the light that you shine but you unknowingly get me through my darkest days with a simple text. I love you. I appreciate you. And this is from one night. I don’t need it back. Invest in your wildest dreams.
