Chapter 2 #5
Promise’s expression shifted instantly, surprise flickering across her features as realization and Macie’s eyes settled on her.
Monroe stepped aside slightly, his hand resting lightly at the small of Promise’s back. “Ma Dukes, this my lady, Promise,” he said seriously. “Promise, this my mama,” he introduced, then stepped back to allow them an opportunity to get acquainted.
Macie shifted her attention fully.
Promise extended her hand respectfully. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Black.”
Macie accepted the greeting. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Promise,” Macie replied calmly. “She’s beautiful, son.”
Monroe chuckled. “I know how to pick ‘em. You know I got it honest,” Monroe said, pulling out Promise’s chair the same way his father used to do for his mother.
Macie noticed, but didn’t say a word. She smiled bigger, but that gesture alone triggered a deep jealousy, and it sat so heavily her heart sank. This lil’ bitch gotta go, Macie thought to herself as she sat back down.
Monroe took his seat beside Promise, her eyes briefly admiring the water before returning to Macie as she studied her carefully.
“Tell me about yourself,” Macie said calmly, anxiety rushing through her body as she folded her hands together.
“I’m originally from Houston, but moved to Florida after I graduated from high school,” Promise began. “I’ve recently relocated to New York.”
“For Monroe,” Macie pried.
“For us,” Promise gently corrected.
For us, Macie nodded slowly, taking mental notes. They’re serious about each other, Macie realized, knowing people didn’t use words like us and we if they were unsure of the relationship they had with their significant other.
“And what is it that you do?” Macie continued to dig deeper, needing to gather as much information as possible because Monroe and Promise had her fucked up.
“I’ve been a counselor in the corrections department for the last three years, and I also help structure and create opportunities for male and female inmates to reconcile with their families while incarcerated, and once they’re released,” Promise explained.
“And you gave all that up for Monroe?” Macie needed to know had she unselfishly sacrificed for her son.
“Not at all,” Promise replied quickly. “My job was transferred to New York, I didn’t have to give up anything fortunately.” Promise stated proudly then smiled. “I’ll start back working next week.”
Promise had not only been independent all her life, but she had been Smart and strategic in her decision-making. Macie had picked that trait up right away as she absorbed and digested every detail without allowing her expression to shift.
“I see,” Macie smiled. “So, how do you like my city?” She asked.
“I love it,” Promise admitted. “Especially my new place,” she added, latching on to Monroe’s hand on top of the table.
Macie appreciated the answer.
“I’m glad Monroe has someone who understands ambition,” Macie said thoughtfully, shifting the conversation to her son and his lifestyle, curious to see if Promise thought she'd be able to handle it the same as Sienna had.
Promise smiled softly. “We understand each other very well,” Promise shifted the conversation again using us, unapologetically implying that she and Monroe were one because they were as far as she was concerned.
Monroe smirked, but chose to stay quiet.
He knew his mother was used to being in control, but she had met her match when it came to Promise because she didn’t back down from a soul no matter who it was.
She’d never be disrespectful, Monroe knew that, but she’d never not be who she was.
Monroe both respected and loved that about his Doll.
“What are your long-term plans?” Macie asked casually.
“I’m almost done with my doctoral degree in Psychology,” Promise answered honestly.
“I’d like to start my own firm and help men and women get reaclimated with their families and society upon their release from prison.
I plan to have the capacity to facilitate enough counselors and therapists, and provide unlimited resources for families no matter what walk of life they come from. ”
“That’s a commendable vision, but tell me… How does my son fit into this equation with the lifestyle he leads?”
“Monroe doesn’t have to fit into anything.
He’s a part of me. He supports me, and honestly that’s enough.
We don’t complicate our relationship with things that are irrelevant.
He knows who I am, and what I do. I know who he is, and what he does…
and we accept it,” Promise answered simply, and without hesitation.
Promise had given all the right answers to all Macie’s questions, but it didn’t matter, she still wasn’t good enough for her son. Truth be told, no one would ever be. There was no room for anyone else, and Macie hated that Monroe couldn’t see that.
