When Olivia's given an ultimatum by her parents, she chooses to stay with her grandfather in South Crenshaw. And what was originally supposed to be temporary, turns into a permanent memory that will last a lifetime.
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"Shit! Shit! Shit!" I whisper to myself as I get out of the shower and read a text message from my dad.
I put on my robe and rush into my bedroom where Layla is laying down.
"What's wrong?" She asks as she reads the troubled look on my face.
"With all of the changes happening in my life, I forgot all about my mom's week early steakhouse celebration," I answer as I check the calendar.
"Oh, Mrs. B is turning 21 again!" Layla comments before she turns back to her phone. "But why is going the steakhouse a problem? Are you really that upset about not eating that funny looking soup in your grandpa's refrigerator?"
I take a deep breath as I think about how a family tradition is posing a threat to my promise to Spencer.
"It's just that I have the football game," I say seriously.
"Oh wait, you were serious about that football game?" She sits up and asks.
I went to see Spencer after Layla fell asleep last night. And when I got back inside, she was still sleeping peacefully.
"Yes, I was serious," I say deflated.
"I wouldn't go skipping out on a family tradition for some guy I chose to randomly sleep with at a vulnerable moment." She says as she types on her phone. "And didn't you say he ghosted you after giving him some? Please, Liv! You know better."
I hesitate as I think about how he apologized. And I clearly forgave him.
"We talked last night and everything is good," I tell her and she looks for me to say more.
"I distinctly remember you looking pitifully at your phone for hours last night," she responds.
"And then he came to see me. He wants to explore the connection we have."
"You did all of that while I was asleep?" She questions and I nod.
"It was the cutest. We took a walk and cleared the air. Then, he took me to watch a movie in his backyard." I reply as I try to pretend I'm not still on cloud nine about it.
"That's cute! And I'm happy for you. But if this guy plays with you again, we riot!" She tells me and I chuckle. "But I can't do the whole football game thing. It's not my thing. And I just got invited to a little party I need to get ready for."
"So you're going to a party?" I ask and she shrugs.
"Not only am I going, but I'm taking your advice." She tells me and I smile. "Honestly, you taking a chance with this Crenshaw guy has inspired me. What were your words again? Try something new for crying out loud!"
I laugh at the way she mocks my voice. And I'm also happy that she's going to the party. Layla is about to be eighteen, not thirty-eight. If she doesn't want to think about marriage or a career, she shouldn't have to.
