Quietly, I read a couple of the pages. “Is it almost finished?”
“I wish. I’ve been procrastinating on it for so long.”
Lifting my head, I studied her and squinted. “Why?”
Her shoulders lifted then fell. “Guess I’m just not sure if people will like it. I’ve always dreamed of writing my own comics or animated series, but it’s scary to put myself out there, you know?”
“You already write children's books though, right? That’s what you were working on when I first got here.” Eventually she had revealed to me that she was the author and illustrator behind the children’s book.
She nodded. “Yeah, but this is different.”
I looked back down at the tablet. “How?”
“I do good with my children’s books, they sell well. But I don’t know… getting it animated and everything is so much bigger. Plus, writing a comic is a lot harder than illustrating children’s books.”
Locking the tablet, I handed it back. “I think you’re on the right track. I don’t know much about comics, but I read a few when I was a kid. It looks good. You should have more confidence in it.”
“You think so?” A small smile formed on her face.
“I do. You’re talented. Your work is clean and eye-catching. I think if you finish and get it out there it’ll do well. The message is great for kids and anyone struggling with disabilities or even insecurities, to know that they can overcome them.”
She cleared her throat again. “I just want to show them that they’re not limited, you know? My parents and others around me always tried to act like I was broken or something. For a while I used to believe so. If it wasn’t for my sixth-grade teacher, I probably still would. I don’t want any other kids to grow up thinking that way.”
Gripping her shoulder, I squeezed it tightly. “Finish the comic. I have faith in it and you.”
“Thank you. My clients always rave about how nice my work is, but it’s always nice to get feedback from someone I know.” Her smile heightened and she turned back to the desk, setting the tablet down.
“Are you heading out?”
I dragged my hand over my head. “Yeah. I got a couple meetings with some new potential contracts then I gotta meet with my lawyer.”
“Are you gonna be back late tonight?”
“Why? You gon’ miss me?” One corner of my mouth lifted. My voice came out playful but part of me was serious. We had grown close since I’d been staying here, the last thing I expected from someone engaged to my brother.
“What if I said I am?” she whispered. “It’s nice having someone here. With Rome being so busy the past few months, it was like I was living with a ghost. This house is too big to be here alone. Plus I was thinking I could finally make that Mexican dish and we can watch a movie or something.”
“A’right I can get down with that. I’ll be back no later than eight.”
Her eyes lit up. “Okay good. I’ll have dinner done by then.”
“I’ll see you later then.” Tossing her a nod, I turned to leave the office.
____
“Have you decided on a movie?” Nakyra asked, taking a seat next to me.
“Yeah, there’s a movie I’d been wanting to see when it was in theaters but never got a chance. It’s streaming now.” I clicked the remote a couple times. When I walked in the door, Nakyra seemed surprised I was actually here. I got the impression thatmy brother didn’t keep his commitments when it came to them having plans.
“Is that a scary movie?” she asked before scooping some of her food into her mouth.
“Yeah.” I glanced at her. “Not a fan?”
She shook her head. “Typically no.”
“We can watch something else. I like pretty much anything.”
“No, no, it’s fine. As long as I have someone to watch it with I’m fine.”
