The valet pulled up. Andrew tipped the man and walked around to the driver’s side. “Well, if I need some advice, I’ll be sure to ask you.”
X held up his arms at his sides. “I’m sure that will be soon.”
“Talk to you later, man. Kiss Cici for me.”
* * *
Later, Andrew knocked on Tina Mills’s door.
“Andrew!” Tina grinned, opening her front door to him. “Long time no see.”
Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on the older woman’s cheek. “Tina,” he said. “How are you?”
“I’m well. Glad to have a little time off.”
At sixty-three years old, she looked as beautiful as she was when he’d seen her perform at the Fox Theatre in Detroit in her twenties. His mother had dragged him to the concert to see the legendary Tina Mills perform in the 1980s. It hadn’t been his ideal outing then—because he would’ve rather been watchingTom and JerryorThe Muppets—but the experience had changed his life. It was the first time he’d thought about doing something in the entertainment industry.
He still remembered his mom taking his six-year-old self backstage to meet her, and he also recalled feeling starstruck. She’d seemed larger than life, like a goddess with smooth brown skin, long wavy hair, and a gold-sequined catsuit. Andrew had been smitten, and that crush had lasted all the way until his seventh birthday when he’d fallen head-over-heels for Denise Huxtable.
Tina led him to the gourmet kitchen. “What brings you all the way to Atlanta? Because I know you’re not here to see me.” She winked. “Have a seat.”
“Thanks.” Smooth jazz played through the surround sound speakers, a cool breeze flowed through the kitchen, and a pot of something delicious simmered on the stove. It smelled like chicken and spices, fresh herbs and garlic. “Smells good.” He slid onto a barstool.
“I decided to make dinner today,” she said. “It’s been a while since I’ve cooked.”
Andrew watched as she poured chicken stock into a pan and stirred. Moments later, she added in heavy cream and seasonings. Then, she put the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan. They talked about surface things, like the weather and the latest political drama, while she finished up.
“How is your mother?” she asked.
Smiling, he replied, “She’s good. Ready for retirement.” Connie Weathers had put in forty-five years of hard labor at an automotive plant near Detroit, Michigan. She’d done so without a complaint so that he and his brothers could have a great life. “Thinking about coming out at the end of the year.”
“About time. It’s been long enough. She has three beautiful boys who are more than willing to take care of her.”
Tina and his mother had attended the same high school in Detroit, Michigan, and had grown up blocks away from each other. It was one of the things that had sealed his bond with Paige when they’d met.
“I’m trying to get her to sell the house and move to Cali,” he said.
Tina pointed a wooden spoon at him. “Now that, I can’t see happening any time soon.” She laughed. “You know she loves the city.”
“You’re right about that.”
Convincing his mother to leave Michigan seemed futile. She’d grown up riding bikes down 7 Mile, attending infamous block parties, and hanging with her cousins. Although none of his brothers live in the state anymore, she was determined to stay put.
Andrew couldn’t say he blamed her. After all, his mother had purchased their childhood home herself, in cash. It was her first investment after the divorce and her safe place. The neighborhood had recently seen a resurgence in popularity, as more and more people moved back into the city of Detroit from the suburbs.
“I went back a few months ago.” Tina poured him a glass of lemonade. “Took a tour of the old neighborhood. Looks beautiful.”
“It is. The property values have tripled. She’s happy.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She fixed two plates and slid one to him. “Eat. And tell me what’s going on.”
He took a bite of a tender piece of chicken and held back a groan. It wasn’t often that he was able to enjoy a home-cooked meal. His mother did not pass along her talent in the kitchen to him, so he’d pretty much survived on takeout, delivery, cereal, and sandwiches.
“Well?” she prodded. “Everything okay?”
Shrugging, he said, “I’m not sure. That’s what I came to ask you. Where’s Paige?”
Tina smiled. “Ah, you’re here for my daughter.”
