Page 31 of Perfect Rhythm
“Mmhmm, you say that because you’re my mother.”
“No, I say it because it’s the truth.” She toyed with my ponytail that hung out of the opening of my hat. “I see you’ve been using the products I sent with you. Your hair looks nice and healthy.”
“Of course.”
“Did you run out while on the road?”
“No, Mama. You practically sent me with a six month supply.”
Hair care was important to my mother, and she made sure to pass that along to me. She’d been a hair stylist since before I was born, and she knew everything there was to know about keeping a black woman’s hair moisturized and healthy. Although she didn’t work out of the salon anymore, she owned several, and they were doing very well.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to what you’re doing. I guess I’ll head back to the car and wait for your father.”
“Where is he?” I asked.
“Knowing him, he probably stuck his head in one of the classes that’s going on and decided to start teaching it.”
“Oh God, I hope not. His employees are perfectly trained. They don’t need anyone micromanaging them.”
“For your information,” my father cut in as he walked toward us. “I just stopped by my office to pick up some paperwork I left here yesterday.”
A wide smile stretched across my face as I walked over and wrapped my arms around him. “Hey, Daddy.”
“Mmhmm. Don’t let your mother suck you into her nonsense.”
“What?” My mother shrugged. “I’m just telling the truth. You know you can’t come in here without trying to train somebody.”
“Whatever, woman,” he said teasingly, then looked back at me. “So, how are you doing? How was the tour?”
“The tour was great. I feel great.”
“Good, and how’s Eli?”
“Um...he’s fine,” I said, hoping my words sounded convincing.
Although he called before I went to bed last night, I didn’t have the nerve to answer. I was still reeling from what had gone down with Shade,andI was feeling pretty damn guilty.
“You sure?” my mother questioned, concern in her eyes. “You said that with a lot of hesitation.”
I sighed. “Well, we’re not seeing eye to eye right now, so I haven’t talked to him since yesterday.”
“Really? What’s going on?” she asked.
“Nothing we can’t handle,” I said, trying not to elaborate on the subject. “I’m sure we’ll work things out.”
“Hmm...okay. Well, I hope you guys work it out soon. Your father’s birthday is coming up, and I’m throwing him a big dinner party. I want everyone to be there.”
My father sighed. “Baby, I told you I don’t need all that.”
“Oh, hush, James. You know I’m not going to let a year go by without celebrating you.”
Knowing that he was wasting his breath, he simply smiled and kissed my mother on the forehead. “Okay, baby. Do whatever you want.”
“Thank you.”
Her grin widened even more, and it made my heart tingle.
I loved my parents together. Everything about them was beautiful. From the way my mother made him smile, to the way he smothered her with endless hugs and kisses. It was just amazing to see. But it was also a reminder of what I didn’t have with Eli.
