“I’m so happy to hear that.”
“Gloria, how are you feeling?” I asked, standing up to make eye contact.
She sighed. “The doctors noticed a small spot on my other breast. It’s looking like they want to do a biopsy soon.” She looked defeated.
“Gloria...”
“I’ve been down this rabbit hole before. I know what’s coming, so I’m just preparing myself for it.”
“No, ma’am, we’re going to be positive. We’re going to take things slow and have a positive outlook on all of this. You understand?” I grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
Her eyes watered as she tried to smile, but she didn’t let the tears fall. “You’re right. I’m just getting in my head. I came in here with a positive outlook on this, so I need to remain positive.”
“That’s the Gloria I know!” I tapped her hand.
“Thank you, Amina. You’re truly something special. As a matter of fact, here, let me get your number. After all these years, I’d never had your number. I couldn’t even send you a birthday text or anything.”
I laughed, but I didn’t hesitate to give Gloria my number, because she was right. After how close we’ve gotten over the past few years, the least we could have is each other’s numbers. I programmed my number into her phone and passed it back to her.
“Now, y’all get on out of here, and I’ll see you later.”
She nodded. “Yep. Jabari is taking his girls out to lunch. I can’t wait because I’m starving. I would invite you, but I’m sure you have more shifts left. Unless...” She grinned.
I laughed. “Don’t start, Gloria.”
I looked over at Jabari, and he stared at Gloria and me. I expected him to be on his phone, not paying us any attention. I glanced away and back at Gloria. She had a silly grin on her face.
“Son, come tell Amina goodbye so we can head out of here and she can get back to work.”
Jabari stepped from behind Gloria and held out his hand. I placed my hand in his. Electricity shot through me. My tiny hand fit perfectly in his big, warm, soft hand.
“It was nice meeting you, Amina.”
“You too. It’s great to finally put a face to a name after hearing so much about you.”
He nodded. “I can definitely say the same.”
I looked at Gloria, and she innocently shrugged. I shook my head at her and returned my attention to Jabari.
“Y’all enjoy your lunch. Make sure you change her bandage and replace it with a clean one, but not before you clean it.”
“I got you. Again, I appreciate all that back there too.”
I fanned him off. “Anytime.”
We stared at each other, and to me it felt as if everything had disappeared from around us, and it was just Jabari and me standing there. I hadn’t realized we were still holding hands until Gloria’s speaking caused me to drop his hand.
“Sure you can’t go to lunch with us?” Gloria asked.
“I’m sure, but I promise I will try to go with y’all one day.”
“I’m going to hold you to your word. Come on, JaBria.” She grabbed JaBria’s hand as they walked toward the elevators. Jabari remained there, staring at me.
“I think your girls are leaving you,” I commented.
“Damn, I hadn’t realized they had walked away yet.” Jabari’s eyes went from the top of my body to the bottom. I tried my best not to shudder as he looked at me. “I do hope you use my number, you know, so that you can keep your promise to my mama and JaBria.”
“I-I will.”
