“Anything as long as I can hear your voice.”
“What are you making?”
“Oh yeah, butter chicken. I hope you and Jo-Jo like Indian food. It’s one of the girls’ favorites that I make. If not, I can always make something else.” I was sipping while shaking my head, forgetting that his back was to me.
“No. That sounds good. Jo-Jo is like me, we’re not picky eaters. But speaking of cooking, homemade butter chicken, amazing barbecue the other day, let me find out you’re also a bomb ass chef, Captain.” Highland smirked as he shook his head.
“Not a chef, but I took classes. It became necessary as the girls got older. I got tired of…no,wegot tired of chicken nuggets and fries or fast food. One day Cece came home and asked me to cook something different or else she was calling the police on me.” His comment caught me off guard and had me choking on the wine as my laugh got caught in my throat.
“Oh my gosh, so I see she’s been outspoken all her life.”
“Oh absolutely. She got that from Leslie.” This was the first time Highland had ever said his late wife’s name. Hell, even the girls didn’t talk about her.
The room fell quiet and grew heavy. I wasn’t sure if I should, or even what to say.
“Well, if you ask me, it’s one of the best qualities about her. So tell me about this cooking class.” It was clear he wasn’t ready to share Leslie’s memories with me and I was okay with that. It was in my make up to allow people to process and share on their terms.
Highland didn’t speak. I got up, walking up to him and wrapping my arms around his body, moving my hands up his chest, inhaling deeply, then holding it for five and releasing as I rubbed his chest. We stayed that way, silent for another few minutes, with me doing what I knew I was good at—providing comfort until Highland’s massive hand covered mine, squeezing it gently. That was my signal that he was okay now, so I let him go and went back to my seat.
“Cooking class was rough as hell. I ended up having my chef I hired for Drifted and Anchored teach me on the side. It took me six months to complete the course but I must say it’s worth it.”
“I mean, I’m only one meal down, but I can confirm that with sample testing.” Highland laughed.
We got quiet again, but this time it wasn’t awkward. Highland spoke again though.
“Oh and the hug wa… Thank you, baby.”
“Anytime, Captain.”
“Damn baby momma,it took you long enough to call back. Where is Jo-Jo?” I grunted my frustration at his word choice.
“Jasiel, what did I tell you about that title? And he’s right here. We’ve been busy today.” I hit the speaker button. Normally, I would’ve let Jo-Jo go and talk freely, but we weren’t at home and I didn’t want him wandering around.
“Hey, Dad!” The excitement in Jo-Jo’s tone had me smiling while I got up so I could go through the bags of stuff Highland had Tunk deliver a little while after dinner.
I started with the hygiene bag so Jo-Jo could shower after this call. I found electric toothbrushes and character towels for Jo-Jo. The assortment of soaps, oils, and lotions had me snickering to myself. As I moved to the clothes bag, Jo-Jo and I both had options of outfits, but of course, I was missing night clothes, only having a silk robe.
“I swear this man is too much.” I chuckled at the memory of his words about me being naked in his bed.
“She’s talking about Mr. Lando, Dad. We’re having a sleepover at his house tonight. I even have my own room.” I looked at Jo-Jo’s ass telling all my business to Jasiel right now.
“A sleepover?”
I grabbed the phone, taking over the conversation. I didn’t even know why I was the topic of conversation.
“Ay, not too many questions about my life going on here. But yes, the weather has us stuck down in The Keys for the night so we’re staying.” I used the same excuse Highland spat at me that convinced me to stay in the first place.
“We cool. I’m just making sure y’all good. A sleepover is a big step for both of y’all. I don’t think Jo-Jo has ever stayed with anyone besides Byrdie’s ass. And you, who knows. Just be careful. I’m glad you took that chance though. If ol’ boy got you stepping outta your comfort zone, you’re happy, and he’s good with Jo-Jo? Then shit, I’m with it.”
“Dad, Mr. Lando is so cool. He owns a ferry and boats. And he even taught me how to play golf and how to shoot a basketball. He said I’ll be ready to play on a little league team soon.”
Where was I when he said that? This man is really inserting himself into our lives. He’s even making plans with Jo-Jo, Olive.
“Oh wow, you about the boat life now?” I knew the question was more for me than Jo-Jo but I let him answer only.
“Yup. And Uncle Tunk said when I grow up I can be a pirate too, like Cece and Neela.”
When did that conversation happen?
