The Love That Grew

Ch. 6 New Beginnings

Jacksonville International Airport 

November

"Remember what I said, Shay and Ray. Don't go out there acting a damn fool! I can't believe my girls are growing up and leaving me like this, especially you, Shay. I never thought I'd see the day you left the nest," Jackson spoke, hugging Jashae tightly at the airport terminal.

I never thought I'd be leaving you either she thought to herself, unable to fight the tears trickling down her face. Knowing she was going to California in hopes of saving her only living relative made her take the chance and jump off the deep end.

"I'm gonna miss you so much. Make sure you call me every day."

"Shay, you'll be busy with your studies and the internship. You don't need an old man bugging you. Maybe you'll even meet a nice young man out there," he winked, causing her to giggle at his playful banter.

The grandfather and granddaughter had shared a heart-to-heart the night before about what their new normal would consist of. Jashae hadn't expected Jackson to break down this morning at the airport but understood why. They hadn't been separated since she was a child, and this would be a new beginning for them both.

"If I don't answer call again or text me, I'm gonna miss you but I promise to visit when I can. Thank you, Miss Linda, for agreeing to check in on him let Maria know she can reach out to me whenever." Maria, the home health aid would be around to assist Jackson while Jashae was away Raynelles grandmother, Linda, volunteered to help out when she could as well. 

"Y'all don't worry go and have a great time and Ray, don't get my girl in any trouble" Linda warned knowingly.

Ray grinned wildly at the warning "Nana, I didn't graduate law school for nothing I'll get us out of whatever I get us in" 

After a few more hugs and good lucks the two girls made their way to their gate. "I'm nervous as hell Ray what if-"

"You will not ruin these first-class seats or this 6-hour flight for me nope! Sit the hell back, order a few cocktails, and enjoy" 

With a sigh and Jashae sat back and took her best friend's advice the last thing she needed was to make a fool of herself by changing her mind mid-flight. I can do this she thought to herself before ordering a martini from the cheerful flight attendant. 

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Los, Angeles 7 hours later

Xavier waited in anticipation his eyes searched the busy airport for the two girls, he'd already received an earlier text from Jashae letting him know when they were scheduled to arrive.  

"I think that's them!" Tahiri clapped excitedly, hopping out of the truck without waiting for Xavier to confirm her guess. Sure enough, the two women looked around in confusion. He could tell the long flight and time zone change would take some getting used to—they both looked exhausted.

Tahiri wasted no time, speed-walking towards the duo with a huge grin. "Hey, girls, hey! Welcome to LA! Oooh, you both could use an espresso martini. Leave your bags; Xavier will grab them. I'm so glad you're here," she said, pulling Jashae into an unexpected hug.

Raynelle quickly chimed in, noticing her friend's slight discomfort. "And we're so glad to be here! Yes, an espresso martini sounds great," she spoke, matching Tahiri's enthusiasm.

Xavier extended half hugs to the girls and loaded the truck with their belongings. "I know y'all probably hungry wanna go out or order in? I know a nice lowkey spot" he mentioned looking at them from the rearview mirror.