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“That counts for everything. Don’t take that lightly. You may be bruised and bend, but you are not broken.”
She smiled softly. “Thank you, Callum. You might be a good friend after all.”
I chuckled. “I can be a great friend. So, friend... How about we focus on having a good day? No more sad talk. You came out of the house, and I’m gonna make sure you make it worth your while. Have you eaten?”
“Just toast and coffee for breakfast. I am a little hungry.”
“There’s a few food trucks in the back parking area. How about we grab something? My treat.”
“I can pay for my own food. You’ve done enough for me at no cost.”
“One thing you’ll learn about me is I’m a very generous person. The food is on me. Come along.”
She was reluctant to follow me but did so with no further protest. Running into her might turn out to be the highlight of my day. I was on a mission to ensure she left here with nothing but smiles.
Pacha and I ended up grabbing a walking taco from one of the food trucks and cups of lemonade to drink. She seemed a little shy about eating in front of me, and I could tell it came from her husband commenting about her weight. Again, I didn’t have a problem with her weight. I loved thicker women. My mama was a thick woman. My sister is a thick woman. There was no way I’d ever disrespect a woman based on her body type when two of the women I loved most shared it.
We’d been walking around for about an hour when we stopped to take a break in the shade. The sun was beating down on us, and we felt the heat. We’d stopped to get some Italian ice to cool us off.
“I should have worn shorts,” she mumbled, fanning herself.
“Right. I’m hopping in the shower as soon as I get home.”
“Me too.”
“How was your first night in the apartment?”
She smiled. “A little lonely, but so peaceful. Avyn came back for a little while after Malcolm left. She said we had to christen the new place by having drinks and a little girls’ night. I’ve missed that.”
“She seems like a great friend.”
“She is. I’ve known her since we were kids, and she’s always been a good friend. She’s always gone out of her way to care for me. I felt bad about shutting all my girls out, but most of all, her. I’m just glad to have them back.”
“I’m glad you have that too. We hate to admit we need people, but there is power in support.”
“Who supports you, I mean, besides your sister?”
“I have friends that have become like family. They keep my head on straight.”
She shoved a spoonful of the Italian ice into her mouth. “I don’t see you being too much of a hothead.”
I chuckled. “These days, I’m not. It takes a lot to get me out of character, but I will act up over people I care about and the principle of things. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. Ain’t no way around that. As my friend, that’s extended to you.”
“I think I’ve already gotten a glimpse of that. Since you won’t allow me to pay you for your help, I feel I should do something to show my appreciation.”
“You spending time with me today is appreciation enough. That is worth more than any monetary gain.”
She blushed. “Something tells me you’re a smooth talker... but you’re genuine.”
“I’m very genuine. I don’t say things that I don’t mean, and I don’t do anything looking for something in return. My kindness comes from the heart.”
“I wish there were more people like that.”
“My mother always told me you must be the change you want to see in the world. Who are you, Pasha? Before the hurt and the pain, who were you inside?”
She stabbed at her Italian ice, seemingly pondering the question. Finally, she shrugged.
“I was once a fun-loving, carefree, and happy person. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and family. I loved getting my hair and nails done. I don’t know... I’m trying to rediscover that part of me.”
