Chapter 15 #3
The waiter led us past the front of the room, toward the back where things were a little more tucked away.
He stopped at a small table set against the wall.
We were seated, and the waiter poured us water and handed us menus.
She glanced at the menu briefly before closing it.
“I know what I want. Have you been here before?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I’ll order for you. We’ll keep it light with small bites.”
Nervously, I took a sip of my water as we sat through the awkward silence. The waiter came back, and Ms. Theresa ordered for both of us. Like mother like son I thought.
“You don’t come to New York often, do you?” She asked.
“No, ma’am. This is my first time, actually. I never really had the desire.”
“You carry yourself like you’ve been here before.”
I smiled lightly. “I’ve been in enough rooms; I like to think I have some sense.” I attempted to joke but immediately regretted it. Maybe she thought I was being sarcastic. “I mean—that came out wrong. I’m a Gemini and—I mean, not like I’m blaming my personality on a zodiac sign but-”
“You’re fine, Sibley.” Ms. Theresa folded her hands on the table, and her eyes landed on me. “So, Sibley, how do you see yourself fitting into Kier’s life long term?”
My mind went blank. I knew she would ask questions, but I didn’t expect them to be direct and to come before I had a sip of wine.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought that far. I mean, it’s not that I don’t expect a future with him. But so far, we’ve been taking things as they come.”
She nodded as the drinks arrived and I immediately took a sip. She took a sip of hers as well, then set the glass down. “That’s fair. Do you plan to stay in Chicago?” She asked. “Or are you open to relocating?”
“I’m open, especially since I love to travel. I look forward to exploring new places and creating a new lifestyle.” I said. “It would just depend on the situation.”
“Mm.” A small nod. “And what does stability look like for you right now, or what would the situation need to be?”
“Consistency and commitment,” I answered. “I value being able to journey through life the way I want without feeling restricted, or unsettled.”
“Have you and Kier talked about what you both want?” She asked.
“Not directly,” I admitted. “We’ve understood each other more than we’ve defined anything.”
“That happens. I just believe in straightforward communication. You know?”
“Yes, I understand that. I can’t speak for Kier, but I’ve chosen to just go with the flow. Some men get scared off by plans. Kier means a lot to me, and I don’t want that to be the case with us.”
Ms. Theresa smiled but said nothing further.
The food came shortly after, breaking the moment just enough.
I sliced into my short ribs as she sliced into her beets.
I once again felt myself being grateful for the interruption.
My fingertips were cold as they always were when I was nervous.
She was kind, but the questioning was a lot to take in.
“My husband and I spend summers in Martha’s Vineyard,” she said, cutting into her food.
“Oh really, I bet that’s nice.”
“It is.”
Ms. Theresa spoke briefly about her and Al, and how they love to spend their summers in Martha’s Vineyard, stating she’d love to host me at their summer home at some point. I started to feel more relaxed, until she glanced up again.
“Your sister,” she said. “Kier mentioned she’s an artist.”
“She is.”
“She’s talented?”
I hesitated for a fraction of a second. “She is very talented. That’s part of the reason her and I relationship is strained. She blames me because she forgot her dreams.”
“Hmm. I look forward to meeting her and your friend, too. Kier says she’s also in media.”
My heart dropped when she mentioned Treasure being in media.
“Ms. Theresa, I don’t know. I feel like I need to explain myself.
Now that I am hearing this out loud, it doesn’t sound good.
My sister is an artist, Kier’s a producer, and I’m the bridge in between.
You’re his mother, and I know you want the best for him.
Kier is a powerhouse, and protecting his reputation and finances are important so-
“Sibley w—”
“Wait, I just wanna say this. I genuinely enjoy Kier. He makes me laugh, gives me confidence, and I truly hope this works out between him and me. I’ve had my share of failed relationships, but this between Kier and I feel promising. So, I just want you to know that.”
“That’s good to know, Sibley.” She replied plainly.
She transitioned the conversation to lighter topics, and I was thankful.
However, the questions stayed with me. Kier invited me to spend the summer with him but made references about him wanting us to work long term.
But what exactly did that mean, and what would that look like realistically?
Damn, on the outside looking in, it probably did look like I was scheming.
Best friend in media now working with Legacee, sister who sings, and I’m sitting dead in the middle of it all.
And besides the optics, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just been asked questions I should’ve had answers to.
What was Kier and I going to do after the summer ended, which was right around the corner?