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“Thank goodness,” Yeye said. “Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.”
“Will do, Yeye.” Luke hung up and heard shuffling in the background. When he turned, he saw Eddie approaching. “Are you leaving already, Uncle?”
“The kitchen’s closed for now.” He wrapped himself up in a scarf since the temperature had dropped recently. Belize didn’t get winters, but the seasons between October and November cooled significantly.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Oh, Luke.” Eddie turned back. “How are things with your parents? I heard about the meeting they sprung on you yesterday.” Eddie chuckled. “Your mom thought she had you backed into a corner, but they weren’t counting on how charming your young lady could be. I heard Ashanti won everyone over.”
“She did. I’m hoping Mom won’t hold a grudge forever.”
“Give her some time.” Eddie squeezed his shoulder. “But be prepared to spend the rest of your life separated from your parents. Prepare Ashanti for it too. This is now a matter of pride, and they may not waver. Not even if there are grandchildren involved.”
Luke nodded. The prospect no longer scared him. “It is what it is. Honestly, I realized my parents won’t be the person stuck with whoever I marry. I will. And because of that I want to make the choice.”
“Good for you, Luke.” Eddie chuckled. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He nodded and watched Eddie waddle out.
Despite Luke’s resolution to move on if his parents abandoned him, he hoped it didn’t come to that. At the very least, he needed them to know that choosing Ashanti didn’t mean he had rejected them.
After locking up the café, Luke gave his mother a call.
He’d half-expected her to ignore him. When her voice came over the line, he was stunned. “Mom?”
“What?” she said wearily.
“I’m just checking in.”
“On what?”
“Are you okay? You sound… tired.”
“I’m not tired. I’m disappointed.”
“If this is about Ashanti—”
“What else can it be about, Luke?” She sighed. “But it doesn’t matter. You won. Yeye sided with you and your black girlfriend. I have nothing more to say.”
“You’re invited to meet up with us whenever you’re free. Maybe you can see what Yeye fell in love with. Eventually, we could come to a compromise.”
“No thank you.”
“Mom…”
“Luke, I’m busy. What more do you have to say?”
Luke held the phone to his ear and looked out the windshield. “I love you. I hope you remember that.”
“I loved you too. Remember that.” She hung up.
Luke listened to the dial tone.
Did his mother just say she ‘loved’ him. As in past tense?
Luke sighed and squeezed his eyes shut. This was it. There really was no going back at this point. His parents had given up on him, but Luke would never lose hope for reconciliation.
In the meanwhile, he could take advantage of the distance and live without the burden of their expectations. That meant embracing his feelings for Ashanti wholeheartedly, without any fear or regrets.
