Page 42 of Another Constant

“You've been keeping your cool, right?” I hated when she asked questions she already knew the answer to. She talked to Sora more than anything, so I was sure she knew if I was keeping it or not.

“Been trying to.”

“Least you try. That’s all that matters. Your brother slipped up and told me about your girlfriend. What’s her name?”

“I’on got no girlfriend, Auntie. I’m still out here sol?—”

“FaceTime me. Let me see you lie to my face.”

I laughed.

“Right. Now… what is her name? Tell me about her at least. It isn’t like you’re gonna let me meet her anytime soon.”

“She isn’t my girlfriend. We’re just kickin it.”

“Even that’s a step for you. Son, you’ve never had adequate enough people skills to deal with people. You don’t even like being bothered, so the fact that you’ve been spending time with this young lady means a lot. I may not have to fear you growing old alone.”

I chuckled. “You never had to worry in the first place. I’m a real nigga, auntie. Just because I’m alone doesn’t mean I’m alone.”

“I know, but I still worry about you. I have no choice but to. I just want you to be happy, shoot it’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

My auntie and I talked for a while longer. By the time I got to Harlem’s house, Auntie was yawning. After promising her I’d make a special trip to come see her in a few, we were off the phone.

* * *

“You come over here to eat or actually see me?”

“Shit, both.” I chewed through the tender pot roast, feeling fulfilled as hell. I hadn’t had pot roast in years, since way before my auntie moved. It just wasn’t one of those meals I realized I missed until the moment Harlem held a piece out for me to taste.

She grinned, lighting up the entire room. Something about seeing her smile made me feel lighter. As a matter of fact, just being around her did. I’d never purposely admit it aloud but everything about her made me feel a little less complicated. Coming home, or to wherever she was, made me feel like everything in the world was alright.

“What makes you happy?” she asked, voice making me gaze in her direction just a little bit longer.

“Shit, I don’t know. I’m not the overly happy type.”

“What about your cars? Do they make you happy?”

The thought brought a smile to my face. Maybe she was going somewhere with this. “Not so much happiness as fulfillment.”

“Why?”

“Because for as long as I could remember my uncle used to spend days under those cars, making something out of nothing.”

“Is that how you feel when you work on yours?”

I nodded. “Feels like peace, like none of that other shit I be dealing with matters. Everything else is for the money, but the cars? That’s for the heart.”

She smiled. “I love that for you. You look like you’re at peace when you talk about them.”

“I know what else brings me peace.” Before I could stop myself, I was spewing corny shit.

“What?”

“Being right here with you… like this.”

She tried to correct me. “You mean knowing I cooked and coming over here to eat.”

“Nah, hearing about your day, eating with you, and knowing where we’re gonna end up after I’m finished.”

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