Page 53 of Until the Ink Dries

I peered over my shoulder with a lift of my brow, then turned around fully to give her my undivided attention. She appeared to be a little nervous, almost like she wasn’t sure how I was going to react. I couldn’t think of what she would be so damn nervous to say. Unless it had something to do with Charlie, but I doubted that.

“What’s up?” I asked, then leaned against the counter.

“You remember at the block party when I walked Shirah to her car?” she asked.

I nodded, not wanting to speak and interrupt her story.

“Well, I stopped by the bathroom on my way back and I ran into Tierra. I didn’t mention it when I came back because I didn’t want to ruin the night we were having. Shoot, I didn’t want to add any extra stress, especially when I handled it.”

I nodded, wanting to hear the story entirely before I responded.

“What did she say?”

“Basically, called herself trying to show me a picture of me with my ex. Then threatening to show you. The normal catty behavior of someone who wishes they had someone back and doesn’t want to see them with someone else. I told her she needed to be focused on being a mother and not worrying about what you’re doing. I understand that wasn’t my place, but it pissed me off to see her so concerned about the wrong fucking things. I apologize if I overstepped, but you and Charlie deserve better.” She said.

A fire was in her eyes that let me know a little more happened, but this was the gist of it. I moved the table that held my equipment over to the side. She turned facing me, so I stepped in between her legs then reached to gently cup her chin and tilt her face up to mine. Our eyes lingered on each other’s for a moment. I leaned in to brush my lips against hers in a kiss that was soft — unhurried. I pulled back slightly with our lips still just a breath away.

I whispered, “Thank you.”

I could tell my response shocked her, but I didn’t have many people in my corner who went to bat for my daughter, let alone me. I know in that same instance, she was standing up for herself, too. But to me, it was more than that. I stepped away from her warmth and continued to clean the space.

Once I finished, I wrapped her arm and led her to the front of the shop. Willow reached into her back pocket to grab her wallet, but I held my hand up to stop her.

“Your money isn’t any good here. Consider it a permanent gift.”

She shook her head and tried to pull her card out of her wallet.

“Please, let me pay you.”

I waved her off. “You really want to give me something? How about this? Allow me to show you a good time, just me and you. It doesn’t have to be considered a date if you don’t want it to be. Just know I’m interested. I want to give you a night you will always remember. If you allow me to.”

She looked away; I reached out, gently cupping her chin. Bringing her eyes back to mine.

“No pressure. If you want to think about it and let me know later, you can.”

I waited a moment for her response. It had been a minute since I felt the need to ask a woman out. But, If I was going to ask any woman, it damn sure would be Willow. A few more minutes went by and I just knew she was gone turn my ass down.

“Yes, I would love to.”

That was all I needed to hear before I leaned in to place another kiss against her lips, but this time, it held a bit more urgency. I stepped away from her before I did anything else that I knew I wouldn’t regret, but she might not be ready for.

“It’s a date, then.”

“It’s a date,” she replied with a smile.

When Benjamin told me to dress comfortably, I wasn’t sure what we would be doing. The only hint he gave me was that we would be outside, and we were taking his motorcycle. I wanted to be comfortable, yet cute, so I decided on a pair of cargo pants, a corset tank top, and a cute pair of sandals. I decided to straighten my hair so I didn’t have to worry about the helmet messing up any style.

The thought of being on the back of a motorcycle was scary, yet thrilling. I’d never ridden one, so I had to put my full trust in this man to let me walk away from this date with my life.

My phone chimed with a text, letting me know that he was a few minutes away. Grabbing my crossbody, I tossed in my essentials and made my way out front. My parents were cuddled up on the couch, watching a Hallmark movie.

Mom’s head rested on Dad’s shoulder, and he kept giving her light forehead kisses while gently stroking her arm. I smiled as I lingered for a moment, watching them. They were still so in love after all these years. That’s what I wanted. Not just love, but longevity to go along with it.

So many people stayed in loveless relationships or marriages for the sake of having someone or because they didn’t believe in divorce or being alone. Fuck that. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that I refuse to stay miserable.

Walking up behind the couch, I leaned over and nudged my face between them.

“Y’all are so cute,” I said, kissing their cheeks.

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