“I’m so glad you stayed last night.” Sheryl hooked her arm through the other woman’s.

“I would more often if your apartment was warmer. My bones can’t handle it.”

“The blankets made it okay though. It was such a surprise when you showed up with them.”

I saw Rebecca and Tony eying the two with raised eyebrows. Rebecca with a disapproving look, Tony one of interest.

“Yes, they did. But you really need to ask about it. That cold seems to seep through my skin more now. A few years ago and I would not have needed a blanket at all. Just your smile would have been enough. You need a younger friend.” There was obvious love in the woman’s eyes as she looked at Sheryl.

Sheryl returned the look and smiled. “Next time I’ll come uptown.”

“Deal.” The lady kissed Sheryl on the cheek. “And here’s my bus. Now be careful and if you have any trouble with the super about the heat, give your Dad and me a call. No one freezes our baby girl and gets away with it.” She pulled Sheryl’s coat lapels together.

“Mom, I can handle it. You be careful on the subway. You still have bruises on your butt from the last time when that guy pinched you.”

“Well, I can’t blame the guy for wanting to, just for doing it.”

“Mom!”

Glancing at Rebecca and Tony, I saw a tight-lipped Tony trying to stay quiet and not get punched by Rebecca. And a red-faced Rebecca staring at the ground, ashamed by her judgment of the situation. If it had been Sheryl’s father instead, there would have been other assumptions jumped. Never question love until it questions you.

© 2014-2020 Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.