Page 85 of Lease to Love

Her eyes drifted toward the house.

“We started going over for ‘cookies’ almost every day. We played dress-up in her closet. Did pretend fashion shows in her living room.” She laughed softly as her voice grew warmer. “She taught me how to sew. Taught me not just how to dress, but how to style.”

She looked up at me. “She taught me everything I know.”

I looked at the house, then back at her, and there wasn't a thing I could say that wouldn't sound inadequate.

So I gave her the only response I had.

“… Big ups to Mama E.”

Summer laughed and nudged my shoulder. “Exactly.”

We kept walking, the silence between us comfortable and light, but a few moments after we’d passed her aunt’s old house, a front door opened behind us.

“Hey, little lady.” The voice was aged, but firm.

Summer stopped, and the voice continued. “Don't think you were gonna walk past this porch without saying hello.”

Summer turned around with a grin already spreading across her face, like this was exactly what she expected.

“Hey, Mama E.”

I turned and stopped.

And Elise Langston stood in the doorway.

I hadn't seen her since the last block association meeting.

I hadn't pursued another opportunity to speak with her because I'd been focused on building the relationships I could get to. I'd known she was the person I needed most, but getting access to her had been difficult.

Now she was standing on her front porch in a burgundy sweater, smiling as Summer climbed the steps and wrapped both arms around her.

“Hey, my Sunny girl.”

My chest tightened.

Summer pulled back, still smiling, then looped her arm through the older woman's.

“Mama, this is Roman.”

I straightened automatically.

“Roman,” Summer said, looking between us, “this is my Mama E.”

Ms. Langston looked at me, and I recognized the expression immediately. I'd seen it at the block association meeting.

Assessment.

Judgment.

A conclusion waiting patiently for me to prove it wrong.

“Mr. Sterling.”

“Ma'am.” It was all I could manage.

She studied me for another second.