Neo 🩷🌸
I’d started restocking my inventory and looking at apartments and buildings. My parents made it clear there was no rush for me to leave, but I hadn’t lived at home since I was in high school and wanted my own space. As I browsed commercial listings, Ma came in and sat on the edge of my bed.
“I have a dilemma,” she said, gaining my full attention.
“What’s up?” I asked, closing the laptop.
“Your aunt is putting together a couple’s cruise for this summer. She asked me if you were seeing anyone, and I didn’t know what to say.”
With a chuckle, I sat next to her. “Honestly, Ma, I don’t know the answer to that either.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want to be with Merc, but I just can’t put myself in the position to be cheated on again.”
“Has Merc done anything to make you believe he will cheat on you?”
“Quite the opposite. He’s assured me and validated me. It’s just a reflex to protect myself, you know?”
Her light laugh soothed me as she took my hand into hers. “I remember when you got food poisoning while you were in college. You got so sick I had to come and take care of you. You remember what you said?”
Laughing, I nodded. “I said I would never eat again.”
“That lasted for what… all of a week?”
That was true. I loved to eat too much to give up food. “Where are you going with this, Ma?”
“You were hurt by food, and you wanted to avoid it forever, but you didn’t. Every time you eat, you’re trusting what has been prepared will not hurt you and make you sick again. Love is the same way.” She paused, allowing me to fully take in what she’d said. “You can’t let one bad experience with love keep you from it forever. Just because he hurt you, that doesn’t mean every man you date who has children will. Let Merc be the chicken noodle soup you need for your soul. Let him be your first healthy meal after your heart was poisoned by someone else. Let his love satiate you. Get ready to feast again.”
Sniffling, I pushed back my tears as she kissed my temple and gave me a hug. She stood, leaving me alone with her words. When my tears began to pour, I leaned back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
“God, please give me a sign. I want to trust Merc and be loved by him, but I’m so scared. I don’t want to move too fast and be hurt because I ignored the signs. I need to know You approve of this and that I’ll be safe because we have your blessing. I need a wink, God. Show me I’m as safe with Merc as he says I am.”
The doorbell rang, and since I wasn’t expecting anyone, I didn’t bother to get up as I wiped my face. The sound of my mother’s laughter made me curious, but I still stayed in bed… until she called my name.
I made my way downstairs, and at the sight of my absolute favorite neo soul singer out of Memphis, Audré, my mouth hung open.
“Are you Neo?” she asked, smiling sweetly.
There was a man standing next to her with a large bear, balloons, and roses. I nodded because I was truly speechless.
“Ooh, let me record this!” Mama yelled, making me laugh.
“This is for you, from Merc,” Audré said before she began to sing “Safe with Me” by Sam Smith. By the time she was done, tears were pouring from my eyes. She gave me a hug, then the man gave me the bear, balloons, and roses. After setting everything down, I took the note from the bouquet and read it.
I understand you need time to heal. As much as I miss you, I’ll give you that, because I want nothing to stand in the way of our love. I’ll wait for you, but if you’re willing to take a chance, I’ll love the pain out of you.
Pressing the note to my chest, I released a light chuckle. Was this my God wink?
YOU ARE READING
Merc (COMPLETED)
RomanceFor a man like Merc, his reputation has always preceded him. Known for his allegiance to the criminal underworld as a protector, the gangster only shows love to his family... and his son and the woman who birthed him are at the top of that list. Whe...
