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After a forty minute ride, the lyft came to a complete stop in front of a single wide trailer. The same red 2003 Toyota Camry from my middle school days sat parked in the grass. Rather than climb out, I sat staring at the home which made the driver look back at me. I gave her a closed smile and thanked her for the ride. She gave me a subtle head nod, and I climbed out of the car with my carry on in hand.
I walked up to the short set of steps before the front door filled with nerves. I adjusted the hat on my head, took a few deep breaths then walked up to the door and knocked a few times. The sound of dogs barking from the surrounding homes made me glance around with precaution. It wasn't much but miles of grass, a few wandering cats and quiet.
"Who is it?" a voice finally called out. I recognized it as my mother's and she sounded like she was doing something.
Just as I'd told Korin while in Turks and Caicos, I wanted to make a stop in Florida to visit my mom. For the past few weeks, the smallest things brought her to mind. I took that as a sign for me to put my fear aside and sit down with her. It wasn't like I would be faced with rejection because she was the one who reached out to me. The ball was entirely in my court so I needed to make the next play for our future relationship.
"Giovanni." I pushed out.
"Giovanni?" I heard her question but the lock unlatched at the same time. The door opened and I had to take a step back to avoid being hit by it. "Giovanni. Hi!"
"Hey, I'm sorry to just pop up on you—"
"No, no it's fine. I'm actually really happy to see you. Come on inside." she waved her hand, taking a few steps back to give me space and opportunity.
I stepped inside of the home to the familiar scent of vanilla embrace – her favorite Glade candle. She smiled at me with her hands squeezed together in front of her. I knew she was fighting the urge to touch me so I stretched my arm out, offering her a hug. She released a breathe of relief and tightly wrapped herself around me. When she pulled back, she had eyes full of tears.
"Welcome to my home. It's not anything grand but it's perfect for Braxton and I."
"Nah, it actually reminds me of grandma's." I glanced around.
