Page 33 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“Nothing happened.”

“Don’t lie to your mother, Frankie.”

“We kissed.”

The memory of Elijah’s mouth made my nipples tight. My mother watched my face. “That was some kiss.”

“It was all right.”

She laughed so loudly that Malik began humming from the living room.

“Mama!”

“Baby, you’re forty years old, and you still can’t lie to me. Your cheeks darken.”

“I’m hot.”

“From last night.”

I tried to glare, but my mouth betrayed me by curving at the corners.

Amelia lifted both hands. “I’m not asking for details.”

“Good ‘cause I ain’t giving you any.”

“I knew something else happened!” she said, holding a finger out at me.

“Lady!” I laughed and shook my head. “Nothing happened!” I lowered my voice. “Yet…”

Her eyes widened, and she began humming a negro spiritual.

“Are you finished?”

“Nope.”

Her humming continued as I walked past her and into the living room. Malik sat in his secondary wheelchair near the television, watching one of his favorite animated shows. He wore blue shorts and a Spider-Man T-shirt, and his hair looked freshly cut. The moment he saw me, a smile spread across his face.

“There’s my baby.”

His arms lifted, and I crossed the room and wrapped mine around him. He pressed his cheek against my neck and hummed softly as I kissed the side of his head.

“I missed you.”

He held me tighter.

“You didn’t miss me too much, did you? Grandma spoiled you.”

“He slept through the night,” Amelia said behind me. “Didn’t wake up once.”

“Because he had the entire bed to himself. Did you cut his hair?”

“A little. I know you do it, and I try to do things here and there to give you a helping hand.”

I looked at her over my shoulder and smiled. “I appreciate you.”

“I know.”

Malik loosened his arms, and I pulled back to examine him. “Did you have fun?”