Green Eyed Monster

Torn

I'm conflicted, but not crazy. I know Solomon was pursuing me until he saw Lola. Of course I should let it go. Wisdom is screaming, Let it go! But I can't let it go. Ditching work today, I'm sitting on the couch when Lola comes downstairs. I say, "We need to talk."

"Mommy, I need to go to the beach."

"After we talk. Sit."

Huffing she plops to the couch. Immediately I start telling her how he's been pursuing me from the day he set foot in Mrs. Tolbert's home. Unbothered she sits listening.

"Well, say something."

"Mommy if you like him that much, I'll just stay away from him."

"Lola, it's not about me liking him, it's about him being dirty and nasty, trying to sleep with a mother and daughter! You're staying away because he's a terrible person, not because I like him! Which I don't!

"Right. Okay mommy. May I go to the beach now?"

"Lola baby, you know mommy's always been on your side. I've always stood up for you and fought for you. I hate to be mean to you, but I need you to grow the fuck up today! I don't need you too stupid to comprehend it's him against us, okay? Please don't make mommy look stupid. I need you to have my back this time, okay? Alright?"

Standing firm, she says, "May I go to the beach now?"

Flipping her off, I say, "Go."

As she gets into her SUV and pulls off, Solomon jumps in his car to follow. My entire body's trembling as I snatch up my phone and start texting her. It's then I hurl it onto the couch then cry over how I've treated my baby.

Lola's been gone over an hour. Fearing I'll attack her again, I can't sit in this house knowing she's with him. I get dressed and head to Pinky's job. She comes out into the parking garage to talk to me. As she enters my car, I start sobbing.

"Please don't cry." She says hugging me.

"I feel so stupid Pinky. And how I've treated Lola is just revolting. I've lost my neighbor's friendship all because this boy came into town! ...I just don't know what to do now. Seems as if this situation can never be fixed!"

"So Lola likes him, huh?"

"I don't know! ...I guess."

"I think the best way to get things back to normal is to support her relationship. Granted he was a little too flirty, but it's obvious he really likes Lola. Accept it and get your daughter back. You may even get your friend back."

Pinky's talking, but she's not getting it, and I'm not about to explain to her how much I like this man. Saying support Lola with him is idea, but not reality. Now back home, Lola's not there, but Solomon's home. As soon as I get relaxed I receive a text from Lola saying she's gone. I text: ok...I love you.

Lola: I love u more

Friday comes and finally Solomon is gone. Saturday, I'm up early watering my flowers when Mrs. Tolbert comes out. Immediately, I go over to her. Rolling her eyes she asks, "What do you want?"

"My friend back."

"My grandson's only 29. What the hell were you thinking?"

I'm thinking, cow you only date younger men! Or, I was thinking like you obviously! But I hold my tongue and say, "I wasn't. ...Will you please forgive me?"

She's staring straight ahead with a rigid look. She then cuts her eyes at me, smirking saying, "Oh I understand your pain. My King is as perfect as they come, but he's my baby Mae. Why'd you disrespect me? I'd never try and sleep with Trevor."