Page 6 of Love’s Decree

“Simi, baby, I wasn’t expecting you today,” she said as she pulled me in for a hug.

“I know. Sorry for stopping by unannounced.”

She waved me off as she let me into her home—the home I bought her five years ago. It took a lot of convincing for her to move out of the apartment she raised me in, but eventually, she gave in. Yaya was a creature of habit. Everything inside her home had a place, and she could tell if I moved anything. She used to tear my ass up for moving things when I was a kid. I followed her to the kitchen to see she was about to ice a cake.

“I need to drop in unannounced more often. I’m just in time for your famous strawberry shortcake.”

“I’ll get you a slice as soon as I finish with the icing. I know you didn’t come over here for cake. What’s on your mind?”

There was no fooling Yaya. She had raised me since I was eight years old. My mother married a man who didn’t want kids, so she pretended I didn’t exist. One day, she told me she was going on vacation, and then I didn’t see her for a while. When I got older, Yaya sat me down and told me about my mother’s decision. She would pop in every once in a while, but I didn’t see her as a parent. All I had in this world was Yaya.

While I originally came over here to clear my mind from business, I also wanted to see what Yaya thought about me meeting someone. Being interested in other than sex with a woman was foreign to me. My last relationship was over ten years ago. I’d had a few situationships, but the last time I gave a woman my heart felt like a different lifetime. I didn’t know how things would turn out with Rory, but she felt special.

“I met someone, and she made me feel things. I’ve only seen her once, and she’s been on my mind heavy,” I said.

“Lord, let me take a seat. I’ve never heard this child talk about any woman like this. Tell me all about the woman that’s caught your eye.”

“That’s the thing. I don’t know much about her. She’s a criminal defense attorney, and she’s beautiful.”

“I hear some hesitation. What’s the problem? Are you worried about putting yourself out there?”

“Nah. If I think she’s worth, I don’t mind putting my feelings out there. When I approached her, she seemed like my line of work could be a problem for us. If I start feeling her, I don’t want that to stop us.

“Why don’t you just take it one step at a time? If you see her again and decide you want her, then you have to make her feel the same way. You just need to use some of that charm and get her to see you’re worth the risk,” she said with a smile.

“You’re right. I’m getting ahead of myself. I asked her to come to the lounge tonight. She hesitated, so I don’t know if she’ll show up”

“Something tells me she’ll be there.”

Before we could continue our conversation, the doorbell rang. I got up to get it, but she stopped me in my tracks.

“I got it, Simi. You stay where you are,” Yaya said as she hurried toward the door.

“Must be somebody real special. I haven’t seen you move that fast in years,” I teased.

Her behavior was strange, but I did what I was told. Yaya had her old lady gang she hung out with, so maybe it was one of her friends. I looked closely as she opened the door. The last person I expected to come by walked into the house, instantly shifting my mood. My mother sauntered in with the biggest smile on her face.

“Simi, I’m so happy to see you,” she said.

“What’s up?”

“Do you have some money for me?”

This must have been a record for her. Usually, she sat and made me endure meaningless conversation with her before asking for money. It was pointless to ask her how much she needed. She abandoned me for a rich husband, but it never stopped her from asking me for cash. In the past, she mentioned the allowance her husband gave her wasn’t enough. Since she made that comment, she expected me to fill her pockets.

I went into my pocket and pulled out a stack of bills and slid them over to her. This had been our routine for years. No matter what ill feelings I held for her, I would never disrespect her. Even though, deep inside, I wanted to tell her to fuck off, I couldn’t. She was the woman that gave me life.

She quickly picked the money up and put it in her bra. My desire for a slice of strawberry shortcake quickly faded. I stood from the table, walked over to Yaya, and kissed her cheek. “I’ll call you later. Love you.”

“The cake is almost ready. Are you sure you have to go?” she asked.

“Yeah. Jaxx and Gavin are waiting for me.”

“Okay, baby. Love you too. Ride safe.”

I didn’t say a word to my mother as I left.

“Bye, Simi,” she said to my back.