Chapter 22
I blew a breath as I sat the heavy box down by my front door. My back was aching, and my feet were on fire. I’d been on go since I got back here a few days ago. When I made the decision to leave Sterling Point and move back home, it was all the motivation I needed. I was mostly taking my clothes, electronics, and my kitchenware. Everything else was either being given away, donated, or thrown away.
Everything of Ellis’ had been packed up and he’d come to retrieve it. While his visit to Rose Haven was finally the end, him getting his shit was the benediction. When I opened the door to give him the box, I felt absolutely nothing for him. That’s how I knew it was really over.
“So this is it?” he asked, shuffling his weight from side to side.
“That’s what I said.”
He shook this head. “I hate it had to end like this, Willow. I really did love you.”
“Like I said, Ellis. You loved the parts of me that fit into your world.”
“I didn’t ? —”
“You did. It’s cool, though. I’m out of your hair and I don’t ever have to deal with you or your bitch of a mother again. This is the last time you and I will have a conversation. Soon, I’ll be a figment of your imagination because I’m leaving Sterling Point.”
“What?”
“I’m moving back home.”
“To be with him?”
I shrugged. “He’s there. I’m going to be there.”
Ellis chuckled. “Tell me you went home to rekindle an old fling without telling me you went home to rekindle an old fling.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Benny and I were never a couple. But, that is my man now. You know what else it is? None of your concern. Goodbye, Ellis.”
I’d closed the door in his face, and went about my business. It felt too good to say goodbye to that part of my life. I needed that more than I realized. A knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts. I opened it to find my friend, Lyndie, on the other side with a smile.
“Hey, girl!” she sang, pulling me in for a hug.
“Hey, boo.”
“I brought my dad and uncle to help me get this living room furniture. I still can’t believe you aren’t taking it with you.”
“I’m starting over. Well, mostly. I really don’t want to rent a U-Haul or have to pack and unpack it. If it doesn’t fit in my car, it’s gotta go.”
Lyndie lived in my neighborhood, three streets over. The community had an app where we could keep up with what was going on, sell things, or offer services. When I posted the pictures of what I wanted to get rid of, she expressed interest and came over that day to look it over again. We got to talking about everything that had transpired.
“I hear you. Do you have to leave so soon?”
“I can’t leave here soon enough.”
“Well, damn! Tell me how you really feel.”
I laughed. “Don’t take it personal. I just feel like I’ve been here longer than I should have. I was holding on to a life I didn’t want with a man that wasn’t for me.”
She nodded. “I get it. We’ve all been there. Ellis seemed like such a good match for you. I can’t believe you were dealing with all that with him.”
“It is what it is, girl. I’m not putting any more energy into dead situations.”
“I’ll drink to that. If these niggas don’t know how to act, drop their ass and move on to the next.”
I laughed. “Now you sound like Shirah.”
Lyndie rolled her eyes. “I guess she’s happy you’re moving back, huh? She just gets to steal my friend back.”
I pulled her into a hug. “You know I love you, girl.”
“You love me, but I haven’t heard from you the whole time you’ve been gone.”
“Lyn—”
She giggled. “I’m just fucking with you. I get it. You were back home with your people. I know what kind of love that is. I’m sure I was the last thing on your mind, so I’m not offended. Just promise you aren’t gonna forget me when you leave.”
“I promise.”
She poked out her lip. “I’m really gonna miss you, girl.”
“I’m gonna miss you, too, but we have FaceTime. I mean, you can always come visit cause I am not coming back to this place.”
“A city girl like me would never survive the small town life.”
I playfully rolled my eyes as I opened the door wider to let her in. “Whatever, Lyndie. Come on and get this stuff. If you see anything else you want, feel free to take it, too.”
“Girl, don’t tell me that. You know you have some nice shit.”
She waved her dad and uncle in and made herself busy looking around my place for what else she could take. I headed back into the kitchen to finish packing the non-perishables to take to the mission downtown. I had to get there before seven and it was already five thirty. Since I had to wait for Lyndie to get off work, I might not make it.
About ten minutes of moving furniture went by before Lyndie came into the kitchen.
“Hey, there’s somebody out front. I don’t recognize the car.”
I sighed as I finished closing the box. I headed back through the living room and slipped my feet into my slippers before walking outside. Sure enough, there was a black car parked in front of the townhouse. I squinted, trying to see who it was, but the tint was dark. Giving up, I started for the car, but stopped when the door opened and someone stepped out.
When the man turned around and I saw it was Benny, my heart dropped. We’d spoken on the phone, but the last time I saw him was when he took me to the airport. I held it together long enough to make it into the airport bathroom, where I broke into tears. I didn’t realize how bad I was going to miss him until he was out of my sight.
“Benny!”
My feet had a mind of their own as they carried me to him. Tears streamed down my face as I ran into his arms.
He chuckled in my ears. “I take it you missed me?” he asked.
“So fucking much.”
“I missed you, too, baby.”
I pulled back and cupped his face. “How did you get here? When did you get here? How did you even know where to find me?”
“So many questions. I flew in today and I got your address from Shirah.”
“Wait! She knew, and she didn’t tell me!”
