Chapter Twenty-Four
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Glory Out of the Clear Blue
M ama had a new wreath hanging from her front door. It appeared that she’d put all of her Christmas decorations away and got a head start on Valentine’s Day. Roman sat in his car looking at the pink, yellow and red garland covered in white feathers, white doves, and two chubby-assed Cupids with light blue bows and arrows. AC/DC’s, ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ blasted from the speakers. He glanced at the email from his father on his phone, then turned off his device and placed it inside his pocket. Genesis followed suit, slipping her phone into her green leather purse before checking her makeup in the mirror and fluffing her hair.
He leaned in and kissed her, the urge to stay longer in that car with her on his mind. Reluctantly ending the kiss, he turned the music off, killed the engine, and got out of the car. He then helped Genesis out of the passenger’s seat, locked the vehicle, and headed to the front door with her, hand in hand. He shot her a glance as they made their way to the house. Smiling, Genesis leaned in and kissed his cheek before he rang the bell.
He could hear Mama’s dog Toby scampering and barking as if he were the most feared beast on the block, warning them to brace themselves for his grand viciousness. Mama could be heard saying, “I’m coming!” in a sing-song voice.
“Don’t worry,” he murmured. “Mama’s dog is an old terrier. The most he could do is gum your ankle to death.”
Genesis burst out laughing but stopped abruptly as the doorknob turned. Mama stood there with her peachy cheeks and bright eyes, wearing a lilac jumper, lilac dot earrings and a matching necklace. Her hair was pinned up with dark purple Asian style chopsticks and ornate gold hair pins, and on her feet she sported a pair of shiny purple Mary Jane shoes. Mama often reminded him of a life-sized doll on its way to church.
“You look so pretty!” Genesis squealed. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Ms. Bonnie.”
Mama’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, and then she gasped. After a few troubling seconds, she found her voice again.
“Uh…yes! Um, thank you, sweetheart! How nice of you. Uh, please come in!” Mama grew red as a tomato in the face. Roman sighed but offered no explanation. He knew what was going on, but it wasn’t his place to say anything just yet. When they stepped in, he noticed Mama’s purse and car keys on the counter.
“Mama, I’ve already paid for the spa, and Genesis has my credit card to cover a shoppin’ spree and lunch for the two of you.”
“Roman, I can’t believe you’re doing this!” She played nervously with her necklace as she shot her gaze between him and Genesis.
“I love doing things like this for the ladies in my life.” He winked, and they both blushed.
“You’d think it was my birthday or something. It’s too much!” The woman shook her head, a sweet smile on her face. “You spoil me! Genesis,” she turned to his fiancée, “Roman spoils me and I tell him not to do it all the time. This is over the top. I don’t want no shoppin’ spree. I got two bags of clothes that are too dang small, or not my taste any longer, to haul off to the Goodwill as is! I only agreed to the spa and lunch because I wanted to spend a lil time with my future daughter-in-law, but he insisted and wouldn’t let me off the phone until I promised.” She waved her hands about.
“Roman loves you, Ms. Bonnie. He just wants us to talk, get to know one another and have a nice day is all. It’ll be fun!”
Mama took Genesis’ hands into hers and looked at her with a discerning eye.
“Gosh, you’re so stinkin’ lovely, young lady! What a pretty girl you are.”
“Thank you, Bonnie. So are you.”
Mama shook her head. “No, not really, but I used to be, and that’s fine by me. I’m okay being just average. Even below average. I only want a simple life with God, good music, good health, plenty of laughs, and for the folks I love to be happy. I owe you an apology, Genesis.” Mama slowly released the woman’s hands, then crossed her own.
“For what?”
“For two things, actually. Roman told me he popped the question, and I was excited to hear that and meet you right away, but then I started ramblin’ on and on to him about my drippy kitchen sink. See, we had a bit of an emergency here when he called. It was getting worse and worse each day, and then the pipe burst, and water got everywhere. That’s what procrastination’ll get cha. I’ve been complainin’ to my husband for weeks, but he’s not good at those things. He wanted to spend a bunch of money callin’ a plumber only when it got out of control. I said well, we’re bent over a barrel now, and a plumber will see that and take full advantage! I told him Roman or Jordan could do it, but I know Roman is so busy, and then boom! Just like that! Roman called. It was the darndest thing.”
