Page 141 of Call Back

“It’s not that easy,” Belinda said.

“Bullshit. Do you love Roy?”

“Of course I do,” Belinda said, but she sounded unconvincing.

“We both know that’s a lie, and I don’t have time for lies right now, Belinda. You don’t love him. It started out that way, but something happened a couple of years ago. He turned mean and you lost part of yourself. You’ve been biding your time, although for the life of me, I still haven’t figured out why. I know it’s not money. Gold diggin’ is beneath you.”

Belinda released a short laugh. “Thank you . . . I think.”

“I love you, girl,” Momma said in a rough voice. “You brought joy back into my life, and when you welcomed Magnolia, despite knowing Roy would punish you for it, you gave me a gift I could never repay.”

“I didn’t do it for you, Lila. I did it for me. I wanted a friend. Magnolia has been that.”

“She’s more than a friend, she’s an ally, and you’re gonna need her when you leave that fool son of mine.”

“Lila . . .”

“Supposedly, dying women get to make requests, so here’s mine for you: leave Roy.”

“Lila.”

“You know I’m right. You can count on Magnolia. She’s stronger than I ever gave her credit for. I know you’ve got your feelings hurt over something, but things are about to get tough, so you need to get over it quick, do you hear me?”

I heard Belinda sniffle. “I hear you.”

“I love you like a daughter, girl. You are the very best thing Roy ever gave me.” Momma coughed. “Now send Magnolia back in here before I take another twelve-hour nap.”

I heard footsteps and I moved away from the door, pretending to be staring down the hall.

Belinda walked out the door with her purse hanging from the crook of her arm, swiping a tear from her cheek with the back of her free hand. She stopped and stared at me for a moment. “I love you, Magnolia. I just need more time.”

My throat burned. “I know.”

“Your mother is saying her goodbyes.” Two fat tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just thought I should warn you.” Then she turned around and walked toward the elevator.

I took several deep breaths before walking back into Momma’s room.

“You changed from what you had on earlier,” Momma said. “You look like you went to a business meeting.”

“Yeah, of sorts.” I stopped next to her bed, resting my hand on the metal rail. “I called Tilly earlier and offered to work in your place tonight, but she said they were doing just fine.”

“She would never let you work tonight. Tilly’s a romantic at heart. For what it’s worth, she prefers Colt to that Brody, but she’s always had a soft spot for the boy.”

I grinned and moved next to her bed. “It’s Brady. And which one do you prefer?”

Her eyes opened. “The one who makes you happy. The one who makes you laugh and cry.”

“You think I should date a guy who makes me cry?”

“If you don’t cry when you have a fight, then he’s not worth stickin’ around for. You don’t love him enough.”

“Enough for what?”

“Enough to make it work when times get tough, because Magnolia, they’ll get tough, no matter how strong your love is.”

All I could think about was my father cheating with that terrible woman. Obviously his love hadn’t been strong enough.

“Oh.” Momma’s voice was heavy with disappointment. “You found out.”

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