Page 40 of Soft On Her
They crowded around me and embraced me in a group hug. The front door came open, and the security ushered Mr. Luis, Mrs. Sierra, and Aunt Bunny inside.
“We haven’t been invited over here in years,” Mr. Luis noted, scanning the common areas. “I like what y’all have done with the place.”
“It’s good to have you guys over,” Uncle Mitch greeted them before hugging Mrs. Sierra.
“Thank you for having us,” she bubbled.
Watching them interact, I was thankful that there were no hard feelings once everything was settled. I felt terrible about Mr. Luis’ shoulder because Mrs. Sierra was going to be doing everything for him for a while.
“Well, the kitchen is in the same place. Make your plates, grab drinks. I’m getting in the pool with the grandkids. I’m the whole reason they know about a night swim. It’s very rare you’ll catch me in that pool when the sun is out. No sir,” he declared, heading up the stairs.
Just that fast, the table was empty, leaving me and Sneaux’s family in the house.
“Milaniiiiiiii!” Aunt Bunny squealed before leaning back to look at me. “We missed you dearly. I’m so happy that you’re back to mend my niece’s heart.”
“Me too,” I grinned. “I’m right where I belong.”
“I know that’s right.” Aunt Bunny’s phone rang and she rolled her eyes as she pulled it out of her purse. “Ugghhhh, let me find a quiet room to take this call,” she groaned, sashaying down the hall.
Aunt Bunny disappeared and I greeted Mr. Luis and Mrs. Sierra with hugs as well.
“Go ahead and take a seat, Luis. I’ll make your plate,” Mrs. Sierra stated, pointing towards an empty seat. Mrs. Sierra went into the kitchen to wash her hands, and Mr. Luis claimed the seat next to me.
“I’m surprised Sneaux ain’t made it here yet,” Mr. Luis pointed out.
“I’m sure she’ll be here soon. What do you want to drink, Mr. Luis? I’ll grab it while Mrs. Sierra makes your plate.” I offered.
“Tell your Uncle Mitchel to break out some of that good Cognac from his distillery before he gets in the pool,” he requested. “They haven’t sold any to my family in five years. That’s how petty things got in your absence.”
I placed my hand on my hip and smirked at him. “Now, Mr. Luis, you do know I was in the warehouse when the doctor gave you your aftercare instructions. I know you’re on antibiotics andpain meds for the next few days. Would you like some water or fresh pressed juice?”
“You’re worse than Sierra’s ass,” Mr. Luis grumbled. “Fine, water. I forgot your ass was supposed to be a veterinarian.”
“And I have eight years of medical office experience. I picked up a lot over the years,” I affirmed.
“Yeah, yeah, smarty pants.”
I laughed on my way to the refrigerator to grab Mr. Luis a bottle of water. Mrs. Sierra trailed into the kitchen behind me.
“Oh, I’m grabbing Mr. Luis something to drink for you so you can focus on making you guys plates,” I informed her.
“I appreciate you for that. You’ve always been the sweetest young lady,” she noted, placing Mr. Luis’ plate down on the counter, then turned back to face me.
“I’m sorry to hear about what you are going through with your mother. I don’t know if you remember, you were so young, but my mother died of Alzheimer’s. Regardless of the situation, I want you to know that I’m here if you need me. I might not go visit her with you, but anything else I’m open to,” Mrs. Sierra raised her hands.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. It’s been tough, but I feel so much better now that I’m not doing it alone.”
“You’re not doing anything alone anymore,” she reached over and squeezed my shoulder.
“I know that now,” I nodded, getting emotional again. Muffled screams and laughter could be heard beyond the glass door, and I looked out at my family. I’d missed them terribly. “I can’t believe I ever doubted the love my family had for me. I let my mother get in my head about everything and everyone.”
Mrs. Sierra wrapped her arms around me while I came undone in her arms. “It’s okay, Milani. Nobody expects their mother to behave the way yours did. You were young, and that doesn’t matter now,” Mrs. Sierra broke the embrace to look mein my eyes. “You’re home. You can’t live in the past. All you can do is move forward and never let anyone tell you anything different about those people out there.”
“I know,” I blubbered.
Mrs. Sierra went to grab a few napkins and handed them to me. I gathered myself and cleared my face while attempting to slow my breathing.
“I also want to apologize for my behavior the other night. It was just shocking to see you, and I went into mama bear mode.”