“It wouldn’t have been a surprise if she told you, woman.”
I smiled as I stroked his cheek. “I’m so happy to see you,” I said, my voice cracking. “Where’s Charlie?”
“With my parents. She demanded I call her as soon as I see you.”
I giggled. “Well, let’s go inside.”
I grabbed his hand and led him up the driveway to the front steps. Lyndie stepped out of the house, almost running into us.
“Ooop! My bad.” Her eyes landed on Benny. “Well, who is this handsome young man?”
“Lyndie, this is Benny. Benny, this is my friend, Lyndie.”
Benny extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Lyndie.”
“Nice to meet you.” She turned to me. “I see why you’re moving back. I don’t blame you, girl. Now this… this is an upgrade. I’ve got everything, so we’re gonna get out of your hair.” She pulled me into a tight embrace. “Please take care of yourself, Willow.”
“I will.”
We hugged for a moment longer before she headed down the steps and out to her car. I led Benny inside to the kitchen, where the only seating now was. We sat at the table, and he pulled out his phone and called his mother. After about four rings, the call was answered and Charlie’s cute self populated on the screen.
“Ms. Willow!” she exclaimed. “I missed you!”
“I missed you more!”
Benny kissed his teeth. “What about daddy?”
“Daddy, I saw you this morning. Ms. Willow’s been gone for a long time.”
It had only been a couple of days, but that probably seemed like a lifetime to her.
“You see how she does me when it comes to you?” he said, peering over at me.
I laughed. “Don’t be jealous. You’ve had her for five years. You can share her.”
“Are you bringing Ms. Willow back, Daddy?”
“Yes. Once we get her all packed up, I’m bringing her home.”
“Wait, you came to help?” I asked.
“You didn’t think I’d let you do this by yourself, did you? I had to make sure you came back.”
I cupped his chin and kissed his lips. “I was never not coming back.”
“Ms. Willow!” Charlie said, gasping. “You kissed my daddy!”
“I like kissing your daddy.”
She scrunched up her face. “But why?”
I laughed. “Because I care about him very much. When two people care about each other, it’s okay to show affection like that.”
“Daddy, do you care about Ms. Willow?”
“Very much, baby girl.”
She smiled. “I guess it’s okay. Can I see your house, Ms. Willow?”
“Sure, you can. It looks a mess right now, but I’ll give you a tour.”
I stood from the chair and commenced to giving her a virtual tour with Benjamin right behind me. Once she was satisfied, we talked for a little while longer before she had to go get ready for bed. We said our goodbyes and disconnected the call.
“I can’t wait to see her little face in person,” I said, handing the phone back to Benjamin.
“She can’t wait, either. I’ve heard your name more in the last couple of days than I have the whole time you were in Rose Haven. Trust me when I say, she’s counting down the days.”
I giggled as I sat on my bed. “She’s been doing better?”
He nodded as he took a seat beside me. “She’s hanging in there. I slowly see the light returning to her eyes.”
I grabbed his hand. “She’ll be okay. We’ll make sure of that.”
His gaze met mine. “We?”
“Yes, we. I’m gonna be right there… I mean, that is if you want me to be.”
He nodded as he cupped my face. “I want you to be. You don’t know how much I fuck with you off the strength of Charlie alone. That’s my baby. My fucking heart in human form. I can’t and don’t trust just anybody with her.”
“I know. Like I said, I love her, Benjamin. She’ll always have a friend and safe space with me. I promise you that. You can trust me with her heart and yours.”
“I know.”
We shared a passionate kiss that led to clothes coming off and him on his back while I rode him into the sunset. I was happy to have him here and even happier that when he left, I was leaving with him.
* * *
After a thorough reuniting session, I decided I wanted to take Benny out to eat in the city. Well, I was just giving him directions because he wasn’t about to let me pay for anything. We pulled up to The Vale at Sterling Point around eight thirty and valet parked the car. The Vale was an upscale restaurant. It was more on the expensive side, but it had some of the best food I’d ever had the pleasure of eating.
They made their own wine, and the quality was top tier. Usually, there was a waiting list to get in, but since I knew the owner personally, there was always a table for me. She was one of the many business relationships I forged during my time here. Ship Happens wasn’t just a shipping company. There was something for everyone and every budget.
My more elite clients were serviced by my luxury site and the Vale was one of them for their wine. Their sales had increased by seventy-five percent through me. When we walked in the door, the hostess smiled as she greeted me by name.
“Ms. Dawson, it’s good to see you. It’s been a while.”
“I know. I’ve been back home on a much needed vacation.”
“Well, we are happy to see you. Who’s this gentleman?”
“This is Benjamin Davis.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Davis. Is this your first time dining with us?”
Benny nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Then you’re in for a treat. Give me just a moment and I’ll get you seated.”
She clicked around on the computer for a moment before grabbing two menus and motioning for us to follow her. Hand in hand, Benny and I weaved our way through the tables to the private seating on the elevated platform. He pulled out my chair and I made myself comfortable as he took a seat across from me.
“Your server will be right with you,” the hostess said. “Your usual wine, Ms. Dawson?”
“Yes, please.”
