Back To You

Family Ties

It had been two surprisingly smooth months since I moved back home, and started working at St. Thomas. I never thought I'd find myself adjusting to living back in Charming so easily, given the history I had here, but here I was, adjusting, and thriving. I had settled into a comfortable rhythm, working four days a week in the ER. It was definitely hectic, but not nearly as bad as the Army. On my first day I found out that I was working with Dr. cross, which was like a full circle moment for me. She was the same doctor who treated me back when my arm got broken, and now I was learning from her, watching her command the ER. She no longer had dreadlocks, and was sporting a beautiful kinky curly Afro these days. She remembered me, and showed me the ropes at the hospital. She was friendly but professional, and during breaks she'd ask how I was adjusting and offer bits of advice.

I liked the hospital... how it was a space where I could disappear into the work, and not stew in my own mind. Every now and then though, I'd catch myself staring out of the window, lost in thought about the club, about Jax, and... about Polo.

Over the past two months he seemed to become a part of my routine in a way I didn't expect. At first, it was nothing major. I'd come home from work and he'd be there, fixing things around the yard, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, trimming the bushes. I didn't ask him to do it, but he didn't seem to care, and I didn't protest. Every week, like clockwork, he was there. And then, I started doing his hair. It started as a casual offer. Just a way to say thanks, but it soon became a ritual of its own. Every two weeks, he'd sit in my kitchen, leaning back in the chair while I twisted his locs. It was strangely intimate, and I had to admit, he wasn't terrible company to keep.

We'd talk and make each other laugh, while I worked on his hair. We'd talk about his life, my job, the Army, the past. It felt easy, natural, and familiar. Unlike when I was back in Houston connecting with the guys there. I knew Polo, so I was just more comfortable with him than the others.

We ate dinner together at my house sometimes if he happened to come over on a night when I was cooking. He eventually convinced me to let him take me out, though I wasn't sure what to call these outings. Were they dates? Were we just hanging out? We hadn't labeled it, and maybe that was for the best.

We never went to upscale restaurants or anywhere fancy, and I was okay with that. Instead we'd hit up spots that were more laid back, and casual. Like the gun range, where I surprised him with my shooting skills. He thought I was joking about being able to hit a target from 300 yards, and I humbly proved him wrong. Then one time, he took me on a late night drive, with no real destination in mind. We just cruised around, with our windows down, and low music playing in the background as we talked. Then there was that night we went to the basketball court. Just us under the park lights, playing a casual game, laughing, and shit talking each other in a flirtatious way.

I still wasn't sure what to make of it, of him, of us. I was enjoying it for what it was, though, without pushing too hard for answers. If there was one thing I learned from my past, it was not to catch feelings too fast. Polo didn't push either. He was patient, though sometimes I could see in his eyes that he was waiting for more. And I wasn't sure when, or if, I'd be ready to give it.

Tonight, though, had been a bit more conventional. It was my day off, and Polo decided to take me to dinner at a local restaurant, then a movie. Something simple, but enjoyable. We had just gotten back, and Polo was walking me up to the door.

I unlocked it but didn't open it yet, turning to face him instead. "I had a good time with you tonight. Who knew you were so much fun to be around." I joked, and he shot me a smirk, as he leaned against the door.

"Just imagine the fun we could have if you let me in." He said, with a suggestive look in his eye.

I raised an eyebrow at him, and scoffed. "Tuhhh! Yeah right! Nice try though!"