Page 36 of Another Constant

“Because when I hugged you, I smelled a man’s cologne. Too fresh.” She tilted her head to the side, now waiting for an answer.

I asked a question of my own. “What are you doing in the city?”

“One, don't change the subject on me. And two, I’m having a girls’ day with Pam and the girls, so I figured I’d get a head start on driving.”

“Oh, okay.” I turned and peeked out the door at my dogs.

“And he is? Wait, he wouldn't happen to be the man your father called me and told me put him out of your shop, would he?” Amusement in her eyes awaited my answer.

I didn’t mean to laugh, but I couldn’t help it. “He told you about that?”

“Yes, and he also told me the man is a demon.”

I shrugged. “That he isn’t, but uh yeah, him.” I let the dogs in and continued into the other room to care for the puppies. Tato stayed up with her puppies while Tilly went back to sleep. This pregnancy was whooping her ass and I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I wasn’t going to breed her again, just because I saw how it affected her. After she had this litter, I’d have her spayed and keep her as a pet. I had been doing this thing for years and did good in not keeping dogs from my litter. My mom had Judah, my second ever female bred, a standard blue Frenchie. Though she was mine my mom had asked me for her since she lived alone and felt she needed companionship. Then my brother had Moma & Juice. While Juice was technically mine as well, she was also his. Tilly’s litter was my next, but my most anticipated was from Tato and Moma.

“So if he isn’t like that, what is he like?”

“Kind. We’re still getting to know one another, mama,” I called out loudly while continuing my morning duties.

“So, you say, but you smell like him and you’re wearing his shirt. That indicates not only has he spent a night here, but he has also been in your bed.”

“Mom.” I began wiping Tilly’s wrinkles. At this stage in her pregnancy, she was nesting and refusing to go outside half of the time unless I either carried her big ass or led her out with food. Either way I kept puppy pads handy and always made sure a close eye was on her. After making sure everyone was well fed and taken care of after they came in from outside, I met my mother back in my kitchen. She was making breakfast.

“So you like him?” She settled on asking.

“Yes, I do.”

“Well. When can I meet him?” I felt her eyes on me while I looked anywhere but at her.

“When I know what I want from this.”

“When you know what you want from it? What the hell does that mean, Harlem? The man is lying in your bed and between your legs. You better be clear on what you expect and what you want.” She was already starting her lecture, so I had to stop her before she got in too deep.

“Mama. That’s not what I meant. What I mean is I know what I need and what this is, but I’m not yet comfortable. Yes, I like him and I’m sure he likes me. I’m not rushing anything. Whatever happens will happen.”

“Well. I can accept that. I shouldn’t have had to show up and make breakfast to learn about him though.”

I laughed. If only she showed up an hour earlier, she would’ve met him.Thank God for small victories.

“And another thing. I know you’re still reeling from that mess with Zax. Yes, you should be cautious, but don’t let his stupid actions make you miss out on what may actually be for you. Now I won’t badger you to meet him, but don’t make me wait too long. You know I get impatient.”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“And another thing… Lenny’s daughter Cecilia. She’s a school counselor, a nice girl. She’s looking to purchase a dog from you. I told her I would check in to see what you had and get back to her.”

I nodded. “Cool. I have one left from this litter since the other is getting picked up tomorrow. I decided to keep the full suited.”

She laughed. “You’ve never kept a boy. Why now?”

I laughed as well. Everybody in my life knew me, so this was indeed a shock. “I don’t know, he’s cute. Plus I’ve already named him Bleu.”

“Well, okay. I’m gonna give her your number.”

“Okay.” My mom and I talked for a while longer, then she had to get going. She had a sunrise yoga class with her friends and didn’t want to be late. That was fine with me because it meant I could go back to sleep. At least that’s what I thought until my phone was ringing again.

Irritation coursed through my veins when I saw it was Hari. Ever since Joseph showed up to my shop showing his ass, I’d had a bad taste in my mouth when it came to both of them. Not only that, but Hari had texted me a few times telling me how fucked up I was. I didn’t respond either time but that entitled shit he and Joseph had going on irked me.

“Yeah,” I answered.

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