Finding Our Way by CaSandra McLaughlin & Michelle Stimpson

Author:CaSandra McLaughlin & Michelle Stimpson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michelle Lenear-Stimpson

When Theo picked her up, he smiled brighter than he had smiled on their first date. “You look perfect for our date.”

Patrice managed a slight smile and asked, “How so?”

“We’re going to a real down-to-earth event. Good people and good eating.”

“Friends of yours?”

Theodore shrugged. “Yes. A buddy’s crawfish boil.You like Cajun food?”

“Love it.”

Patrice’s phone dinged as Theodore opened the passenger’s door of his car for her. In the seconds it took him to close the door and get back to his side, Patrice replied to Quida’s angry, red-faced emoji: I’m out on my date. Will talk to you later tonight.

Theo read the scowl on her face. “You all right?”

“Yeah. It’s just my daughter.” Patrice laughed. “I’m silencing my notifications.”

“Okay.” Theodore began driving on the southside to his buddy’s house. His profile—the manly chin, the sharp hairline, the smooth skin—drew Patrice’s full attention again.

“How’s your day going?” Patricia made small talk to take her mind off the situation.

“Going well. You?”

Patrice’s phone dinged again.

“Wow. I guess your daughter must really have something urgent to say since she sent the notification anyway,” Theo surmised. He must have understood the audacity of folks who override your boundaries.

Patrice couldn’t help but read the message. They say it’s the ones you love who hurt you the most. I believe them now, Momma! It’s you! YOU hurt me the most!

“Is she…okay?” Theodore asked.

“Yes. She’s fine.” Patrice threw her phone back into her purse. She blew out a cleansing breath.

“I mean, if she’s not, I can take you back home.”

Patrice quipped, “I said everything is fine.”

“I’m just saying… It doesn’t seem like it. Is this your adult daughter? Or do you have a younger—”

“All my children are grown. I told you,” Patrice cut him off.

“I know you told me,” he replied, “but from the way she’s texting you…seems like she has an emergency. Or she’s under the impression that her problems are your problems.” He shrugged again. “I’m just saying.”

“Please don’t just say anything,” Patrice said coldly. “This is really not your business.”

He said, “If there’s something you need to handle—-”

“Stop,” Patrice said. “Okay, just stop the car. Turn around. Take me home.”

“I’m sorry, I—”

“Just take me home.”

Being the gentleman that he was, Theodore had no choice except to follow Patrice’s wishes. He was quiet until he parked in her driveway again. Then he offered another apology. “Please forgive me for butting in. I just…I wanted some uninterrupted time with you this evening.”

Patrice wiped her eye to keep a tear from falling because, truly, she wanted that, too. But how could she enjoy herself knowing that her grandson was being ripped from her heart by his own father because of Patrice’s own daughter?

“It’s not you,” Patrice offered. “Maybe we can go out again. When my life calms down.”

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