In two blinks of an eye, Melody had poured two cups of tea. We toasted to the good news, and she was gone.
I found myself back on the edge of the bed riding an emotional roller coaster rationalizing regrets.
My insomnia was back. I stayed up all night Friday, slept all day
Saturday.
I was awakened Sunday by a phone call from Priest requesting me to meet him at the coffee shop and for me to bring some pictures of
Angel. It was time to square up with Mr. Wilkes.
By the time I got there Priest, and Mr. Wilkes was already in my booth.
My favorite waitress, Sharice, gave me a sassy smile and brought over a cup of coffee.
“There the man is!” Priest declared, deep into his con-man routine. “My man Moses, I was sitting here telling our friend Mr. Wilkes, the good news about his wife. You bring the pictures?”
I could tell right away that Priest didn’t want me to say anything; he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. He craved to get the money out of Mr. Wilkes and split. I played along, not saying a word.
I took out the photographs and handed them to Mr. Wilkes. He looked at each one and then looked at me.
“So what did you think of her?” Mr. Wilkes asked like Angel was a showpiece and he was insecure about his selection.
It was apparent that he would never realize her worth. “She seemed like a nice lady. You’re a fortunate man.”
Mr. Wilkes pride dissolved into concern. Then Priest spoke up. “Who were you gonna go with the Yankees or the Indians?” “The Yankees,” Mr. Wilkes said.
“I could have sworn you said the Indians; I tell you what, let’s go outside. I left my notebook in the car.” Priest said.
Mr. Wilkes went for his wallet and Priest stopped him.
“We can take care of the money part later, let’s go someplace where we can get a drink,” Priest said, then looked at me. “It’s too warm and sensitive in here; I’ll ante up with you later.” Priest said like it was a threat.
Mr. Wilkes extended his hand to me. “It was a pleasure doing business with you, Maurice.”
I tightened my grip on the firm shake and formed daggers in my eyes, while Priest was slowly shaking his head requesting my restraint.
I wanted to tell him how well his wife knew my name, but I knew it was uncalled for; he didn’t have to get my name right as long as he got the money right.
I watched them walk out as I sat and reminisced about the last two weeks and wound up kicking myself.
I should have paid more attention to Tyreek, Steel, Rico, and Slim. It’s like even if you try to take one day at a time; life still has a way of happening all at once. I thought about my mother and how she would challenge me to be a better man tomorrow than I was for that day.
I was still despondent that she was gone but glad that her words had stayed with me.
I thought about Melody. School or no school I was happy that she was getting what she wanted, a family.
All of a sudden I felt a draft and smelled the perfume of someone entering the coffee shop. I realized I was out of position. My back was to the door. I raced out of my seat and turned to see the sweetest smelling eighty-year-old woman I’d ever seen.
I sat back down, overcome with sadness facing the entrance. Then as always I emptied and stirred two creams in my coffee, creating the color of me ex’s complexion. I sipped, watched the door and thought; maybe I should call Dimples.
Moses Scriptures Page 16