Page 72 of Milo

“Have you eaten?”

“I haven’t.”

“Can we discuss your last appointment over a bite to eat?”

“As much as I’d love to, Milo, I just want to go home and lay down in my own bed. I’ve been at my mother’s place, being ignored by my father for three too many days.”

“Damn,” I fussed. “Why didn’t I think to ch—”

“Milo.”

“I’m just thinking out loud.”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow will come and we’ll be having the same exchange. You’re still processing shit and sitting down with me, pretending that we’re not feuding isn’t on your list of things to do this week an—”

“Or next.”

“Or next, and I understand. A text after your appointments will suffice.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

“That won’t stop me from taking care of you in the final weeks of our pregnancy. Go home and relax. I’ll make sure you have food this evening. By noon tomorrow, expect to hear from the person that will be taking care of your meals from now until you feel better after the baby. Aight?”

“Alright.”

Her willingness to compromise her independence to allow me to be present for her validated a lot of things for me. She was at the end of her road and our son was about to take his first breath earth side. The thought of his entrance and how much my world would be changing had my heart tap dancing in my chest.

“Friends?” I asked, extending my hand.

Smirking, Nature took my hand into hers. “Almost friends.”

“Damn. Real shit?”

“Milo, in no shape, form, or fashion am I okay right now. But I’d rather not fuss and fight.”

I’d rather fuck than fight, I thought.

“Understood. Future friends.”

“Future friends.”

I eased off her truck, moving out of her way, but not before palming her round belly.

“See you in a few. Open the door for a nigga. I don’t mind getting that motherfucker fixed again if I have to.”

“You’re insufferable. Truly.”

Shrugging, I jogged toward my car. As I slid in, I instantly remembered the appointment I had at the dealership Thursday. If I found anything on the lot suitable, I wouldn’t be the only one in a new whip by the time I left.

* * *

I piledthe groceries onto the porch, right in front of the door. As I lifted my knuckles to knock, it crept open. I retrieved the bags and stepped inside, finally getting a glimpse of the woman of the hour. I offered her the bag from my right hand. Without a word, she closed her eyes and expanded her nostrils to inhale the smell of the wings I’d provided to replace those that she’d left at my office.

“Ummmmm.”

Upturned lips and prominent cheeks stretched my face beyond recognition. Deflecting in an attempt not to get so lost on the woman before me, I headed for the kitchen where I began putting away the items I’d bought to stock Nature’s fridge.

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