Page 65 of Until the Ink Dries

She looped her arms through mine while directing me back down the steps. I nodded and followed her lead. Silence covered us as the birds chirped and the wind whistled.

“You know, when you’re upset, you get that same blank look as your father. It’s like your mind is trying to reason with you or something. But, like I told you when you were a kid, it’s best to have someone you can tell anything to, so you aren’t just holding it in. You have to release it, son, so it doesn’t cause too much strain on you. Now, tell me what’s going on? I figured when I saw you today, you would be the happiest I’ve ever seen you.” She reminded me.

I released another breath, then looked down at her. I recounted the moment for her and even gave her a little background on the situation. I didn’t want her to think negatively of Willow. She stayed quiet throughout the story and even a few moments after I finished. She stopped her pace and turned to face me.

“Son, I’m going to be honest with you. This was a very messy situation and could have ended worse than this. You don’t know anything about that man and he doesn’t know a thing about you. I know you have been enjoying Willow’s company, and she sounds like a nice woman. But you have more to think about than just yourself. Usually, I don’t have to tell you that. I understand this time around that this is a first for you.”

I opened my mouth to say something, and my mother shook her head before continuing.

“I gave you a chance to speak without interrupting, so you will give me that same respect. Understood?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.” I replied.

“Now, I’m not saying I want you closed up like you have been. I’m glad that Willow has brought you out of your shell. But next time, and I say next time, because this isn’t the end for you by far with this woman. But, because of Charlie, you need to make sure this situation is done and that no confusion is in place. Willow holds some blame, but you hold a big part because you knew she still had one foot in and the other out of her previous situation. I will not continue to lecture you, but you make sure she knows where she wants to be before you go putting yours and Charlie’s life in limbo. Understood?”

I couldn’t say much because she was right. I knew from the start when she came by the shop to apologize. However, the connection we built without either of our permission made it damn near impossible to ignore.

“Yes.”

She nodded, then looped her arm back through mine.

“Now, walk me back to my house so you can pack that busy child of yours up. I need some alone time with my man, and that daughter of yours is like birth control.”

I laughed for the first time since the incident and shook my head.

“Not too much on my child, Ma. Nobody told you and pops to be trying to do grown folk stuff.” I said, then glanced down at her with a smile.

She lifted a brow and smirked at me. “Grown folk stuff brought you here.”

“Uh huh, none of that.”

She threw her head back as she laughed. The rest of the walk back to the house was filled with light conversation. Charlie was sitting on my pop’s knee with her bags on the porch. The moment I came into view, Charlie shot off the porch and into my arms. I kissed her cheek and picked her up.

“I see your grandparents are trying to get rid of you.” I told her.

She shook her head, causing her ponytails to swing and almost pop me in the eye. My father stood up from the porch and straightened out his pants.

“Nah, my baby can stay here for however long she wants. She saw your truck and started packing her own things. Then brought me in on it, by instructing me to place the bag on the porch.”

I didn’t have to question his story because Charlie didn’t appreciate being away from me too long. Not to mention, we talked this morning with Willow. She probably thought Willow was with me, which would have been a bonus for her.

“Dad, where is Ms. Willow?” she asked.

“I took her home. She had a few things she had to handle.” I told her.

She shrugged and then laid her head against my shoulder.

“Ma, did she take her nap yet?” I asked.

“I don’t think so, but I’m sure she is ready. Come give grandma kisses before you go.” My mom told Charlie.

I placed her back on her feet, then grabbed her bag to place in the car while she said her goodbyes. Once she finished, I helped her into her car seat, then waved to my parents, letting them know I would talk to them later. Before we made it halfway down the street, she was asleep. It made for a quiet ride outside of her little snores and gave me a chance to clear my mind before we made it home.

I pulled in front of the shop instead of pulling around back to check in on Tami; she had a tattoo scheduled for today. I wanted to make sure she was cool before I made my way upstairs. After parking, I walked around to grab Charlie out of the car. She had to be exhausted because she hadn’t stirred, even with me holding her.

When I walked through the door, Tami glanced up with a confused expression. She appeared to be close to finishing with her client’s tattoo, who was looking down at her phone.

“I knew you had an appointment today, so I wanted to come in to check on you before I made my way upstairs. You need anything?” I asked.

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