Miss Lola.

Chapter 31.

"Okay, then it's settled. Now, when can I meet your parents?"

"How about tomorrow morning?" I say. "They go to Greater Bethel. We can even attend the morning service with them."

Hollis smiles, "Sounds like a plan. What time is the morning service?"

"It starts at 11 a.m. and it's usually a two hour affair so you'd better get plenty sleep the night before."

Hollis takes my hand, pressed it to his lips and when he leans over I willingly pucker up but his soft, warm lips brush my cheek instead.

"C'mon, Hollis. I said no sex for three months but we can still kiss every now and then." I complain.

His thick brows raised as he stares at my ready and waiting mouth.

"If we start doing that it'll just lead into other areas and I'm trying to hold to your rules." His voice was low and husky.

I could tell that he wanted to kiss me but I admired his restraint. Hell, I wanted him to smooch me so badly that the intensity of the desire surprised even me.

"Just one, little kiss ain't gone hurt nothing." I fussed, not really understanding what I was asking for because a twinkle sparked in his eyes as if asking, "Are you ready for this?"

And then Hollis gently placed both hands on my cheeks, slowly leaned forward and planted a kiss on my lips which left me breathless and limp as a wet rag afterwards.

His white teeth flashed between his glistening lips as he asked teasingly, "How was that?"

"Not too shabby." I managed to say once I could remember how to speak.

He chuckled under his breath,"Pick you up at six tonight?"

"Umm..hmm.." It feels like my feet barely touched the ground as I crossed the pavement and climbed the four steps in front of the Shop.

"Miss Lola, you glowing baby."  Glenda remarked.

"Yeah, somebody has put a smile on your face." Todd observed.

"Y'all leave Miss Lola alone." Brandy said and I flashed her a grateful smile and entered my office, shutting the door in their nosy faces.
Humph.
Ain't no way I'd give Glenda and Todd the 411 on my love life.

They're two of the biggest gossips in town and I wasn't ready for people to know about Hollis until he put that ring on my finger first.

"Mrs. Hollis Williams." I whispered, blushing like a silly, teenager and then I shook my head to clear such girlish thoughts and got down to the business at hand.

After work I pull into my driveway, noting that Merlin J.r's car is gone just as my cell goes off.

"Hello?"

"Ma, daddy wants to talk to you." Rhonda says.

"Say what?"

"He's standing right here and asked to speak to you."

"What for?"

"I don't know. You'll have to ask him, and please be nice."

A moment later his deep, overly friendly voice is booming into my ear.

"Hi, there Lola. How you doing?"

"Oh, I'm doing wonderful and you?" My tone is a bit chilly but having to speak to Merlin S.r has put my hackles up.

"I can't complain. I was just telling our children how sorry I am for missing out on their childhood years but at least I get the chance to meet three of my grand-kids."

"Well, that's because you ran off and left while I was pregnant with your children." I sweetly remind him.

"Ma!" Rhonda complains.

"Look, am I on speakerphone?"

"Yes, because we wanted to hear what you were saying to daddy." She said, like I'm a child who doesn't know how to behave herself.

"Well, that's strange because I really don't have anything to say to him."

"Aww, Lola. Don't be like that now." Merlin S.r said. "I came all this way to visit y'all and this is how you want to treat me?"

"Well, according to your daughter, the real purpose of your visit is to visit other family members."

Merlin S.r chuckled.

"I see you still sassy as ever. Well, don't ever change Lola. But I really do wish that you'd forgive me for the things I did back then. That was the old me. I'm a changed man now."

"What? Are you a Christian now or something?"

"Yes. As a matter-of-fact I am and my wife is a Christian also. It's a life changing experience. You should try it."

"Dad." Merlin J.r  warns but I suck my teeth.

"Well, I'm glad it's worked out for you and now I'll have to say goodbye because I've got something more important to do."

"Well, okay. I don't want to hold you up." Merlin S.r said.

I hung up, fuming at Rhonda for putting me on the spot.
My entire evening was shot but the negative vibes didn't stop me from dolling up for my date with Hollis.

We were going dancing at the Silver Shoe and afterwards he was taking me to Luciano's for dinner and once again I didn't want the night to end. Each moment with Hollis leaves me with feelings of giddiness and protection as if I've found home.

He's such a special man and a perfect gentleman but tonight,for some reason, I caught myself comparing him to Merlin S.r.
They're both tall, dark and handsome with rugged builds.

Well, with several exceptions because I haven't seen Merlin in twenty-seven years so he might look a hot mess for all I know.

When I thought about our  conversation on the phone today, it shamed me and I realized that I could have been a lot nicer to him.

Merlin is still my children's father and nothing will ever change that fact but I
was still hurt and lashing out at him over the past but you know what?

Nothing is ever going to correct the wrongs we've done to each other in the past and so it's more healthy to let past hurts and disappointments go and work on a positive future.

I know this, but it's still a lot harder to do in reality.

"You alright, Lola? You seem a little down." Hollis sounded concerned.

"I'm.." I hesitated and stared into his worried eyes uncertainly.

"You can talk to me." Hollis touched my hand and I felt new strength and confidence flowing from him.

"Well, I was thinking about my children's father. He's in town, him and his wife, but I was kind of rude when we talked."

"Ah." Hollis nodded, watching me like a hawk. "So, now you're feeling guilty about it?"

It was hard to admit it but it sure lifted a weight when I did.

"Yes. I know it's because of how badly Merlin treated me when I was pregnant. I haven't forgiven him."

12/20/21
Edited 2/20/22.