“John doesn’t know how to love anyone. He better stay his ass in Miami, if he knows what’s best for him.”
“I’m all for what you want, Mama,” I said before taking a closer look at her. “If that’s what you want.”
“It’s what I want,” Mama said in a softer tone. “Destiny, if John loved me, my place setting would’ve been on the opposite end of his chair at his dinner table. I’d be the queen of his throne. That’s not the case, so don’t confuse his feeling guilty for the way he walked away from me with love.”
“I can’t argue that point, Mama.”
“And you should never argue what’s real.”
“Mama, don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way,” I said, imagining if the tables had been turned. “I’m kind of glad you two didn’t stay together. If you had, there would be no me and Jacob.”
“Honey, Jacob would’ve been your brother.”
“I know!” I laughed and shook my head at the thought.
“Seriously, I’ve been hard on Jacob and mostly for my personal reasons. Now that I’ve seen his passion for you on more than one occasion, I want you to be with him. I welcome him as my new son-in-law.”
“Thanks, Mama.” I got up and went around to hug her. My heart swelled to capacity as I thought about the love she lost so that I may have love. “And who knows, the end of your and Mr. Turner’s book is probably being revised. What you thought was the end, might have been to be continued.”
“You were a helplessly hopeful child who grew up to be a helpless romantic. Bless yo’ sweet and gullible little heart,” Mama said as she grabbed my cheeks.
“Whatever, I’m going to countdown on my fingers how long it takes for Mr. Turner to reach out to you, and for you to reach back.”
“And you’re going to run out of fingers, toes and hairs on your head while counting. I’m putting John Turner on notice. If he comes anywhere near me, I will chop him up in tiny little pieces and send him back to Tammy in a box with a card that says ‘get yo man.’”
“Mama!” I hit her hand playfully. “You don’t mean that.”
“Of course, I don’t think I mean it literally.” Mama got up from the table and started walking towards her bedroom. “I just hope he stays away.”
Chapter 5
Destiny
Joy Cometh in the Morning
The next morning when I woke up in Mama’s bed, a mouthwatering aroma wafted into the room. “Mmmm, Mama must be in the kitchen cooking a big breakfast. It smells delicious,” I said aloud, as I grabbed my cell off the nightstand. I scanned through my new messages and returned a few texts to my clients. I had just finished updating my calendar when I called Jacob.
“Hey, babe,” he answered on the first ring.
“Hey yourself, how are you this morning?” I asked.
“Good, just in the office going over some files before I head back your way. How about you, babe? Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“I slept pretty good after staying up late trying to wrap my head around yesterday.”
“Babe, words can’t explain how upset I am. I’m so sorry that you had to go through that drama. I had a talk with Mom about Justine being at dinner and let her know that was unacceptable,” he said.
“It was disheartening to watch it all unfold, when I had such high hopes of getting to know your mother. But you shouldn’t be the one apologizing, Jacob. I know where your heart is.”
“You better know where my heart is Destiny. But I’m obligated to protect you from things like that. It won’t happen again.”
“Speaking of apologies, I had a heart-to-heart with Mama last night and I’m sorry she slapped your father.”
Jacob paused as if he were considering his words before speaking.
“He asked Mom for a divorce today.”
“Really? Oh no, I feel so bad, Jacob,” I said truly feeling like shit.