Home Is With You

38 • Meeting Tyrese

"FLIGHT 381 HAS JUST LANDED" the intercom blasted through the airport as I waited for Jeremy's mom. After the meeting with Max, Jeremy has been really anxious and slightly paranoid. I was hoping that with his mom here, it would put his mind at ease.

Looking up from my phone, I see Jeremy's mom walk through the doors. Raising my hand to catch her attention I watch her walk over. "Ị mara mma karịa na mmadụ." She said to which I looked confused. "I'm sorry. I'm just now learning Igbo and I'm not that good." I say as I pick up her suitcases. "Totally fine handsome. Where is Jeremy?" She asks looking behind me.

"At home, he's been having anxiety attacks as of lately. Um...do I call you Ms or Mrs." I wonder as we reach the car. "Imani is fine dear. Now tell me what's been going on?" She asked. "It's best to wait until we're home. Just know it has triggered his anxiety." I murmur as we get in the car. Nodding in response, I start the drive home.

It wasn't long before I parked the car getting Imani's luggage as she went inside. Entering in the house I see Imani talking to Jeremy who was on the couch.

Setting Imani's luggage in the spare room upstairs I quickly go back downstairs. Sitting beside Jeremy, he instantly settles against me as I play with a loc. "Now tell me what's wrong? Why do you look like someone stole your fufu?" Imani asked. Jeremy sighed before he sat up, explaining the situation to her.

Watching as her hands clenched her dress as Jeremy told her about the upcoming court case. "Ha pasado casi una década desde que esa... basura llegó a tu vida. Y todavía te está torturando así." Imani gritted out as her leg bounced. (It's been almost a decade since that...trash came in your life. And he's still torturing you like this.)

"The court case is happening at the end of this month. He's going to jail for a long time. So he's going to die in jail." I say to Imani hoping to ease her worries.  "Okay. That's good. I'm going to fix you something to eat. " She hummed as she tapped Jeremy's knee.

Jeremy moved so he was straddling me, "Thank you for flying mom out here. It means alot that she's here." Jeremy  murmured laying his head on my shoulder. "You're welcome baby. We are here for you." I whisper to him.

Jeremy pressed his lips to mine as he held my shoulders. "I know I haven't been the easiest to deal with the past few day. But I really appreciate you helping me through all this." Jeremy sighed. "You're welcome. If this person is disturbing your peace, I will find a solution. That my job as your man." I hummed softly.

"Do you think marriage is in the cards for us?" Jeremy asks. "It is. Whatever you want. You're it for me, you know that. What about you?" I asked him. "Most definitely. You're not getting rid of me." Jeremy smiled softly making me chuckle.

Hearing a cough, we look towards the kitchen to see Imani smiling hard at us. "Jeremy call me when you start planning the wedding. I'm serious." She said. "Mama, we're not getting married right now." He chuckled. "I know. It just does my soul some good to see you so happy and safe." She said sighing.

Eventually we all sat at the table as Imani served the food. "So Homer how old are you?" She asked. "I'll be 51 in April." I replied. "He's old man age." Jeremy quipped making me narrow my eyes at him. "Hush. Is Georgia your sister? Have you ever been married?" She asked. "Yes she is. And yes I have been for 30 years but I'm divorced now." I say as I hold Jeremy's hand. "Why and when did you get divorced?" She said her eyes trained on me.

"Well I got divorced 3 months before I met Jeremy. But the reason for my divorce, is simple my ex wife
was a jealous woman. When Georgia had Maverick, she wanted kids as well though we were both busy in our careers. But we got pregnant almost five times and each time was miscarried. She grew resentful and bitter towards me. When I realized I wasn't happy in our marriage I quickly filed for a divorce." I said stroking Jeremy's hand with my thumb.

"I don't like that so quick after marriage you got into a relationship with my son. But you do seem secure and that you know what you want. If that's my son so be it." Imani said. "Mama how long are you staying?" Jeremy asked. "Well I'm leaving in two weeks. Now Homer I want you to take care of my boy. He's been through enough heartbreak in his life." Imani said as she glanced at Jeremy.

"If you don't mind me asking, what was his father like?" I asked and I seen how her eyes twinkled. "Oh where do I start. Tyrese was amazing. Even though his years in the service had hardened his personality, he was such a family oriented man. He was such a sweetheart, always wanting to help, always making me and Jeremy laugh with his stupid jokes. Tyrese was protective of his family especially Jeremy. He wanted only the best for him." Imani said as she reminisced.

"Sounds like a great husband and father." I say smiling slightly. "Oh he was. He taught me everything I know, how to fight back, how to hold a gun, shave everything." Jeremy boasted smirking. "Please. The first time you shaved by yourself you had a gash on your cheek. Your dad didn't let you near razors for a month." Imani laughed as Jeremy looked down at the table embarrassed. I chuckle as the night continued filled with laughter.