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The door closed as he exited, rounded the car, and reached the front door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
His mind shuffled to Malcolm, Lisa, then Destiny, and he inhaled a deep breath. Facing Destiny wasn’t in his original plans. In fact, he was banking on the time-heals-all-wounds aspect of never seeing her again.
“So much for that.”
He checked his watch, frowned, and knocked again. When no one came—Langston removed the spare key and entered quietly.
His mother’s voice instantly hit his ear, but she sounded far away, as if on an island. Lifting his ear to the air, Langston followed her voice, down the hallway, to the kitchen, and finally at the exit to the screened-in back porch.
A heavy giggle dropped from her lips, and Langston frowned. Intrigued, he decided to snoop.
“Yes, Your Majesty, I’m well aware of the day.” She paused and laughed again. “So because we’ve been friends for a year makes this our anniversary?” She chuckled. “I see.” She paused. “I wish I could, but my son is snooping in the kitchen, so I better give him some attention.” She laughed as Langston’s eyes widened. “Me too. Talk to you soon.”
Silence filled the distance between them.
“You might as well come on out, sweetheart.”
Langston opened the door and moved onto the porch. Cynthia smiled at him, her eyes widening. “Ah, so it’s you. I knew it.”
“How did you know?”
“I’ve been your mother for a long time; I know how you creep through the house—the same way you always have. Tristan’s heavy footsteps always gave him away. He couldn’t creep to save his life. Malik ran; his shuffle always gave him away, even when he tried to muffle his steps. Then there was you, quiet as a mouse, almost like a ghost.”
“What gave me away?”
Cynthia chuckled and tilted her head to the side. “Your breathing, Langston. You always hold your breath when you think you might get caught. It’s like a tell in poker.”
Langston couldn’t help but smile at his mother’s observation. It was true; he always held his breath right as he was snooping.
“So, who were you talking to on the phone?” he asked, trying to change the subject.
Cynthia’s smile faded, and she let out a sigh. “Just a friend.”
“Just a friend, huh?” Langston raised an eyebrow. “It sounded like you were having a good time.”
Cynthia’s cheeks tinted crimson, and she looked away. “Well, it’s been a while since I’ve laughed and had a little fun. The house is empty, and my friends are all married.”
She shook her head. “I never imagined it would be me without a man at this age. I mean, not just a man but a full family.” Langston’s frown deepened as she continued to speak. “I mean in the home.”
“Well, do you want us to move back in?”
Laughter peeled from her throat. “That’s not what I meant.”
“But it’s what you want.”
Cynthia opened her arms to Langston, and he cuddled himself between them, laying his head on her shoulder. Cynthia rubbed his back and kissed the side of his face.
“Sweetheart, don’t go thinking I want you and your brothers to move back in. Y’all are right next door, if we’re keeping it real.”
Langston lifted his head and squinted at her. “If we’re keeping it real?”
They laughed and kissed each other’s foreheads.
“That’s what I said.”
Langston shook his head. “Mom. Do you want a new family?”
