Color Blind(10)

On my way to Lorraine’s to drop off Nevaeh, I debated whether I should tell my friend about my Sunday plans now or wait until later. Lorraine liked to push me for details, but I wouldn’t have much time to fill her in on everything. I waited until after work. That morning was like any other day, I dropped Nevaeh off—who was feeling somewhat better—kissed her goodbye, and drove to work. The previous night’s conversation between Dale and I ran through my mind. I was astonished that he didn’t care I had a daughter; in fact, he seemed as if it was a pleasant surprise to him.



“Mornin’ Kimberly.”



“Hey, come here!” I whispered.



Rachel followed me over to our lockers, curious to see what I wanted. “What’s going on? And why are we whispering?” My friend asked.



“I don’t want Kevin to hear us. I took Nevaeh to the doctor, and he said she’s okay. It must be a virus or something, and that her back and knee pain and swelling are from her playing on the floor all the time.”



“Well, that’s good!”



“Yeah, and I wanted to tell you something else.” I went on with a huge grin plastered across my face, looking around to make sure no one else overheard. “I have a date on Sunday!” I exclaimed, still whispering.



“You do?” Rachel asked, matching my whisper. “Who is it?”



“That guy.” I waited to see if she would remember. Rachel’s face remained stone-like; her memory failed her, but that seemed to happen a lot these days. Her pregnancy brain made her forgetful most of the time. “That ONE guy? The cocky white guy who wouldn’t stop coming in until I gave him my number, remember?”



“OH! Right!” Rachel recalled the man. Her face lit up, “Kimberly, he’s so cute! I’m so happy for you! Where is he taking you?” She quizzed, eager to learn about our date.



“Here, come with me while I get clocked in and I’ll tell you all about it,” I promised, making my way over to punch my time card.



“So, I was reading Nevaeh a bedtime story last night when she asked me, “Momma, when are you going to meet your prince charming?” which made me feel sorry.” She nodded her head, waiting for me to continue. “Well, after I put her to bed, he called me! We only talked for a bit because I had to get some sleep. We’re going to that one Mexican restaurant that’s across the street from South County Mall.”



“That’s awesome!” Rachel said.



“Oh, I’ll be right back. Sherry just seated someone in my section.”



As my shift came to an end, I couldn’t wait to tell Lorraine and Tyrone about my date that Sunday. I rushed to Lorraine’s house, jumped out of the car and ran to my little ray of sunshine, who was already coming out the front door to greet me.



“Nevaeh!” I exclaimed as I picked her up and gave her a big hug. “How was your day, are you feeling any better?”



“Almost, but my back is sore and my knees are still a little swollen, but I’m much better than I was yesterday. How did work go?” she inquired.



“It was fine. Where’s Lorraine?” I asked as we made our way back inside the house.



“She’s in the kitchen making dinner. It smells good. Is it okay if we have dinner here?”



“Yes, you can stay,” Lorraine answered, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel at the doorway of the kitchen.



I looked up and smiled at my best friend. “If Nevaeh really really wants to.”



“I do! I do!” She shouted.



“All right,” I agreed, hugging her. It was nice to see her happy and healthy for a change.



“Oh boy! I’ll go let Tyrone know that you said we’re eating dinner here tonight!” she yelled, heading out of the house.



I watched her walk into the garage before I turned to my friend and smiled. “I didn’t want to say this in front of her, but I can’t wait to tell you something!”



“Follow me into the kitchen. I’ve got to stir up the meat so it doesn’t burn. We’re having tacos for dinner.” Lorraine said as she led the way.



I followed her, “Okay, so I need to ask you a big favor. I realize that you don’t watch Nevaeh on my days off, but I was wondering if you could keep an eye on her Sunday afternoon for a few hours.”



“Sure I can. Why?” She asked as she diced up tomatoes.



“I’m going on a date!” I squealed.



My best friend turned around with her mouth hanging open, “With who? It’s not that loser dishwasher from your work, is it? What’s his name? Jessie, who’s always hitting on you?”