Page 82 of Love At Close Range

Taryn put the bags on the small table near the windows and started taking everything out. “You’re welcome.”

We ate in my office while Taryn told us about a date she had gone on a few nights earlier that had already convinced her she was done with the man. Mona kept interrupting with questions that only made the story worse, and by the time Taryn got to the end of it, I was laughing so hard I had to put my drink down.

“I would’ve been gone,” I told her.

“Shit, take me with you,” she countered with a frown.

“It was really that bad?” Mona asked.

“Bitch, I could’ve had a Cut Water,” Taryn replied and we all cackled at her dumb ass.

For the rest of lunch, we talked about everything from Mona’s plans with Q that weekend to where we wanted to go the next time all three of us had a free Saturday. It felt good having a conversation that didn’t need to be serious or connected to anything that had happened over the last few weeks.

My phone started ringing while Taryn was trying to convince us to try a new spot she had seen online. Lennox’s name came across the screen, and I reached for it before either one of them could comment.

“Hey,” I answered.

“What you doing?” He asked.

“At work having lunch with Mona and Tay?” I informed him.

“Damn, I was tryna come see you for lunch but I guess that has to wait until later.” I heard the underlying message and received it loud and clear. “I got Rhyse with me, though, so you don’t have to leave and get him,” I said and I was confused for a bit. I know he was in Cannon Hills now he’s telling me he has our son. I sat there for a second, still processing Lennox traveling two hours to get our son simply because he asked.

“What y’all doing now?” I asked.

“Nothing yet. I was thinking about taking you and Rhyse to dinner when you get off,” Lennox responded.

“No need to go out. I’ll cook tonight,” I suggested.

“You sure?” Lennox questioned.

“Yeah. Give me a couple hours to finish up here and stop by the store,” I assured him.

“Aight… we’ll meet you at the house,” I confirmed.

“Okay. I’ll see y’all later,” I said before hanging up.

After we hung up, I put my phone down and caught Taryn smiling at me from across the table.

“Whatever you’re thinking, keep it to yourself.” I rolled my eyes at her.

“I didn’t say anything,” she replied, still smiling as she reached for her drink.

Mona helped me clear the table while Taryn finished her drink. I was still thinking about Lennox dropping whatever he had going on to go get Rhyse, but I kept it to myself. More than anything, I was glad Rhyse knew he could call his father and Lennox would come. That was exactly what I wanted for him.

I finished what I needed to do before heading home. On the way, I stopped at the grocery store and grabbed what I needed for dinner. I decided on stuffed shells with Italian sausage and spinach, garlic bread and salad.

I had just put everything in the oven when Rhyse and Lennox came through the door. Rhyse came straight into the kitchen and hugged me before going to see what I was cooking. Lennox followed him carrying his backpack and a shopping bag. When he got close, he pulled me in for a kiss.

“Y’all went shopping without me?” I faked pouted.

“Ma, you always shopping,” Rhyse said as he took his shoes out the box to show me. “Look at these,” he beamed.

I smiled as I watched my son show me the things his father bought him. I assured Lennox he didn’t have to buy him things to make up for lost time but he insisted that wasn’t the reason, so I left it alone.

Lennox came farther into the kitchen while Rhyse headed upstairs with all the stuff Lennox got for him.

“How was work?” he asked, stopping beside me.