Page 8 of Mr. Right Now
“You’re dancing, but I can tell something’s on your mind, son,” his mother said, cutting into his thoughts. She stopped and peered up into his face, studying him as only a mother could. “Is everything okay?”
“Yep. Just have a lot to do at the center and for the Juneteenth festival next month.” Dante washed his hands in the sink and dried them on a paper towel.
“Oh, that’s right. I remember you mentioning you were heading that up. Do you need my help with anything? I can get some of my sorority sisters to pitch in.”
“Not right now, but I’ll definitely let you know.” Daphne Powell was a retired educator, but spent much of her time serving the community with her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. “What are we having?”
Going back to the sink where she was cleaning up the remnants of collard greens, she said, “Your sister asked for grilled steaks, macaroni and cheese, greens, candied yams, hot water cornbread and strawberry shortcake for dessert.”
He smiled. “It probably would’ve been easier to list what shedidn’task for. I’ll handle the steaks and slice the potatoes. Not touching the mac and cheese or the cornbread. Nobody makes it like you.”
His mother angled her head in his direction. “Are you trying to butter me up for something?”
Dante let out a short bark of laughter. “No. I’m just telling the truth. Besides, I’m sure Erika’s going to ask whether you made them.” His sister did not play about her coffee or her food. He removed the steaks from the refrigerator to season them.
She chuckled. “You’re right. That child has always been particular about her favorite foods. Is Ryan coming?”
“Of course. You know he never turns down a free meal, especially one of yours. And now that his parents moved to Arizona, you probably won’t be able to get rid of him.”
Putting the now cut greens into a pot, his mother said, “Well, he’s always been like another son to me, so he’s welcome anytime. So, any new prospects for a daughter-in-law?”
“Aw, Mom, don’t start.” For the first couple of years after his break-up, she’d given him space. However, for the past six months, she’d renewed her efforts to get him down the aisle.
“Don’t start what? You’re thirty-seven years old, Dante. Closer to thirty-eight, if I’m counting. The way you’re going, you’ll be taking your child to daycare on a cane and I’ll be long gone.”
Ouch!“Tell me how you really feel,” Dante muttered as he sliced the yams.
“I am. Aren’t you listening? You can’t tell me there’s not one woman who you’d like to spend some time getting to know better. Someone who’d make a good wife.”
“I tried that once and remember how it turned out?” He hated revisiting that time, the feeling of helplessness, the loss. Bracing his hands on the counter, he bowed his head and closed his eyes to staunch the flood of emotions threatening to engulf him.
His mother came and placed a comforting hand on his back. “Baby, you’ve got to let go.”
“I don’t—” Dante stopped mid-sentence when he heard his sister’s voice and quickly schooled his features. The last thing he wanted was for her to worry about him on her special day.
“Mom, I’m here!” Erika bounced into the kitchen with a wide smile.
“Happy birthday, sis.” He lifted her off her feet and swung her around like he’d done when she was little and planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Thanks, big brother. Hi, Mom.” She hugged their mother. “Ooh, it smells so good in here. You didn’t let Dante make the mac and cheese, right?”
Dante and his mother shared a look and burst out laughing. He said, “I told you she was going to ask. And no, I didn’t touch it. I’m on steak and potato duty.”
“Then I’m going to be eating good because your steaks are melt-in-your-mouth-slap-yo-mamaamazing. But I’m not talking about slapping you, Mom,” she added hastily.
Their mother gave Erika’s shoulders an affectionate squeeze. “Oh, I know. I’ve said that phrase a time or two, myself. I’d better get back to cooking if we want to have dinner on time. You get a pass for today, so I suggest you take it.”
Erika held up both hands. “Say no more. I’m going to recline on the deck. Let me know when dinner is ready.” She headed for the sliding glass door on the other side of the kitchen. “Oh, and I like my steak with just a hint of pink.”
“I know how you eat your steak,” Dante said, waving her off.
He and his mother finished cooking while discussing his ideas for both Juneteenth celebrations. Ryan arrived just as they finished and he went to let him in.
“What’s up, bro?” Ryan said as he entered and pulled Dante into a one-arm hug. “Man, it smells good in here and I’m starving.”
“Then you should’ve come earlier to help. Always showing up after all the work is done.”
“Hey, I know my place, and it ain’t near a stove.” They both burst out laughing. Ryan could cook some basic foods, but relied mostly on meal services, ordering out or showing up at Dante’s house. He followed Dante to the kitchen. “Hey, Mama Daphne.”
