Chapter 46: Old Friend

Adani's POV

"I swear, I'm going to have those damn locks changed and have security stop her at the entrance," Ricardo said with anger as we headed towards my bedroom.

"You shouldn't," I responded. I turned towards him.

"Adani, you heard her. Everything she said was cruel. Its obvious she wouldn't accept you and I being a couple. She will make our lives a living hell if I don't draw the line with her."

"She's your mother."

"And mothers can be toxic. I'm not going to allow her to embarrass you. If she can't get access to you, then she can't do it so the only solution is keeping her away from you and away from here."

"See, that's just the thing. I don't want to be the reason your relationship with your mother will crash. I know what it is like to have a mother shut out, told to leave and have the doors shut in her face. I know because my ex did that to my mom."

"That's a difference. I'm pretty sure your mom's heart was in the right place. My mom's heart is the devil's pillow. She can be very very cruel when she's not fond of someone, and baby, she's not fond of you."

"So you're going to kick her out when she comes back?" I asked him. This was tearing him apart mentally. The expression was clear as day on his face, "Listen, I know it's easy to say you'll be doing all those things but when your mom is actually standing in front of your door, it's going to be torture. I'm aware she's not fond of me. I'm not her biggest fan either but you shouldn't restrict her."

"I understand but I just want you to be happy with me without the battles. If I can prevent them, I will."

I circled his waist. "Thank you but that wouldn't be necessary."

~

"Girl, ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Mavielle asked with a shout.
It was one week later. Adonna, Mavielle and I were sitting in the main living room where I was letting them in on my new turns in life.

" So let me get this. You're dating Ricardo Parriston. His mom is a pain in the ass. He said he'll keep her away from you and you insisted on having her around. Are you attracted to toxicity at this point because I don't get you," Adonna summed up.

"You both are at my necks," I said.

"The woman doesn't like you, why do you want her around?" Mavielle asked.

"She's his mom."

"And?" Adonna and Mavielle asked at the same time.

"And.. she had him her whole life. I don't want to be the reason for any bitterness between his mom and him."

"Was it your idea to keep her away from you?" Mavielle asked.

"No," I answered.

"Then there you have it. He knows his mom is mean and he's willing to put his foot down to ensure your relationship is safe from her hate."

"Can you two put yourselves in my shoes?" I questioned.

"Ohh..those are nice," Adonna said as she looked at my Valentino Garavani Rockstud T-strap Pump.

"Thank you. My boyfriend took me shopping," I said with a sweet smile and earned some cheers from the women.

"I'm honestly so happy for you, Adani. You deserve everything good and every happiness. It's showing on your face. You're glowing," Mavielle said.

"Thanks again. And speaking of shopping and happiness, I got you ladies something. Excuse me a moment," I said and went to get their surprises. I returned with two gifts boxes wrapped with a bow on the top. I presented the first one to Adonna.

"Thank you for being a real friend. You were there when I needed someone the most and you were a shoulder to lean on, girl. I love you," I spoke and handed her a box.

"Thank you and I love you too, Adani."

Next, I turned to Mavielle. "Mavielle, you took me underneath your wing the day I stepped through those doors. You became a friend. One I needed. I love you."

"Wow. Thank you, Adani. And I love you. Come here. Group hug," Mavielle responded and they wrapped me into a warm embrace.

I watched the look on their faces as they unwrap their presents. Dolce And Gabbana's Mary Jane pumps.

"Adani, you didn't! These are incredible!" Mavielle said.

"I hope I got the correct sizes."

The ladies put theirs on and admired their feet in them. Perfect fit!

~
We spent the remainder of the afternoon chatting until we decided to go for a drive and ended up at a supermarket.

"I want to cook something to surprise Ricardo. Any ideas?" I asked.

"What he likes to eat?" Adonna asked as we roamed the aisles. I was enjoying the company of two friends as happiness settled my mind. I was laughing and I was sure this was what Helen felt when she finally broke free from Charles and was finding herself.

We reached the cashier. A coin fell from an elder and he attempted to pick it up.

"Allow me, sir," I said and picked it up for him. I handed it to him.

"Thank you," he responded.

"Mr. Rodriguez?"

"Yes?"

"It's me. Adani. I lived next door to you and your wife. How is Mrs. Rodriguez?" I asked him.

"Ah. Adani. She spoke so much about you."

"She is a wonderful woman. I hope to visit you two soon."

Mr. Rodriguez swallowed and tears filled his eyes. "You'll be visiting me alone, I'm afraid. Mrs. Rodriguez passed away a week ago. Her funeral is on Monday."

I was stunned.

"Cancer," he added. He opened his wallet to pay for his shopping.

"Please allow me to pay for your shopping," I said, "I'm sorry for your loss and I'll be at the funeral."

"Thank you. Thank you."

~

"Adani, are you okay?" Mavielle asked when we got back into the car.

"Mrs. Rodriguez was one of the first persons to know what was happening in my relationship with Wayan. That kind woman opened her doors and her heart to me. She made the best cookies ever. Even got a deal to sell them at some retail stores. I have to find me a box."

"We can do it now if you want before they're all gone," Adonna offered.

We went in search of the cookies.

~~

It was a day of the funeral. I informed Ricardo about it and he offered to be by my side.

Soon enough, we were in the car and driving to the community I once lived in.

"You may have a seat in the second row. It's reserved for friends," Mr. Rodriguez said as we walked into the church, "And thank you and your company for coming," he finished.

"I feel terrible. I should have visited her before this," I said to Ricardo as we sat down.

"I don't know her but if she was the friend you described, I'm sure she'll understand and wanted you to find your way in life."

"She did. She always wanted me to do better."

The service started and ended in tears from family and friends and when we reached the burial site, I couldn't contain mine. Ricardo gently pulled me against him for comfort.

The laid my flowers on her grave and turned to take my leave.

"Ready?"

"Yeah."

We started walking towards the car when Wayan stepped in our path.

"Adani. How lovely to see you again. It's a pity it takes someone dying for you to show up," Wayan mouthed off.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Paying my respects."

"She never liked you."

"That may be but she was still a neighbor."

"You came in hopes that I would. Since when have you cared about anyone but yourself?!"

"Adani. That's an insult. I cared about you."

"Get out of our way," I told him.

He looked at Ricardo who already had him in him locked vision. The tension was thick and unwelcoming.

"Just remember where we are," I informed, looking between both men. Ricardo broke his gaze and smiled at me.

"You two are together?" Wayan asked.

"Mind your own business and move," I told him again.

"Fine," he said and stepped aside. Ricardo and I continued to the car.
Wayan didn't take his eyes off us.

"Seeing me would ignite something in him. He's going to be trouble and he's  worse than your mother," I said as the car pulled off from the curb.