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“Bullshit.”
I chuckled because a curse out of Rowan Kemp was rare and sounded totally out of place.
“Tell me what upset you.”
“I can’t. Just trust me that I can’t talk about it yet. Soon. Okay?”
“Okay?” My mother was a warrior, solely devoted to her love of family. I couldn’t imagine life without her support and as I looked at the lifeless house next to mine, I was saddened for Koti that she hadn’t experienced the same.
“Mom…”
“Yes?”
“I just want you to know I love you. And I’m a lucky bastard to have you as a mother.”
“Oh, God. You aren’t going to hurt yourself, are you?”
“No, of course—”
“Ian, don’t do this to me, to Ella. Don’t do anything rash. You have so much waiting for you here.”
Though untimely because of her worry, I couldn’t help my laughter. “I obviously need to tell you these things more often. Of course, I’m not going to do anything like that.”
“Promise me, Ian. If things get so bad you have those thoughts…”
“That worry is unnecessary I assure you, but I promise. Take care of Dad and I’ll call you soon.”
“Liar, you never phone.”
“Once a week, that’s a new promise.”
Her sarcasm leaked over the line. “I’ll believe that, sure.”
“I’ll make you a believer.”
“How are you and Koti getting along?”
“Fine,” I said with a grimace. “We’ve been doing a lot of catching up.” Though wildly inappropriate while speaking with my mother, I couldn’t help to think of the look in her eyes when I had her clinging to me just a day before.
“You know we saw her last year. The poor thing looked malnourished. She’s so beautiful though, don’t you think?”
“I do,” I said as gravel filled my throat. “Very beautiful.”
“Yes, a little bit dazzling.”
“Dazzling…” I faltered as Koti walked out of her house and began to light her candles before reggae started drifting through her speakers.
“She’s such a beautiful spirit. Maybe you could take her out sometime? From what your dad and I saw, she doesn’t venture out much.”
“If you saw her, I think you would agree she’s come a long way since the last time you were here.”
“That’s so good to know. So… do you think you two might be starting up more than a friendship?”
“I’ve got to go, Mom.”
“Oh, come on! I’m an old lady, tell me something good. She finds you attractive, doesn’t she?” she asked in a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you two flirting? Tell me anything.”
“Ella made the honor roll.”