“Why would you owe me an apology for that?”
“Because I ruined his call to tell me his good news… It wasn’t his fault the pipe burst, and it wasn’t his fault we’d waited too long to get it fixed. I should’ve just hushed up, called a plumber and not said a word. Instead, I got sidetracked and zapped some of his enthusiasm. He was so dang happy to talk to me about you! I could tell.”
“Mama, that’s not a reason to apologize. You weren’t tryna switch the topic or anything. It’s not like you weren’t happy for me.”
“Well, when I thought about it after the fact, I felt mighty ashamed. Like I burst your balloon of joy. My father used to do things like that. Ruin our good news.” Mama’s lower lip quivered as Toby completed the important task of sniffing Genesis’ shoe. “Anyway,” She sighed, tossing on a pleasant smile, “My other apology is to Genesis, too. I was never good at playin’ possum.” Mama’s complexion got all splotchy and red again, as if she were afraid to utter another word. Roman looked towards the window as Toby noisily lapped up water. “Oh, Genesis. I’m an old fool sometimes. How in the world do I say this without soundin’ crazy? I’m not used to… I just didn’t think… Genesis, please, dear God, I mean nothin’ by this sugar, but… Oh, Lord! I sound so silly mumbling and bumblin’ over my words! I sound like an idiot!”
Mama’s voice trembled. Genesis gave her a quizzical look, then her features relaxed. Roman resisted the urge to laugh. Genesis gently touched her arm.
“Bonnie, did you not expect me to be African American?”
“YES! THAT’S IT! Oh, dear! I’m so sorry, honey! I’m not racist, I promise you that. It was just a surprise!” Genesis nodded, obviously now holding in laughter herself. “I don’t care if my Roman is with a blue, red or purple woman, just as long as she’s good to him and treats him right. I’m so sorry for how I looked when I opened the door just now—I know it probably threw you for a loop! I’m just a silly ol’ Cheerio!”
“Mama…” Roman smirked and shook his head. “You don’t have a racist bone in your body. You’re just not used to being around folks that don’t look like you. It’s due to how you were raised, and where you grew up.”
“Yes, that’s it!” She waved her finger about. “I’ve been sheltered, minus the TV. TV, they say, doesn’t show everyone in a fair light anyway. I can believe that. They also say it puts about ten pounds on you. I must be in front of a thousand TVs right now, then.” She guffawed.
“Mama, stop crackin’ jokes about your weight. It’s not funny. I love you.” Roman wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
“Oh, Roman, it’s okay! If I can’t laugh about it, then I’d never survive the things people say. I know I’m big.” She waved him off. “Anyway, when I opened the door to let you two in, it just took me by surprise that you were a pretty brown girl, but really, Roman didn’t need to say anything in advance or warn me, because this ain’t nothin’ to warn someone about. I mean, why would he think to say something, you know?” Mama was slightly trembling as she rambled on, all pink and flushed in the face.
“I wouldn’t expect him to tell me that you were shorter or taller than him, or that you were a woman. Well, on second thought, I probably would’ve wanted to know if he was engaged to a man in advance, to prepare myself mentally for it and all, but I’d love Roman even if he was gay because that’s my child. I don’t have to understand somethin’ in order to act in a kind and Christian fashion. Besides, that would be between him and God, and I love him no matter what. It would be surprising to me though, ya know? Seeing as his womanizin’ was a full-time job and all.
“His father had the same occupation and worked it religiously, Genesis, so Roman got it honest. It was the only job my ex-husband ever kept; never missed a day. Chasin’ skirts 24/7, he was. My son was a purebred gigolo. Like a dog chasing a cat. He started young. Roman had a bunch of dirty movies that he’d share with his brothers. Pass them around like baseball cards. I was livid when I found ’em in the house. One of ’em was called something like, ‘ Hoes’ Holes to Glory.’ I took a look at it, and became sick! A revolting, filthy movie about this activity they call, glory holes, ya see? Havin’ sex with folks through a hole in the wall is what it is! I had never seen such a thing.”
“Hmmm, I don’t think I have, either.” Genesis stated sheepishly. You’ve got Pornhub bookmarked on your computer, girl. Lying to my mama on the first day of meeting her. Tsk! Tsk!
