Green Eyed Monster

Late Night Surprise

Mrs. Tolbert and I converse a moment then I go inside. I put on my coffee pot and then head towards 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's, so I left."

    "Where's your truck?"

    "Oh I put it in the garage."

I wanted to ask why, but then I decide 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 then return to my patio. Lola had parked her car up 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. It is 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 just introducing himself."

Glancing my way Solomon says, "Well, nice meeting you Lola." He acknowledges me with a nod then goes inside. Lola watches him until he's gone. Now walking over to her I ask, "Did you stop him, or he stopped 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 then asked who was I."

    "What'd you say?"

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

Laughing I say, "Duh! I'm delirious." I then kiss her saying, "Well, drive safely. Remember 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 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?"

    "My nana of course and my mom. God rest her soul."

    "Oh I'm sorry. So your nana hates your stepmom not your mom?"

He chuckles, "Yea, I guess so."

Mrs. Tolbert interrupts, "Oh yes, his mother was an angel on this earth. King's dad tried to replace her, but found Satan instead."