Page 17 of Solomon’s Temple

“So, tell me about you. What has you wanting to live right?”

I finished chewing my food before I answered. “Life. I realized the person I was was leading me down a path of destruction. I worked for DPD for four years before I decided to turn in my badge. I was overly worked and underpaid, and I was the best officer they had. One night there was a robbery, and I responded to the call.

“That night resulted in a shootout with me almost losing my life. Right then, I knew being a cop wasn’t what I desired anymore. So, I quit and started my security business that has been the best thing I never knew I needed. I make way more money protecting politicians and celebrities than I did when I was on the force.” I took a sip of my water before I continued.

“And to answer your question honestly, and without deflecting, I was a man with a healthy appetite for sex. Not only that, I was drinking heavily as well. I knew my addictions were destroying me, so I sought a higher power to help guide me out of the dark place I was in.

“Don’t get me wrong, I still have ways to go, but I try every day not to be the man I was before. I’m seeking something more permanent and stable. I want a wife and family.”

She nodded. “Understood. But I’m not sure if that’s what I want. I have too much going on to even consider being somebody’s wife or mom right now.”

“I think I can change your mind.” I smiled at her before digging back into my food.

“Your confidence is admirable. But we’ll see how long you stick around when you find out I’m not the type to be pressured into something I’m not ready for.”

“No pressure at all. I know the type of woman I’m dealing with. If you think that running away from love is going to scare me off, then you're really mistaken. I don’t know what it is, but something is pulling me to you. And it doesn’t matter if you run; I ran track in high school, so I’m down for the chase.” I winked. I could see her fighting a blush and knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I could tell she liked to fight against her feelings, but it was cool. I was sure I’d get through those walls she put up, no matter what I had to use to get through them.

One Week Later

“Where the hell have you been?” was the first thing Toni asked me when I stepped inside our grandmother’s home. We were having our weekly Sunday dinner. I had missed last week because I needed to catch up on my rest and laundry, so I hadn’t been to see them or my Lula Mae since Wednesday last week.

“Girl,” I said, stepping inside and giving her a hug. “You could say hi before you start asking me my business.” I giggled and released her.

“Hi. Now, where the hell have you been?”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes playfully. “At home. I needed a mental health week from everything that’s been going on in my life. How’s Ma Lula?”

“Same. Still talking mess and ’bout ready to put an APB out on you.”

“Oh goodness. Where is she?”

“In the den.”

“Okay. Let me go face the music.”

“Aht, aht,” she said, stopping me from going further. “Answer my question.”

“I did answer your question.”

“Trick, please. Don’t give me that mental health break bullshit. The last time me and Phire talked to you, you were going to lunch with that sexy-ass nigga from the club. The one who tossed ya ass over his shoulder.”

My mouth twisted, trying to keep myself from smiling or blushing. It was crazy that after our lunch date, I was receiving flowers with cute notes or scriptures. Text messages telling me ‘good morning,’ checking on me, and ‘goodnight, beautiful.’ I’d never been one to be swayed by words, but Solomon had a way of drawing me to him without me even noticing that I was being sucked into his realm.

“I’ll tell you about that later, Sis. Just let me go see this lady before she has a heart attack.”

“Yeah, okay, ho. I’m on yo’ ass. Just know that.”

I laughed and moved toward the back of the house to see my grandmother. Once I made it to the entrance of the den, I poked my head inside and saw Lula Mae and Sapphire talking with their backs to me.

“Come on in here, Houdini. Don’t be trying to hide.”

I smiled wide and stepped inside the room. Sapphire stood behind her while Ma Lula sat in the chair getting her famous two braids put in.

My Lula Mae was beautiful.

She had long silver hair that fell down to her backside. Her deep, rich caramel skin only had one or two wrinkles, but her face still looked youthful. At seventy-three, she still had her original teeth, a nice body, and kept herself up. The only problem was her failing health. I always thought since she was of Indian descent that she knew some sort of healing magic to keep her healthy.

That proved to be false.