Page 69 of Until the Ink Dries

“Maybe he just needed some time to cool off. Don’t take it too personal. Sometimes, it takes people a while to get back to themselves after getting upset. I think you need to get out of the house for a little bit. My parents are having a cookout today and you’re coming.”

“Shy—”

“Get up. Wash your ass and come get in this car.”

She didn’t give me a chance to protest before she was out the door. I sat there for a minute, thinking of how I could get out of this.

“I don’t hear you moving, Willow!” she called.

With a heavy sigh, I got up from my desk and closed the bedroom door so I could undress and shower. Clearly, there was no way I was going to get out of this, so I might as well give in.

Forty-five minutes later, I was walking out of my room to say goodbye to my parents and head out to Shirah’s car. When she saw me walking out, she ended the phone call she was on. If I had to guess, she was talking to Jordan. I wanted so badly to ask if he had spoken to Benjamin. Maybe he would have some insight. Alas, I didn’t say anything at all.

The ride to her parents’ house was mostly quiet aside from her music blaring through the speakers. When we pulled up, I could tell there was already a party in full swing. The street in front of the house was lined with cars. Smoke from the grill could be seen from the backyard and the music was bumping.

I know once I went through the back gate, my mood had no choice but to be lifted. One thing you had to understand about the Grangers was they knew how to have a good time. There was no room for sadness when they got together. Even if it was a funeral, they were going to celebrate the life of the loved one they lost to the fullest extent.

I remembered when we were in high school and Shirah lost her grandmother. She had been sick for a while and they knew her death was coming. She always told them,“When I die, don’t cry for me. All I want you to do is eat good, drink good, and celebrate my life the way I would have if I were here.”

They took that to heart. The entire family gathered at her house for the repast and had one hell of a sendoff. While I knew they were grieving, they honored her last wishes. I knew that granny Granger was right there, celebrating in spirit.

The moment we walked through the back gate, Shirah’s mom squealed and came over to us.

“Willow! Hi, my baby!” She pulled me into one of those tight hugs, rocking me side to side. “I missed your pretty face. It’s been so long.”

I giggled. “Hey, auntie,” I said as she kissed my cheek.

She let me go and went to Shirah, doing the exact move. I knew she was a little tipsy because she always got super affectionate when she drank. I just saw this woman last week, and she was acting like it had been months.

“Mommy, how many wine colors have you had?” Shirah asked.

Aunt Lilith smacked her arm. “Don’t start with me. It’s a party and I’m at home.”

Shirah rolled her eyes. “I’m just saying, girl. Live your best life. Where is my daddy!”

“Over there on the grill as usual.” She turned, eyeing her husband. “Doesn’t he look handsome? Look at those thighs in those shorts.”

Shirah frowned. “Ew! Mommy, please! Nobody wants to hear you lusting after that man’s flesh.”

“Baby, that’smyman. Been my man for thirty years. When you get to that point, still being attracted to your spouse is a blessing.”

“I hear you, Lilith. Let me go speak to him.”

She left me with her mother and headed for the grill area. Aunt Lilith turned to me with a smile.

“Why the long face?” she asked, cupping my chin.

“I’m okay, auntie. Just a little in my head.”

“Sounds like man troubles. You know your mama told me about that boy coming and showing his ass.”

“Of course, she did,” I mumbled, rolling my eyes.

“Is that dead?”

“Dead and buried.”

“Good. You know you’re just as much my baby as Shirah. I don’t like anybody playing in your face. If he comes bothering you again, call me. I got something to straighten his ass out.”

---