Monroe chuckled softly to himself, appreciating how naturally the two most important women in his life naturally engaged.
They were very different, yet both carried a presence that demanded respect.
Each held weight in his world, though they occupied entirely different spaces within his world.
One had helped build the structure he now ruled, and the other had somehow softened the sharp edges without dulling the blade. He wasn’t willing to lose either.
While Macie and Promise exchanged pleasantries, a waitress approached their table respectfully, careful not to disturb their conversation.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Black,” she greeted politely. “Will you be having your customized order today?”
“Yes,” Monroe answered smoothly, never needing to glance at a menu. “I’ll take my usual. And bring the grilled chicken and salad for my lady.” He didn’t ask Promise what she wanted. He was attentive like that, so he already knew.
Macie noticed, but kept her cool.
Promise did too, it was one of the things she loved about Monroe.
The waitress nodded. “And, what can I get you both to drink?”
“White cranberry juice,” Monroe added casually.
Promise smiled softly at the gesture, appreciating the quiet attention to detail. It was always the little things.
“Coming right up,” the waitress replied before stepping away.
Monroe leaned back slightly, settling into his seat with relaxed confidence, his arm resting naturally along the back of Promise’s chair as the conversation resumed.
Macie observed everything.
The subtle touches.
The comfort.
The familiarity. Nothing about this felt new.
"That was real clever of you to have me thinking we were coming here to talk business this morning. The truth was too much of a stretch?" Macie pulled Monroe's card, but softened the delivery with a smile.
Monroe was unfazed, but understood the underlying message as he calmly replied. "A little shock ain't never hurt nobody." He knew his mother hated surprises. Control had always been her preference.
"You know as well as I do that you wouldn't have taken this seriously had I done it any other way. I needed you to know this was real, and I wanted y'all to meet. This was the perfect place," Monroe stated, pulling Promise closer to his side. "We can still talk business though."
Macie paused momentarily, a bit thrown by his response, but she bounced back quickly. "Have you heard anything from Mitch lately?" She asked, dodging the real conversation she knew Monroe was speaking of.
"Yea, I spoke to Unc the other day. I got everything set up for him. Everything went as planned with his bail hearing. I’ma pick him up when I get back to New York in a few days," Monroe answered, going with the flow.
Macie nodded thoughtfully. "Bring him by the house once he's released.
I have something for him," Macie instructed.
"I have a meeting with Eric in an hour, so I'll let you two love birds enjoy your brunch," Macie added as she stood, placing her napkin beside her glass.
"Promise, I hope this won't be the last time we see each other.
We'll all have to get together for dinner once you get settled in," Macie offered warmly.
"I'd like that," Promise replied, standing to lightly embrace Macie. Monroe knew his mother had lied, but he didn't press the issue because he knew she needed time to digest the fact that he had a woman now.
"Ma Dukes! I love you. I'll give you a call once I make it back to New York," he said, embracing his mother and kissing her cheek.
"I love you too, son," Macie replied before walking away.
Monroe and Promise continued on as if they were on their own island, and no one else was there except them. Macie moved toward the exit without hesitation.
Without pause.
Without looking back.
Until she did.
Macie had looked back once, something she never did once she walked away, but that's how potent the love was between Promise and Monroe.
Her gaze returned briefly to the table where Monroe leaned slightly toward Promise, listening as she spoke, her hand resting naturally along his arm.
They looked right together. Balanced and aligned even.
Macie inhaled slowly, steadying her thoughts before continuing toward her car.
Love like that had the power to weaken a structure that had taken years to be built.
As soon as Macie had made it to her car, she grabbed her phone to call her pilot.
"Hello, this is Jason," he answered.
"I need to go to Morocco,” Macie said plainly. “How long will it take for you to get the plane ready?"
"I can be ready in two hours," he replied.
"I'll be there," Macie said before hanging up.
Love made powerful men forget what was at stake, but Macie never would.