Green Eyed Monster

Late Night Surprise

Mrs. Tolbert and I converse for a moment, then I go inside. I put on my coffee pot and then head upstairs. As soon as I exit the kitchen, I scream. Lola's standing there. I say, "Oh my God! You just drove up?"

    "No, I got home late last night."

    "Oh, I thought you were spending the night. What happened?"

    "Stacy came home. I discerned she was excited to have Daddy home alone. She left my sisters at her parents', so I left."

    "Where's your truck?"

    "Oh, I put it in the garage."

I wanted to ask why, but then I decided not to. My Lola is a unique breed. Her logic for parking in a dark garage I barely use would only stress me out. We then enjoy our day together. 

Lola has to work tomorrow, so she's going home soon. We eat dinner, and then she prepares to leave. I kiss her goodbye and return to my patio. Lola had parked her car in front by now. 

I'm sitting reading when I think I hear Lola's voice. I take off my reading glasses and sit up listening. Is it her? As I walk up front, I see Solomon talking to her. I walk out the front door asking, "Honey, you're still here?"

Cutting her eyes towards Solomon, with a fake grin, she answers, "Yes. Mrs T's grandson was introducing himself."

Glancing my way, Solomon says, "Well, nice meeting you, Lola." 

He acknowledges me with a nod and then goes inside. Lola watches him until he's gone. Now walking over to her, I ask, "Did you stop him, or did he stop you?"

    "Mommy, you know better than that. I went to get into my car, and he came from nowhere, introducing himself."

    "Well, what was he talking about?"

    "Nothing. He just introduced himself and then asked who I was."

    "What'd you say?"

    "What? ...Mommy, I said I'm Lola, duh!"

Laughing, I say, "Duh! I'm delirious." 

Then I kiss her, saying, "Well, drive safely. Remember to text me as soon as you get home." She nods and then pulls off.

It's Monday morning, and I'm headed to work. Solomon and I walk out at the same time. 

    "Good morning, Solomon."

    "Good morning, Mae. You look very nice this morning."

    "Thanks and ditto. I haven't seen you for the past couple of days. I thought you returned home."

    "No, I'm spending two weeks with my nana. I decided to spend my vacation with her this year."

    "Wow, that's so sweet."

    "Well, time isn't promised. All we can do is show our love for others while we have it. Once it's past what's the purpose, right? They'll never know how often you visited their gravesite."

    "Slightly macabre, but so true." I chuckle.

Giving a faint smile, he says, "Have a good day at work."

I get home from work, and Mrs. Tolbert invites me over for dinner. Solomon's cooked for us. I shower, put on my sexiest little black dress, put my hair in a messy bun, and head over with a bottle of Pinot. 

Solomon looks tantalizing in his black tee and camouflage shorts. He's grilled salmon and lamb. Dinner is superb. I ask, "How'd you learn to cook like this?"