“No. If you don’t want to come, I can tell him you were busy.”
“I’ll come, but I know he ain’t proposing, because that hasn’t been cleared yet.”
“Cleared? By who?”
“Your one and only son. Who else?”
“Umm, excuse me. I think it may be more important for him to ask my daddy.”
“Oh. I forgot about granddad. I guess Knox will have to go through two people before he can pop the question. Either way, whatever this is, it ain’t that.”
“I never thought it was. Are you coming with me or not?”
“I’m too nosy to decline, Ma. Did it sound serious?”
I didn’t respond until we were in my car and backing out of the garage.
“It did, but he told me there was nothing I needed to worry about.”
“Did you call Titi Nyomi?”
“As soon as I ended his call, and she has no idea what this is about. Apparently, his parents are meeting us there too. I’m trying not to be nervous, but it’s a little hard not to be.”
“He said not to worry, so listen to him.”
“I’m trying. How is your internship going?” I asked, hoping the conversation would distract me.
“It’s fine. I wish they would let me do more, but considering this ain’t a paid internship, I’m good.”
“Have you thought anymore about getting your masters?”
He sighed. “I have, but I’ll probably come home and go to BEU. They have a great program.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that since you’re always talking about me cramping your style.”
“Yeah. We should talk about that. I’ll be twenty-two. Can you loosen up on the rules a bit?”
“Stokely, I barely fuss at you about your comings and goings when you visit, but you can’t be coming in my house at all hours of the night.”
“What about overnight company?”
“Boy, you’ve clearly lost your mind.”
“If Knox can spend the night, I should be able to have a girl stay over on occasion. Times have changed, Ma.”
“Times ain’t changed that damn much.”
“I can’t afford to live on my own and pay for grad school.”
“That’s true, and you’re more than welcome to come home, Son. Let’s table this conversation for now. Once you decide what you want to do for sure, we’ll discuss more.”
“Bet. Maybe I’ll talk to Knox, and he’ll convince you to loosen up a bit.”
“Knox ain’t running nothing inmyhouse, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”
We arrived at Nyomi and Kilo’s house, and I noticed Knox pacing the driveway. Stokely and I got out, and he went inside, while I went to Knox.
Before I could greet him, he pulled me into his arms. I could feel the weight of whatever was bothering him in his embrace, and I remained in his arms until he was ready to release me.