Page 56 of Senior

That night, he did as he said and ran me a bath and cooked me a meal while I soaked. At two in the morning, I was eating salmon patties, rice, and eggs. He sat and talked with me until I ended up falling asleep on him. That was just the first of many days and nights. He made sure I ate. He made me get out of the house and get some fresh air. Some days he’d come scoop me up and we’d take a day trip somewhere for a change of scenery.

The man never complained, never guilt tripped me, and never made a pass at me. He was my friend, and I wouldn’t have survived losing my husband without him.

Pulling myself together, I finished my coffee and prepared to start my day. I was having lunch with Salima and her mother, but before that, I had a nail and pedicure appointment. Grabbing my purse, keys, and phone, I left the house and headed into town. I got to the salon about ten minutes after it opened. When I walked in, it was scarcely populated.

“Ms. Stephanie!” My nail tech and the owner, Komiko greeted me with a smile. “Hey, girl. You looking mighty fine today.”

I blushed. “Thanks, Miko.”

“You must have a hot date after this.”

“No, no. Nothing like that. Just brunch with my girlfriends.”

“Well come on back and let me get you right.”

She led me back to her private suite and got me situated in the pedicure chair. Her assistant brought me my usual peach mimosa and a blueberry muffin. I’d been coming to her since she was sixteen and doing nails in a shed in her parents’ backyard. Four years ago, she opened a storefront for Claws Out and I loved how upscale the vibe was. Komiko and her team didn’t just offer a service. They offered an experience. Not only that, Miko was funny as hell. She reminded me of Shar on so many levels.

I eased my feet into the semi hot water with a relaxed sigh.

“Long morning?” Komiko asked.

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“Don’t worry. These hands are about to work magic. You might feel like I’m your nigga the way I’m about to rub these feet.”

I laughed. “What am I gonna do with you?”

“Ain’t nothing you can do with me. So, tell me. What’s got you stressed?”

“A nigga.”

She laughed out loud. “See! They don’t be shit.”

“It’s my son.”

“Ooop! Don’t tell me you raised a fuck nigga, Ms. Stephanie.”

“I didn’t. He’s a good man. Married with two beautiful babies. He’s just very protective of my heart.”

“Awwww. That’s not so bad, is it?”

“It’s not. It’s just who he’s protective of it with.”

“Let me guess… his daddy?”

“How did you know?”

“A single woman as beautiful as you? It’s always the daddy. And your baby daddy a heart breaker.”

I giggled. “He’s definitely a looker. He’s a good man, just wasn’t’ right for me for a long time.”

“Ahhh. Big Daddy done evolved and you want that old thing back, huh?”

“More or less.”

“Can I speak candidly? You know I’m a little extra.”

I giggled. “Sure.”