Page 48 of Ride or Die

“Oh, Cole, baby!” Mama Joy appears through the archway, walking into the kitchen. “Boy, what have I told you about knockin’?” she chides, despite her smile.

Removing my hat, I walk inside, offering Mama Joy a rueful grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

“What’s up, baby?” Mama Joy asks. “You hungry?”

I sniff a laugh. “No, ma’am. Webber just made one of his big breakfasts.”

She smiles fondly, but then I see one of her eyes narrow in that way that reminds me can’t no one get nothin’ by Mama Joy. “Boy, you sure say a lot for someone who don’t talk much.”

I huff a resigned sigh. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Take a seat, baby,” she says, pulling out one of the kitchen chairs for me.

I do as I’m told, because I know better than to argue with Mama Joy.

Turning to the fridge, she opens the door. “Sweet tea or lemonade?”

“Sweet tea, please ma’am,” I answer, biting back my grin.

CHAPTER 17

CLARA

“Knock, knock!”

I startle, momentarily stiffening despite the sweet voice that calls through the house.

When I hear the patter of Billie’s feet over the hardwood, I quickly replace the cap on my liquid eyeliner and hurry out of the bathroom, making it to the entry in time to see my daughter opening the screen and stepping out onto the porch like she doesn’t know full-well that’s against the rules.

Nerves roll through me, and I don’t know why. Cole assured me Mrs. Shaw was possibly the nicest woman this side of the Mississippi—apparently she was like a mother to him growing up—but it’s still nerve-racking leaving my kids with someone I’ve never met before.

Tugging at the hem of my tank top, I plaster on my best smile and continue to the front door.

“I’m five,” Billie says, holding her hand up in emphasis.

“You arefive?” Mrs. Shaw guffaws. “Oh my lord, I-I thought you was at least nine.”

Billie practically preens, and I take that as my cue to step outside.

“Mrs. Shaw?” I smile, opening the screen door.

The lady turns to me, her smile warm and kind. “Well now, only Preston Cooper at First State Savings and Loans calls me that.” She tuts, placing her hand on her hip. “I’m Mama Joy.”

“Mama Joy,” Billie says, sounding the words out.

I pull Billie closer to me, holding her small shoulders. “Thank you so much for doing this,” I begin, offering Mama Joy a relieved smile.

She waves a dismissive hand. “It’s my pleasure, baby.” Glancing down at Billie, she waggles her eyebrows and pats the giant tote bag hanging from her shoulder as she says, “We’re gonna have a lotta fun.”

“Is it a magic bag?” Billie’s eyes light up. “Like Mary Popcorn?”

“Poppins, Bil,” I correct with a laugh.

“Like Mary Poppins?” Billie repeats.

“Well now, you’ll just have to wait n’ see.” Mama joy flashes her a conspiratorial wink, smirking at me.

“Please, come in,” I say, opening the door and walking inside, looking toward the bedrooms and calling out for Tommy.