“Well see, the woman is on one side of the wall, and the fella on the other, then they go at it. Doing it in public bathrooms! Parks! Libraries! No place is apparently safe from the glory hole. Isn’t that just awful?! Roman had quite the collection. Dirty movies a mile high! That explains all the stiff socks in the laundry hamper. Three boys just havin’ the time of their life, and Roman was the one leading the charge! He also—”
“Mama…”
“Oh, dang it! I’ve done it again!” Mama placed a trembling hand to her lips, looking mortified. “Sorry, Roman!”
Her eyes were big as saucers. Genesis was now leaning against the wall, falling out with laughter. Mama was an unintentional comedian and hated every moment of it.
“Thanks, Mama. I appreciate those kind, sweet words you shared about me to my wife-to-be. They belong on a Hallmark greeting card,” he taunted, then chuckled.
“That was in the past, Genesis! It’s the truth, but I shouldn’t have said all of that. It’s almost like I forgot he was standin’ right here. He doesn’t do that anymore. I swear. Or at least, he better not, or I’ll have his hide!”
Still laughing, Genesis approached Mama and wrapped her arms around her. Mama hugged her back, real tight, looking like she was on the verge of tears. All Roman could do was observe in amazement.
“It’s okay, Ms. Bonnie. I know about Roman’s dating past, but we’re just going to focus on the future.” The two women regarded one another in quiet understanding. Mama swiped a tear from her face and hugged her again, making Genesis laugh.
“Roman knows how to pick ’em!” Mama stated as she filled a glass with orange juice then gulped it. “I mean, since the cat is already out of the bag and all, he’s always gotten super pretty women, Genesis, and that’s just fine and dandy. You’re definitely no exception in that regard, but you really must be a special lady for him to propose, sweetheart. Gotta have looks and brains to hook a man like my boy here, Roman.”
“I’d like to think that I’m intelligent,” Genesis offered, her back straight and looking dignified as ever. “I try to be open minded and discerning, too.”
“Mama, Tony said somethin’ the other day that I found interesting. He said you and Genesis have a few things in common. I never really thought about it, but I’d say that’s true.” Mama’s cheeks turned red, and she looked pleased as could be.
“Well, I consider that a compliment. I wish I had your lady’s gorgeous shape and the eloquent way she speaks, but I reckon we may have some things in common, nonetheless. I look forward to talkin’ to you and getting to know you better, Genesis and findin’ out firsthand what those similarities may be.” Mama did a sort of curtsey.
“I look forward to getting to know you, too. Let’s go.”
Mama nodded with excitement, grabbed her purse and keys, and the two women headed towards the door.
“Mama, when is Ronald coming home today again? I just wanna be on the lookout since I’ll be working under this sink and all, tryna fix it for you.”
“Not for at least four or five hours. Said he’s workin’ a double shift. You’ve got time!”
“See you soon and have fun, ladies!” He waved to her as they exited, laughing and talking. The screen door slammed, and soon he heard Mama’s car start up. He looked out the window to catch Genesis getting into the passenger’s side, and Mama kicked the car in drive, taking off down the long dirt road. Once the coast was clear, he slipped out of his jacket and made a beeline down the hall to Mama’s bedroom. Trying to get mama out of that house was harder than hell. He’d tried everything when it suddenly hit him as they were on the phone talking about the new engagement and the bum sink—a day out for her and Genesis.
Once Mama finally acquiesced, he called Genesis and explained that it was imperative that she take mama out, so he could go ahead and search for something important. Something that could make a wrong thing go right…
Genesis placed her feet in the warm sudsy water while ‘Show Your Face,’ by Quinn Oulton featuring Demae, played sultry, twistedly beautiful rifts and rhymes. The spa was filled with fragrant candles, a high-end gift shop, and delicious meals served on tiny plates. Bonnie sat beside her, wrapped in a pink robe, her hair wrapped, too. She’d gotten her hair shampooed and trimmed, and now she was getting a pedicure before having it styled.
Genesis lay back, sipping a glass of champagne. They hadn’t had much time to talk with all the hair dryers, offers for delicacies, and avocado facials that required lips to be closed and sealed like a long-lost love letter.
“You have nice skin,” Genesis remarked, checking out the woman who would be her mother-in-law. “It glows. Even before the facial.”
