Page 59 of Solomon’s Temple

“So, Temple. How did you and my son meet?” Mr. Dorian asked.

“The fundraiser at my old job.”

“Oh, yeah. The Autism Awareness Fundraiser.”

“Yes,” I confirmed.

“Wow. You were only there for like ten minutes, Son. You move fast.” Mrs. Urina giggled.

“I had to. I couldn’t let her get away.”

“That’s right, Son.” Mr. Dorian chuckled and winked at him.

“You said old job? What do you do for work now?”

“I’m undecided right now. I want to open up my own center though. I noticed Detroit lacks centers and resources. They’re more so in the surrounding areas, so it makes it difficult for parents who live in Detroit to travel that far.”

Mrs. Urina’s head swayed a bit. “They usually provide transportation for that, though.”

“They do, but having a few in the city would be more beneficial to them.”

“That’s true. And how do you plan to fund this business endeavor?”

“What does that matter, Ma?”

“Sol, I’m only asking because I may be able to help her get grants or loans for funding.”

“No, you’re asking because you want to be nosy and make sure she’s not looking for me to do it.”

“That isn’t true. Do not put words in my mouth.”

“Hey. Not today. We just started eating. Son, I don’t think anything is wrong with your mother’s question. Whether she looks to you to fund it or not, it honestly doesn’t matter.”

“It matters, Pop. That’s strike two. I promise if you don’t stop, we’re leaving.”

Mrs. Urina dropped her fork, the sound making a loud clatter against the porcelain plate. “Are you kidding me? I’m trying to get to know the woman it seems you have chosen to bring home, and you’re accusing me of being impolite.”

“I never said you were impolite; I said you were nosy. Forgive me for having trust issues when it comes to me bringing a mate to meet you. It’s giving the same vibes as it did when I brought the last woman to meet you.”

“Baby, I’m not offended or feel a way about her asking me questions. It’s expected, coming from a parent. Relax, hun. Don’t be so hard on her.”

I could see his shoulders visibly relax.

“You’re right. I’m sorry, Ma, but the questions you’re asking just sound a lot like before, and it’s triggering me.”

Mrs. Urina didn’t say anything as she picked up her fork and resumed eating.

“My Ma Lula would have popped you on the back of the head if she heard you talking to your mom like that.” I giggled to lighten the mood.

“It’s fine. I get it. I do tend to ask a lot of questions, but it’s only to get to know you. I admit when he brought the last girl home, I could tell she was only around for one thing. I can tell you’re different though.”

“I was raised by one of the best.” I beamed.

“Ma Lula. Is that your grandmother?” Mr. Dorian asked.

“She is.”

“Are your mom and dad good to you?”