Green Eyed Monster

Vulnerable

Despite Gypsy's shenanigans earlier I have a peaceful day. Pinky comes over after church. We're on my swing, sipping freshly squeezed lemonade, waiting for the sun to set. Mrs. Tolbert's been gone all day, then just before dark, she and Solomon pull up.

    "Oh Lord, your boy's here," Pinky whispers.

"Oh, we're cool now. I didn't tell you he asked me to be his eyes while he's away. I watch Mrs T in his absence, and if I sense anything is wrong, I've been instructed to call him."

"Does Lola know this?"

"Pinky, don't go there. Lola, Solomon, and I are fine now. I haven't told her, but I'm sure he has."

Lifting her palms, she says, "Sorry, I asked. New subject."

We sit watching him escort her inside. Gazing, Pinky sighs, "Well, I'm not on vacation like you, so I'd better go."

I remain outside swinging, enjoying this crisp Spring evening. Rain's coming, I can smell it. It's relaxing. Mrs. Tolbert's home is now dark. I guess Solomon put her to bed. He then comes out onto the porch, looking straight ahead, deep in thought. I just watched. I'm sure it's killing him seeing his nana slipping away. I guess he feels me watching because now he's staring at my porch.

"Hey, Solomon. Are you alright?"

He doesn't answer but starts heading my way. The moment he steps off the porch, it starts raining. It's sexy, something straight out of a movie. He doesn't run but steadily walks through it. The fading sun adds seductiveness. Now on my porch, he licks the rain from his lips, then wipes his face dry with his hand. His sad eyes pierce through me as he stands there.

"Come and sit."

He sits. I ask, "You want lemonade? It's homemade and delicious, I must admit."

Smirking, he nods. "I'll be right back."

I return to him swinging, deep in thought. Taking a deep breath, I say, "Here you go. Enjoy."

He sips it then smiles, saying, "You're right. This is delicious. Thanks."

"How are you feeling these days?"

"I don't know Mae. Life's overwhelming these days."

"Because of your nana?"

"Among other things."

"Well, I'm here if you want to talk."

Covering his face, he sighs, "Did you know Lola dumped me?"

"Huh? When was this?"

"A couple of weeks ago."

"What? ...Why?"

"She said everyone, including you, said she shouldn't commit to me so quickly, since I'm her first boyfriend."

"Solomon, I assure you that's not what I said at all. She was conflicted, so I simply said she's a grown woman, so she needs to make that decision for herself, because no one else can."

"Please know, I'm not angry with you or these other imaginary people she claims advised her. I love Lola, but I understand her too. I'm not new to this game; that's how I know I love her. She has the right to want to explore more relationships."

"That's honorable, Solomon. Most men's egos would be crushed. I'm impressed."

Giving me an alluring gaze, he says, "Well, I'm not most men."

I return an inviting smile. He continues, "But it does hurt, because her intelligence makes me love her more. I know how you and my nana perceive her. You all talk as if she's some clueless child who has no common sense about the world or relationships, but that's so untrue. Lola is extremely insightful and knowledgeable about herself and what she wants. Most women see me, and from face value, they assume I'm the perfect catch. No matter what I say or do, they have purposed to hold on to me, but not Lola. She kept me on my "A" game. She didn't allow me to do me, and she'd stick around regardless. She's the only woman I've known who made me feel as if I had to always improve to keep her happy. ...She made me a better man." He ends in a whisper, drifting off into thought.