“Thank you, sweetheart! I don’t use anything fancy.” She tsked. “Just Dove and one of those exfoliating cloths you get from Walmart in the bath and shower aisle. Across from the cat and dog food.” They both chuckled at that. “Genesis… today has been beautiful.” The woman seemed a little choked up. “I don’t get out as much as I’d like, and what a wonderful reason to leave the house.” The woman leaned over and patted her hand. “I get to spend some time to getting to know my new daughter.”
Genesis’ body went warm. The woman seemed to be looking right through her soul.
“You’re good for him.” Bonnie leaned back and sighed. “He’s been… through some things.” The lady looked mildly ashamed, blinked a few times, turned away, then reached for her glass of sparkling apple juice.
“He’s told me some things, yeah, but you know what? He loves you, Ms. Bonnie. No one is perfect. Not him. Not me. Nobody. All we can do is get up in the morning and try a little harder.”
“Yes, you’re right. I sometimes think about if I could do some things differently, I would, but I can’t… We can’t rewrite history, can we?”
“Unfortunately, no. It’s gone. Done.” She reflected briefly over her own life… mistakes made. Bad judgment. She thought about Tony and Penny, too. Penny didn’t feel like they needed marriage counseling. Tony wasn’t on board, either. She feared her brother’s marriage would soon fall apart. They were still at odds. She didn’t want to end up like Tony and Penny. Once in love, now in hate. What a disaster. What a heartbreaking turn of events. “Love ain’t easy, Ms. Bonnie. Everyone needs to be loved differently. Sometimes, we miss the mark.”
Bonnie’s eyes filled with tears, and she looked away in thought. Mulling the ghosts of days gone past, perhaps. They sat there, soft, soothing music playing, soaking their feet in comforting, bubbling water. Being pampered. It wasn’t long before two pedicurists approached them. The ladies sat down on tufted pink seats and gingerly removed their feet from the water. On a tray that sat between them were rolled towels, nail files, oils and shiny clippers. One of the pedicurists asked what color polish they’d like.
“Hmm…Let me ask my lovely daughter. Genesis, what color do you think I should paint my toes today, honey? You seem like a fashionista.”
My lovely daughter? How sweet.
“Well, what’s your favorite color?”
“I like too many colors to pick just one.” Bonnie shrugged.
Genesis scanned the woman and hooked her gaze to a pair of bright blue eyes. “Light blue. Like bluebird eggs.”
“What?! You really think so? I’ve never had blue nails before!” She tittered.
“Try somethin’ new. It won’t hurt.”
“Well, okay then!” Bonnie chuckled. “Light blue it is. That’ll be fun!” The lady working on her feet got up. Bonnie leaned over and gripped Genesis’ hand.
“Isn’t it funny how a man can have it all, and still have nothin’?” The woman’s naturally cheery, easy-going demeanor and tone melted away like black candle wax. Now her eyes seemed darker. Deeper. Heavy with something not understood.
“What do you mean?”
“My son is a multi-millionaire. A successful businessman. He’s gorgeous down to his bones. He’s smart as a whip. Got the world on a platter, and yet, he wasn’t happy. Until you came into his life. I tried to make him happy and failed. He tried to make himself happy, but money can’t buy love,” the woman stated matter-of-factly. “It sure helps a lot,” she chuckled sadly, “but when the thrill is gone, the problems are still there. There’s just one teeny issue with my boy. Roman is crazy, Genesis.” Bonnie wasn’t smiling. Laughing. Smirking. She meant that shit.
Genesis was stunned by the strange journey the woman’s words took her on. One minute she was praising her son, the next she was describing a sad clown of sorts, and the next, she was saying her child was mentally unstable. But was she wrong? Probably not.
“I’m crazy, too, Ms. Bonnie. He and I can be crazy together. Within reason.” They both laughed at that.
“That’s funny. He doesn’t hurt the folks he cares about, but, if you’re an enemy, or intentionally hurt someone he loves, well, let’s just say things could get hairy. I should know. I wasn’t always saved by the blood of the Lord. Again, he got it honest…” A chill ran down Genesis’ spine. “I never believed he’d settle down, and I’m grateful… because he needs that, Genesis. He needs stability. Someone that will help ground him, because that’s what he’s always wanted deep down anyway. Reliability. A family. A wife, the big house and a picket fence. Most of all? Someone he can trust.”
The pedicurist returned with a bottle of glossy light blue polish, and got to work.
Ms. Bonnie, like the nail lacquer, was true blue…