Succulent (Chocolate Flava 2)
Page 37
“My job.”
“And what is it that you do?”
“I’m a therapist, children mostly, but I counsel families going through divorce. I know how rough that can be.”
“Are you a child of divorce?”
“No. My parents didn’t divorce, just separated…a lot. I remember how confused I was, and I don’t want other kids to feel like that. I know I can’t help every child, but I do my best.”
Tony clapped. “Bravo. I’m scared of you.”
I laughed.
“I’m honored to be in your presence,” he continued.
“Oh, stop, I’m no miracle worker.”
“Please, yes, you are. Theresa Winfield: miracle worker.”
I put my hands over my head and adjusted an imaginary halo.
“What are you doing?” Tony asked.
“Adjusting my halo.” We laughed. Getting back to reality, I asked, “Have you looked for a job here?”
“Yes, I’ve been offered a job at Green Oaks; freshman English.”
“You should take it! I know they aren’t your sixth-graders, but they’re still transitioning from childish antics to adult ways.”
“I’m sold on the idea. I’ll contact Principal Cleveland Robinson in the morning.”
“Good.”
“You like getting your way, don’t you?”
“Shoot! Do you like boudin?” I said sarcastically, referring to the infamous southern-Louisiana dish.
We both laughed. I couldn’t remember laughing as much as I did with Tony.
When we got home, I showed him around. “The bedrooms are down this way. My room is to the left, straight ahead, and your room is to the right. Your private bathroom is outside your door and to the right.”
“Okay, thank you, Theresa. I really appreciate this.”
“It is no problem. And feel free to come to my room if you need anything.”
His eyebrow rose at my double meaning. Instead of correcting myself, I went to my bedroom.
Tony and I learned a lot more about each other over the next couple of weeks. I realized we were getting closer because, over dinner one night, he asked, “So why are you still single?”
“I don’t know; haven’t found the man for me. Why are you still single?”
“Pretty much the same.”
“Please, no woman has tried to hook you? From speaking with you, I can tell that you aren’t too bad. I live with you, and I haven’t seen a habit that I despise.”
“There was one woman.” He shook his head. “I fell for her hard, but she wasn’t the one for me.”
“What did she do to you?”