Green Eyed Monster

Newcomer

It's Saturday morning. I'm up watering my flowers when Mrs. Tolbert comes outside. "Good morning, Mae. Come and have coffee with me."

    "Okay. Let me clean off real quick."

I run inside and put on my makeup and a dab of perfume. Knocking on her door, she yells, "Come on in!"

Entering the kitchen, Mrs Tolbert has the table set already. We sit talking girl talk as usual, but I can't focus because I'm anxious, expecting Solomon to appear at any moment.

Mrs. Tolbert asks, "What's wrong with you, Mae? Are you losing it?"

    "Mrs T, of course not! Why'd you ask that?" I laugh.

    "Because you're half listening and fidgeting like you're on drugs!"

    "I'm sorry. I'm listening. I did have a long night. And I drank too much, so I'm still a little tipsy."

    "Mmmm, hot date? He got you drunk and did inappropriate things to you?"

    "No, Mrs T! You kill me, lady!" I laugh.

    "I hope you weren't getting high with a woman. What a waste," she frowns.

Calming my nerves enough to focus and talk to my friend, I hear her front door open. She yells, "King?"

    "Yes, Nana," he answers from behind the wall.

    "I hope you were with a woman all night!" She places her index finger over her mouth, grinning.

He chuckles, "Nana, I can't discuss that with you."

    "I don't need details. As long as you weren't with a man is all I need to know!"

    "No, Nana."

    "Did you use protection, boy?" She covers her mouth laughing.

    "I'm going to lie down, Nana."

    "Mmhmm. Yeah, rest. We'll discuss this later. Love you."

    "Love you too, Nana."

I'm just watching her shaking my head. Shrugging, she asks, "Why are you shaking your head? We have to stay on top of our boys. These women will eat them alive. There are no classy women like in my day. Hell, not even in your day! You need to stay on top of Trevor..."

    "That's his dad's job..."

    "A man chastising his son about sexing multiple women? Where they do that at? You better get a backbone and check that boy! He's out of control!"

    "Mrs T, I can't with you."

We chat for another half an hour, then I go home. Solomon would be too upset if he knew I was in her kitchen while he admitted to spending the night with another woman. He's been playing sweet and innocent for an entire week for me. He'd be mortified knowing his grandmother ruined it.

I decided to peel some apples and make an apple pie. I'll surprise him once he's awake. As I'm peeling, I hear my front door open. Is that Solomon? I jump up and hurry to the door, and it's Lola.

    "Hey, Mommy."

    "Hey, baby. What are you doing home so soon?"

    "Remember, I'm on vacation this week? I told you I'd be back today."

    "Oh yes. I forgot."

    "Yummy, you're making apple pie?"

    Kissing her forehead, I answer, "Yes."