The Woman Next Door

5

November 5th

Charlotte, NC

Robert "Meek" Williams

"So what are you doing for Thanksgiving?", Nicki asked.

"I haven't done Thanksgiving since their mom died."

"Why not?"

I looked at her and she nodded.

"Well maybe you could eat with my family. You don't have too."

"I'll think about it."

"Maybe you could try something for a change. Everyone should be with family once in awhile."

"I get it. I'll think about it. Now stop talking about it before I say no."

She put her hand in mine and we walked around the mall.

"Where you meet that boy at?", I asked.

"College at a party. I was a junior and he was a senior. We kept in touch. Dated for a bit then I broke up with him cause he was trying to make me stop working."

"A woman that likes going after her money. I like that."

She laughed and I smiled.

"I love it when you smile Meek. Do it more often."

"I'm good."

"Please? For me?"

She looked at me and I laughed.

"Fine little baby."

"Yay! Now lets go shopping!"

-

We walked in my house and Nicki sat her bags by the door.

"You didn't have to buy me that stuff Meek."

I looked at her and sat down.

"That's all we've been talking about coming back here. Chill. I did it and it's done."

"I just haven't had a man to do that before. I'm used to buying everything for myself."

"I get it but I'm in your life now so get used to it."

I looked at the clock and it said 2:10 p.m.

"Kids bus should be getting here in a minute. Come on."

I walked behind her to the door and then we walked out. We walked to the bus stop and I sat down on the bench.

"They always take the bus?"

"Nah. I usually take them and then my mom picks them up. They do their homework, eat dinner, and then she drops them off."

"Sounds like your mom is a major help in your life."

"She is. You are too. Barely knew how to do hair and then you came along."

She was blushing and I winked. The bus came around the corner and I stood up. The girls ran off the bus with big smiles on their face once they saw Nicki.

"Ms. Nicki!", they yelled.

They hugged her legs and then they came