Page 50 of A Major Love

“I don’t know. I feel a little tension in the air.”

“Must be your imagination. I’m about to try and get that nap in now.”

He put a few more things in his bag that was on the bench in front of the bed, then went to the other side, lying down with his back to me. Not knowing what else to do, I followed his lead, climbing into bed and getting as close to him as I could, pressing my chest against his back, and wrapping my arms around his waist.

Usually, when I did that, he took my hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it, or turned around to face me, intertwining his limbs in mine. This time, he didn’t move. Something was definitely wrong.

“You look so good, Mama Lloyd. I can’t believe it’s been so long.” I greeted Major’s mother as we embraced.

“Oh goodness. It’s been way too long. You don’t know how happy it makes me that you and Major have reunited.”

“Me too. Hey, Papa Lloyd. You’re looking good too. Mama Lloyd’s been taking good care of you.”

“I’d like to think we take good care of each other. It’s good to see you again. Don’t stay away so long next time.”

We exchanged a warm embrace, and, as with the hug I shared with his wife, I could feel the authenticity in their words.

“If your son has anything to do with it, I’m never leaving. Freya! Oh my God. I didn’t know you were coming. Look at how pretty you are,” I said before wrapping her in a hug as soon as she came inside.

“Thank you, and I could say the same about you. It’s so good to see you. I hope my brother righted his wrongs and you plan to stick around.”

“He’s been holding me hostage, so I couldn’t leave if I wanted to,” I joked.

“Hopefully, you don’t want to,” Freya said with a smile.

“So far, so good,” I responded.

“Where is our son?” Mr. Lloyd asked.

“He’s in his office on the phone, but dinner is ready. We can go to the kitchen.”

The four of us entered the kitchen just as Brendan was getting ready to leave. Pleasantries were exchanged, and Brendan left.

“I swear he outdoes himself every time. I need to start working out with Major, or soon, I won’t be able to fit the clothes I brought with me.”

“Yeah, Chef Brendan throws down in the kitchen. I’ll never decline an invite if he’s cooking,” Mrs. Lloyd said.

Fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, yams, and cornbread were on the menu. I hadn’t had soul food like this in a while, so my mouth watered.

After we washed our hands at the kitchen sink, we made our plates and sat at the table.

“My mother told me something very interesting,” I said with a grin.

“Really? What was that?” Mrs. Lloyd asked.

“You two have been fellowshipping with my parents behind our backs.”

The three of them were tickled by my statement and laughed.

“We were at war for a few months, but realized your fight wasn’t our fight,” Mr. Lloyd said.

“And we missed our friends. At the time, we thought whatever was going on with you and Major would blow overquickly, but it was much more serious than we knew. We decided to stay out of it,” Mrs. Lloyd added.

“I was surprised when my mother told me, but happy that y’all didn’t let our issues ruin your friendship.”

Major entered the kitchen, kissing his mother and sister and giving his father a one-armed hug.

“Damn, this food smells good,” he commented on his way to the fridge.