24 | Simone #3
“We’ve been friends for so long it feels weird that our friendship is falling apart. I don’t feel like we’re enemies, but I also know things would never be the same with us.”
“I’m just glad you finally figured it out for yourself. I wasn’t going to step between you two—unless of course she crossed the line and got disrespectful or physical. You know at that point I wouldn’t hesitate to beat the brakes off her.” E said with all seriousness.
“Trust me, I know. I recall you beating up a few of people, even that girl Rebecca from church when we were like thirteen, because she said something about my mom.”
“She deserved it. I’d whoop her again right now if she was standing here just off principle.”
“You always had my back, and I got yours too. I don’t know if I could actually beat anybody up, but I’d try or at least call the police.”
E was bent over laughing at this point.
“Simone, you probably could do some real damage. The quiet ones normally are the ones you really have to watch out for, but I hope I never put you in that situation.”
Eventually, we curled up on the couch and put on a Netflix series, letting the night settle around us when the garage door opened and her mom entered the house.
“Hey ma.” Emaree lit up at the sight of her mother.
She set her briefcase on the kitchen counter before walking further into the living room and as usual she was dressed to the nines.
Wearing a navy-blue designer suit that was tailored to fit her shape perfectly.
Her hair in a sleek low bun and makeup was natural and flawless.
“Hey,” she said casually, glancing between the two of us. “What ya’ll up to?”
“Just watching something on Netflix,” Emaree said quickly, sitting up a little straighter like she was eager to keep the conversation going. Her mom nodded, peering down at her phone.
“Hey Aunty Mo.” I chimed in.
She looked up briefly. “Hey Simone.” Her attention dropped back to the screen in her hand almost immediately. I looked at E and saw defeat in her eyes, but she still tried.
“Um… I was thinking maybe we could hang out sometime this week since you couldn’t make it to the Birthday celebration.”
“I’ve been busy, but I told you we’ll get together soon.”
“Soon like within this calendar year?” She quizzed.
“If I don’t work, how do you expect the bills to get paid around here?”
“I get that, but you work as if you’re running the country or something.”
“And you’re doing what exactly? Last time I checked you still don’t have a career or a job.”
Emaree’s face fell in hurt. I reached over and squeezed her hand.
Her mom walked back into the kitchen and grabbed her briefcase before heading towards the stairs.
“I’m going to hop in the shower and finish some emails before bed. Simone, tell your grandmother I said hello.”
I looked at Emaree. “You ok?”
“Yeah,” she said softly. The house fell quiet. The TV was still playing, but neither of us was watching it.
I knew how shaky the relationship between Emaree and her mom had been but being around them like this was even more heartbreaking.
Seeing how strong and confident Emaree was on any other day and seeing her shrink down to a fragile and timid version of herself didn’t sit well with me. We had just talked about having each other’s back and I wasn’t about to sit here and be all talk and no action.
“I’m going to grab another blanket for us.” I said, getting up to head towards the stairs. She nodded, her gaze on the TV screen but I was certain her mind was somewhere distant.
When I got to her mom’s room, I knocked on the door and waited for her to open it or invite me in. I had no clue what I was about to say… “Jesus help me find the words.”
She opened the door, surprised to see me standing on the other side. I cleared my throat. Trying to shake off my nerves. My aunt was intimidating as you can imagine a woman in her line of work. She was a shark and ate the toughest attorneys for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
“Simone, what can I do for you?”
“I don’t mean to overstep or anything, but I just wanted to let you know that Emaree is really wanting to have a closer relationship with you, and it seems like you keep putting your career before her.” I took a deep breath before continuing.
“I understand your job is demanding and you’re one of the best for a reason but the same energy you’re putting into being a district attorney you should put into being a mother because, Emaree is amazing and she doesn’t deserve to be put on the back burner and you never know how much time you get with someone so…
you shouldn’t take the time you do have for granted. ”
She smiled, and I couldn’t tell if it was the smile that came before she tore me apart or before a real apology. I was praying for the latter.
“You’re more like your mom than I realized. She was always in my business. Thanks for the talk, but next time don’t overstep. Goodnight, Simone.”
With that she closed the door in my face. I had half a mind to bang on her door and have a few more words with her, but I knew this wasn’t a fight I would win today. I had to leave this one in God’s hands.