Page 38 of It's Love I'm After

“Wow. That’s low, even for you. What did Ma do to you?”

“Nothing other than having your daddy sniffing behind her fast-tail ass in high school.”

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I remove it with a cheesy grin forming upon seeing Chaniya’s name flashing on the screen.

“I already know who that is.” Grandma Jolene shakes her head before exiting the kitchen.

“What’s good, Cha-Cha?”

“It’s been a horrible day. There have been four animals who’ve been put to sleep, and I’m a melting pot of tears.” The dejection in Chaniya’s tone has me pulling a chair and taking a seat, hoping to change her downcast mood.

“How can I help?”

“Cook dinner for Caleb, me, you, and our grandmothers. I think I’m ready for you to meet him officially. I also think our grandmothers would hit it off and help remove the pressure for us with intertwining Caleb into our relationship.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for that step? It hasn’t been long between us, and I don’t want you to have any regrets.”

“What happened to . . . ‘I’m not going anywhere, so whenever you’re ready’?” Chaniya asks in a horrible interpretation of a male voice that’s supposed to be me.

A low chuckle escapes my mouth because my question was more for her benefit than mine, which I relay to her.

“Nothing on my end has changed. I’m here for the long haul. I just want to make sure this is truly what you want because we can’t unwind the clock once we take this step.”

“With you, I feel comforted, secure, cherished, and confident in what we have. For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to keep Caleb from the man I’m with. With you, I feel like Caleb will receive the same things that you provide to me. So I’m sure, unless you’ve changed your mind.”

“Nope. When do you want to do this? I’m at Grandma Jolene’s house now and can get something set up.”

“I’m down for whatever.”

“Me too. Let’s sync calendars once you are off. In the meantime, I’ll put a bug in Grandma’s ear so she’ll be expecting a date soon.”

“Great. I gotta go. I l—will talk to you soon. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“You do the same, Cha-Cha.”

17

CHANIYA

The O’Neal Chat

Nana: Who’s ready to celebrate?

Mom: What are you talking about, Mom?

Aunt Velma: ??

Turquoise: Please stop with the edibles, Nana. *slapping forehead*

Gina: *side eye emoji*

Kenyatta: A real nigga is out and ready to turn up.

Nana: One time for the free nigga. One time for the outta jail nigga. One time for the real nigga.

Me: Nana, what is happening right now? Have you been watching BET?

Nana: Tubi. No, when are we throwing this kickback for my grandson?