Chapter 14 Tatiyonna #2
“I was not about to wear an expensive ring out of the country. It’s in my jewelry box.”
“Well, I need you to put it on. I spent a good chunk of my savings to buy that upgrade.”
All I could do was look at him in disgust. I didn’t ask for an upgraded ring. What I asked for was a faithful fucking husband, and that was still up for debate.
“I’m trying to get settled back in and get my work schedule together. Is there anything else you wanted?”
“Since you skipped out on last week’s sessions to be out of the country, we have two sessions this week. I’ll see you there.”
“I’ll be there.” I gave a fake smile.
I locked up behind him and got ready for bed. Jah had already called, but I couldn’t answer. When I tried to call him back, he didn’t answer.
Me: Sorry I missed your call. Call me back when you get the chance.
I waited for hours to see if he would call me back. He read the message over two hours ago. He was already back on his bullshit and I didn’t have time for it.
“Alexa,” I called out.
“Hmm?”
“Turn lights off in bedroom.”
“Turning lights off in bedroom.”
The next morning, I woke up and there was still no call or text from Jah.
Instead of being in my feelings about it, I got myself ready for the day.
I should’ve taken another day off just to rest my body from the travel, but eight days without seeing any clients was long enough.
Besides, I was discharging the twins from services today.
I finished getting ready in enough time to stop by my favorite coffee shop to grab a coffee.
The way my body was feeling, I needed two.
My first client was an older gentleman who suffered from a stroke and was having problems swallowing and speaking.
I had grown to love him and his wife. They shared a love that I longed for.
Married for over forty years with grown kids and a bunch of grandkids.
Every time I was there to do a session with him, he was surrounded by family, making sure he had what he needed.
“Ms. Cole, I baked you a pound cake last night. You’ve done so much for my husband, and I can’t thank you enough.
The day he had that stroke, I thought I lost the love of my life.
Watching you come in and teaching him how to speak all over again breaks my heart, but it also gives me hope.
I need another forty years out of this man,” she laughed.
“You didn’t have to do this. I love what I do, and it gives me such pleasure to see the progression of my clients. I can go home every night and sleep peacefully knowing that I did my job. But I will take this cake, though.” I took the cake out of her hands.
I already knew she could throw down in the kitchen because she constantly fixed me plates when she cooked. She pretty much had me spoiled and looking forward to what she cooked on his session days.
“Ms. Cole, are you married?”
I remembered that I hadn't put my ring back on. Hell, since I had been doing sessions with them, I had never worn one. So, I could see why she asked.
“I am…I mean, it’s complicated.”
“Marriage itself is complicated. I’m not going to be like the rest of the elders and tell you to stick anything out.
Our marriages last so long because we took crap we had no business taking back in the day.
I love my husband with all my heart and can’t see myself being with anyone else.
Was he perfect? Heck no! Always remember this advice from me.
And this is the same advice I give my girls: do what makes you happy.
If you’re unhappy, it shows all over you.
It bleeds out on others. You’re too pretty and young to be unhappy, so if you like complicated, stick it out. If you don’t, leave.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll see you in two weeks, dear.”
Her comments were weighing heavy on me as I pulled up and parked at Lonni’s.
Not seeing any of Jah’s cars there was disheartening but not surprising.
He was avoiding me again. I grabbed my bags and the cake because there was no way I could eat a whole pound cake by myself.
The twins could have some as a celebration for finishing therapy.
“Hey, come in. I just got them settled for you.” Lonni stepped aside to let me in.
“Here, I thought maybe they could have a piece of cake since this is our last session.”
“Oh, Jah didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“He wanted to extend their services for at least another month.”
I looked at Lonni, and she already knew he hadn't told me anything.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with him. He’s been spacey lately.”
“It’s okay, I’m going to discharge them, and if he wants services added back, he’ll have to contact my office and get them set up.”
“Are y’all okay?”
“What do you mean?” I placed my bags down.
“I mean, y’all just got back yesterday and I haven’t seen him. He’s called and checked on us. Told me he was going to extend the services and that’s it.”
“You know?”
“Of course I know it’s you. How long did you think y’all could hide it? I found out the day he damn near knocked the table over at the pancake house to get over to your table.”
“I’m sorry,” I dropped my head. “I don’t usually do anything like this. It just messes up the client-therapist relationship.”
“Girl, please! My brother is in love. You haven’t messed up anything.
My brother has always been the provider and protector of our family.
Even when my mom and sister were alive. He’s always been the one to put everyone on his back.
He’s at the point in his life where he’s now protecting himself, and I don’t blame him.
I’m sure y’all will figure it out, though,” she said before walking away.
I don’t even remember what I did during the twins' final session. All I could think about was going home and hiding for the rest of the day. I let Lonni sign off on their discharge and I rushed home to soak and drink some wine. Still no call or text from Jah. Who had been calling and texting all day was Kileen. After I didn’t answer, he showed up with flowers and dinner.
Once he seen that I wasn’t in the mood for company, he ended up leaving.
Twenty-four hours without talking to Jah was giving me all the clarification I needed on why he really took me on that trip.