off Black woman who takes her child rearing seriously.”
I laughed and I couldn’t recall the last time I expressed such a genuine laugh. “Well, then, by all means, Jacob,” I said with flourish. “The last thing I want to do is get you in trouble with your momma.”
“Amen,” he muttered before we made our way up the path and to the front door.
Jacob set the suitcases down and turned towards me as I knocked on Karla’s front door. “I’m not the only cab driver in Brant, but if you need anything, you just give me a call, Fallon,” he offered, handing me his card. “It’d be my pleasure to get you around town.”
I wanted to hug this man.
This complete stranger, who was doing nothing but being a kind, decent human being, I wanted to hug. The only reason I hadn’t was because I didn’t want him reporting me to the police on my first day in Brant. But mostly, because I feared if I did, I’d fall apart in his arms.
So, instead, I smiled up at him and said, “Thank you, Jacob. You will definitely be on my speed dial as soon as I get a phone.” He tipped his hat and turned back down the walkway as the front door opened.
“Fallon!” Karla squealed as he wrapped me up in her arms. And-right in my left ear-she yelled, “Hi, Mr. Jacob!”
“Hi, Miss Karla!” he yelled back right before I heard the motor of his cab rumble.
Karla pulled back, and with her hands gripping my shoulders, her eyes ran the length of me. When her pretty hazel eyes moved back up to mine, they were shiny with unshed tears. “It’s so good to see you, Fal,” she breathed out softly. “I missed you.”
I wanted to bask in this moment, but the underlining fear that shadowed my life was still there. “I missed you, too,” I told her. “Why don’t we…” I jerked my chin towards her front door.
Her face softened and understanding dawned in her eyes. “Of course, Fallon,” she said before reaching for one of my suitcases. I grabbed the other one and followed her inside.
We headed inside and I stepped into the living room, looking around at Karla’s home. You could tell right off that it was a home and not a house. It had personal touches everywhere.
“You have a lovely home, Karla,” I told her.
She smiled and it reached her hazel eyes. “Thank you, Fallon,” she replied as she glanced around the room. “It’s…I’m happy here.” I nodded and the moment passed. “Let me show you to your room.” I followed behind her, and she led me down a short hallway that was lined with photos of Karla and her husband. There were pictures of vacations, outings, etc.
We got to the first door on the left and Karla opened the door. We walked in and it was a cute set up. It looked exactly like a guest room should look. “Here it is,” she beamed as she placed my suitcase on the floor next to the full-size bed.
I placed the suitcase I was carrying next to the foot of the bed and dropped my purse, duffle bag, and carryall on top of the bed. I turned to face Karla. “Thanks, Karla.” I shook my head. “You don’t have any idea how much this means to me.”
She threw her hand up to stop me. “Fallon, I know you feel guilty for coming here. I know you think that you’ll somehow bring drama to my life, but I don’t care. You’re my friend and you’ve been handling this on your own for way too long.” Her words caused a pang in my heart. “I can’t count how many times you saved my life and my sanity growing up. Let me do this for you.”
I took a deep breath and nodded my head. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I saved her life growing up, but when you grow up in a world where no one wants you, it’s easy to contemplate ending it all. I imagined that’s what she meant.
I smiled for my friend. “Thanks, Karla,” I replied. “Hopefully, your plan works, and we’ll all be drama-free.”
“Well, I’ll let you get settled, and then we can catch up on everything we’ve missed.” She smiled again as she said, “I already spoke with Xander, and he’s agreed to come over tomorrow afternoon, so you guys can meet.”
I inwardly cringed at her words.
Karla’s plan was simple. She claimed her