And like that, Tasha told me every single detail about her date while my mind went to mine.
Chapter
Twelve
Highland
I pulled into Kelvin’s driveway, riding a new high after my breakfast date with Olive. It had been a while since I’d felt this rush of wanting to be with someone. Was I scared as hell? Fuck yes. But with Olive, I felt secure enough to start this new love between us.
I got out of my car with an extra bounce in my step as I made my way around to the passenger side to get the cardboard container with our coffees. I knew my pops was just now working down his first cup and would appreciate this hot, fresh one from Brewed Bean.
I used my key to let myself in and headed straight for the back deck where I found him with a cigar hanging out of an astray and a coffee mug next to it.
“Really, Pops, a cigar before noon?” I placed his cup next to the mug then pulled mine out and folded the cardboard.
Kelvin waved me off, picking the cup up, lifting the lid, and giving it a deep sniff.
“Now this smells like a good cup right here. Is this a seasonal blend they have?”
It wasn’t, it was Olive’s blend I learned from Tunk that he too had grown to love. It was a cinnamon vanilla flavor that she swore by. At Morningside I had brought in myself and poured it in the cups.
“Naw, I think it’s a permanent thing now,” I said with my mind automatically going to Olive. I didn’t even notice that time had passed with neither of us speaking until Kelvin called my name.
“I got a strange feeling this is more about the young lady from the girls’ camp. Your brother mentioned the playdates to the real one. All I’m going to say is don’t rush the process to brew the perfect cup. Take your time. Now that you planted the seed, grow the bean naturally. Water it, feed it, nurture it. You remember what I told you before, a real man does more than just provide and protect, he nurtures his love too.”
I looked over at him to see him sipping on the cup now.
“Am I crazy for even wanting to start over? I mean, after losing Leslie I was down bad for months. My heart can’t handle another break without completely destroying me. But Olive?—”
Kelvin laughed as he took another sip, then spoke.
“If crazy means allowing your heart the chance to beat again—to feel and absorb love—then no. God rest her soul, but Leslie’s death didn’t break you, it gave you the best parts of her. Neela and Ceona are the beauty of that love. It took a couple months to see that, but I believe the love from those girls healed your heart.”
I thought about what he said and nodded to agree. But now I was curious why he never moved on.
“Why didn’t you ever remarry or have a steady relationship after Mom?”
“When your mother passed, I knew my heart went with her. I tried dating but my heart never beat for any of them. I knew whoever I was dating back then deserved a whole man instead ofwhatever I had to offer. I love that you don’t have that problem. Love is a beautiful thing that not even death should keep you from. I think we guilt ourselves into believing that sometimes. For me, it wasn’t guilt. more of, I knew I still had your mother’s love to keep things ticking and that’s enough for me,” he said as he patted his chest and a saddened smile formed on his face.
“And before you say it, no, it doesn’t mean you no longer have love for Leslie. You’re just falling in love with this new love and that’s more than okay. People tell you that you can’t love two people the same, but you can. We love our kids the same, it’s the ‘in love’ that makes the difference. Now, enough of this sentimental moment, what day are you and the girls heading to the beach house?”
I smirked. “Why, old man? You coming this year?”
Kelvin shook his head. “Not this year. Something tells me you’re going to have a house full. I’ll come visit and watch them when you need me to, though.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about but we’re heading down this Wednesday. It’s the last week of camp. Speaking of, are you still coming with me to parent day?”
Again, Kelvin shook his head. “Nope, you got that covered too. Let that sweet lady help you out. Y’all gon’ be good.” He sat back now, putting his cup down and picking up his cigar and sparking it.
“You putting a lot on somebody I’m sure will have her hands full with Jo-Jo already.”
“That’s where you’re going to come in. She can handle the girls. I know you see how Neela clings to her. I’m afraid you’ve lost her already. And Cece, well, if she got you setting up playdates and buying gifts, she’s sold on the idea of Ms. Liv too.”
“Naw, you right about that. That little one asked me this morning if we can go see them after camp. So I already put something in motion for tonight.” I chuckled as I thought aboutNeela asking for Olive at drop off once she noticed she didn’t see her.
“See. How is Jo-Jo adjusting to having you around?”
“Good, considering that he still has a good relationship with his dad. Hell, they both do.”