She left us with a smile. Benny looked at me with a smirk.
“What?” I asked.
“You have a usual wine. You must come here alot.”
“I come enough. Before you ask, this is a business relationship, not a place I found through Ellis and his affiliation.”
“Fuck that nigga.”
I laughed. “Right. Fuck him.”
“Did he get his shit?”
I nodded. “He did and accused me of going home to rekindle an old flame in the process.”
Benny shook his head. “Weird ass nigga.”
“Let’s not talk about him,” I said, reaching across the table to grab his hands. “Tonight is for you and me.”
I smiled as he lifted my hands to his lips and kissed them.
“I’ve grown to like the sound of that,” he said, matching my smile.
“Me, too.”
The server appeared shortly after we looked over the menu and took our orders. My favorite wine arrived and I couldn’t wait to have a glass. I made a mental note to buy a couple of bottles before we left here to take back to Rose Haven.
“You like it?” I asked as Benny took a sip.
“It’s straight. I’m not a big wine drinker. I prefer my alcohol in liquor form.”
I laughed. “We can get you something else. More for me.”
“You get drunk off this shit, don’t you?”
“I may or may not sing along to love songs and slow dance with myself at home.”
“Baby.”
“What! That’s my me time. Me, myself, and I have a good ol’ time. Once I move into my own space, you have to come slow dance with me.”
“Do I look like a slow dancing ass nigga to you, woman?”
“I’ll let you feel on my booty.”
He laughed out loud. “Don’t tempt me with a good time.”
“Just wait til’ you see it in my mumu.”
“You trying to trap me?”
“What! How?”
“Pops can’t keep his eyes off my mama when she wears that shit. He’s a man of few words, but that mumu gets him talking.”
I had to stifle my laughter. He seemed like a quiet man. I gathered that he was who Benny got his laid back temperament from.
We talked and joked around a little more until our food was brought out. After saying a quick prayer, we were preparing to dive in when a shadow appeared at our table. I looked up to see Mrs. Thompson standing there with her hands on her hips. Ellis walked over and tried to pull her away, but she brushed him off.
“Well, well, well. Look what we have here?” she said, glaring at me.
“Marcia, today is not the day and I am not the one,” I warned her. “Take your uppity ass on somewhere.”
“Mom, let’s just go,” Ellis pleaded, taking her arm.
“No,” she said, snatching away from him.
“No?” I parroted. I chuckled, but I didn’t find shit funny. “Ellis, get your mama.”
“Nobody has to get me, little girl. You are nothing but trash. Look at you. Sitting here with the next man when your relationship with my son is barely over. How whorish of you. You were never good enough for Ellis.”
“You want me to handle this, Willow?” Benny asked, sliding his chair back.
Ellis moved to stand in front of her. “I dare you to lay a hand on my mother.”
“It ain’t your mama that needs to be worried.”
“I got this, baby,” I said to Benny. Pushing my chair back, I stood to my feet. “Let me get this straight. I’m a whore because I’m here with my man after breaking up with your son almost two months ago? The same son that didn’t respect me as his woman? The same son that was too busy sucking your titty to stand up, be a fucking man, and put you in your place? You try to control every aspect of this man’s life and he’s so pathetic that he lets you do it.
“That’s exactly why he’ll forever be alone because no woman in their right mind would put up with your shit. Tell me, Marcia? Does being the woman you are keep your husband happy?”
“I’ve been married for forty years, honey. You could take a lesson from me on how to keep a man.”
I laughed. “Really? Because Ellis let it slip that the good doctor has quite a few side pieces and outside children.”
Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped as she turned to Ellis, who refused to meet her gaze.
“Yeah, I know all about that. You see, when your son gets drunk, he gets loose at the lips. I know all of your family’s dirty laundry. So, while you’re standing here trying to belittle me for finally freeing myself, you could learn a thing or two from me about that. I guess having a piece of a man is better than having no man at all, huh? You know what feels better? Having a man that’s only yours. Now, if you will excuse me. Me and my man are trying to have dinner. Pick your mouth up off the floor and get the fuck away from this table before you’re wearing my favorite wine.”
She stood there in complete disbelief. Ellis hesitated as he tried to reach for her again.
“Mother, let’s just go.”
“Get your hands off me,” she said through gritted teeth.
She glared at me. I picked up my glass as I returned the glare.
“Don’t tempt me,” I sang. “People are watching. You’d hate for this to be the talk of the country club, Marcia.”
She scoffed as she stormed away from the table with Ellis on her heels. I waved goodbye as I took a sip of my wine. Reclaiming my seat, I picked up my fork and knife.
“Now, where were we?”
Benny looked at me with a huge grin on his face. “You didn’t have to read that ol’ ho for filth like that, baby.”
“She had it coming.”
“How do you feel?”
“That was almost better than sex.”
He laughed. “Oh, really?”
“I mean, if you wanna prove me wrong, we have all the time in the world when we get back to my place.”
“You ain’t said shit but a word.”
I giggled as I cut into my steak. I’d been waiting to say that shit for a long time. Thank God I was moving home. In a few days, I’d never have to worry about crossing paths with the like of Marcia Thompson ever the fuck again.