Page 77 of When I Thug You Like That

“Surprise, huh? That sounds dangerous coming from you.”

“Now, I didn’t say be stupid. I said be open. Pay attention to how he moves. Pay attention to how he handles your boundaries. That’s important.”

I ran my finger along the edge of my book, letting her words sink in. My mother had always been the best at giving advice without trying to influence my decisions. She’d tell me what she saw, remind me of what I already knew, sprinkle in a little experience, then leave me to figure out which way I wanted to go.

“You just want a grandchild out of me.” I cracked a joke to avoid getting in my head.

She laughed. “I do. But I want them when you want them… with your person. Don’t miss out on someone who could possibly be him all because you want to play by the book.”

My doorbell rang, making for an easy distraction from the emotion in the air.

“That’s Taina, Ma. Let me go. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. And tell T and Chuston the same.”

“Will do. Talk soon.”

“Okay, baby. Goodnight.”

I ended the call on my way to the door.

“Who is it?” I sang.

“Aunty Jai!” I heard Chuston on the other side of the door.

I opened it, and he walked right in, past me like he paid all the bills.

“Well, excuse the hell out of me.”

Taina laughed, walking in behind him with takeout in her hand. “Mind you, he’s been rushing me the whole way here. Almost flipped out on the lady at the Chinese restaurant and all.”

“I wasn’t rushing, Mom,” he said, stopping in the kitchen.

“Hands, kid,” I reminded him.

He threw his hands in the air and turned to the sink to wash them.

“Thank ya kindly.”

I closed the door behind Taina and locked it.

“You came at the perfect time. I’m hungry, and it was getting a little emotional with my mother on the phone.”

“Awww. I wish she was still on the line. I miss her.”

“She misses you too. Told me to tell you she love y’all.”

“You know that’s my girl. I’ma text her tomorrow. Come on, let’s set this food up.”

It was the middle of the week and not uncommon for us to plan a random dinner that consisted of neither one of us cooking. Me because I didn’t want to and T for obvious reasons.

“I got you the teriyaki lo mein and two spring rolls.” She set the bag down on the table and pulled out its contents. “I bought a small plain lo mein for this guy.” She pointed to Chuston, who stood at the sink, watching us. “Let’s see if he eats any of it.”

“Fingers crossed.”

“Can you hand me three plates, son?” she asked while reaching over to wash her hands.

“I got it.”