Sharp Curves Ahead by Allison Hobbs

Author:Allison Hobbs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Strebor Books

Chapter 19

“He’s my godson, and I’m not going to turn my back on him when he needs me,” Lorraine Carpenter asserted as she scooped a heaping portion of potato salad next to the two large fried chicken breasts on Jayla’s plate.

“But you haven’t seen Derek in years, Mom. He’s probably not the nice church boy you used to know; he’s a hardened criminal now.”

“I doubt if Derek is a hardened criminal. We both know that he was falsely accused of robbing that man at gunpoint. That boy never touched a gun a day in his life.”

“I know, Mom, but prison does bad things to people. It changes them, makes them corrupt.”

“That’s nonsense.” Lorraine made a dismissive gesture and then loaded Jayla’s plate with green beans. Next, she piled three fluffy biscuits on a saucer next to the dinner plate. “Besides, who am I going to cook for after you have the surgery? You’re not going to eat my good food anymore.”

“Don’t take it personal, and please don’t act like losing this weight is a bad thing. I have to do this, so I can feel good about myself.”

“Aw, sweetie, there’s no reason not to feel good about yourself. You’re beautiful and perfect just the way you are.”

“No, I’m not.” Jayla shook her head adamantly. “If I’m perfect, why does my boss constantly discriminate against me and only give me the shitty listings?”

“Watch your mouth,” Lorraine cautioned. “You know we don’t use profanity in this house!”

“Sorry, Mom,” Jayla mumbled. “But seriously…if I’m so perfect, why do men only want to get me in bed, but none of them want to wife me?”

A look of pity crossed Lorraine’s face. “I thought you didn’t want to settle down.”

“I’ve been fronting so you wouldn’t feel sorry for me. I’m just a piece of ass to every man I’ve ever cared about.”

Lorraine’s features quickly formed into a stern expression. “I’m not your girlfriend; I’m your parent, Jayla, and I don’t want to hear another word about any fornicating that you’re involved in.”

“It’s the twenty-first century, Mom; everybody’s fornicating. The point is, I want to experience being normal for once in my life. I’m tired of dragging all this weight around and I’m tired of people looking at me and seeing someone they either despise or feel sorry for. For once in my life, I want to experience what it feels like to be admired and respected.”

“It’s not the outside that counts; it’s the goodness of your heart.”

“That sounds good in theory, but in our society, it’s not true. Everyone judges me and I’m sick of it.”

Lorraine gave Jayla’s shoulder a squeeze. “I understand, sweetie. But I’m going to miss spoiling you with my cooking. It’s one of the ways that I express love,” she said, stroking Jayla’s hair affectionately.

Jayla forked up a mound of potato salad. “I know, Mom.”

“On the bright side, with Derek having to eat that bad prison food for all these years, I’m sure he’ll appreciate all the love I put into my dishes.

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