Excerpt from "South Side Hustler" by Rich McLaughlin

Raymir and Tasha pulled up to his mother’s house.

“Raymir, who lives here?” Tasha asked.

“You’ll see, baby girl, just be patient.”

Raymir put his key in, and they both entered. The house was lovely. All soft colors, nice and clean. The food hit their noses instantly. Raymir’s mouth watered.

“Mom,” he hollered.

“Boy, you stop all that screaming,” she said. “I saw you from the kitchen window when you pulled up.”

Tasha was amazed at how much Raymir looked like his mother. He had all her features except he had those beautiful hazel eyes.

“Mom,” Raymir said, “this is the lovely woman I’ve been telling you about. Tash, this is my mom, Mrs. Wise.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Wise, Tasha said as she stuck out her hand.

“Sugar, ain't no hand shakin’ in my house,” Mrs. Wise said. “If my son brought you way down here, then you must be special, and he must be in love. Give me a hug.”

She pulled Tasha into a warm embracing hug.

“And forget that Mrs. Wise stuff,” Raymir’s mom added. “Call me Mom.”

Tasha looked over Mrs. Wise’s shoulder at a smirking Raymir.

“Ok Mom,” she said.

“Raymir, she’s beautiful,” his mom said. “I hope y’all gone give me plenty of grandbabies. With all that this boy is doing with all his business, he need some babies to slow his behind down.”

Tasha and Raymir smiled.

“Ma,” Raymir said, chuckling, “what are you cooking? It smells good.”

“I’m making homemade macaroni and cheese, collard greens with smoked turkey, barbecue chicken, and blueberry muffins. Baby, go downstairs and bring up a bottle of my good apple cider.”

“Mom, do you need any help in the kitchen?” Tasha asked.

“No, baby, but you can set up the dining room table.”

By the time Raymir returned from the basement, the food was steaming hot on the dining room table.

His mom and Tasha were chatting away in the kitchen.

“Why are you two in here,” Raymir asked, “when all the grub is in the dining room?”

His mother laughed. “Boy, wash your hands, and we can eat. We were waiting on you.”

At the table, Raymir’s mom looked at Tasha and asked, “Would you like to lead in prayer?”

She smiled, nodded, and whispered, “Okay.”

As Tasha began the prayer, Raymir looked at her.

She is too beautiful, he thought. One more year and I’m hanging it up.

Tasha ended her prayer by thanking the Lord for her new family. That put a smile on Raymir’s mom’s face.

“So, Tasha,” Mrs. Wise said, “where are you from?”

“I grew up in Southbridge, too. I was a nobody, and I pretty much stayed to myself,” she replied.

Tasha took a bite of her chicken, and it just melted in her mouth.

“Oh my gosh, Mom,” she said, “this chicken is delicious.” She was done her plate before everyone else and was reaching for seconds. “Raymir, can you pass me the collard greens, please?”

“Baby, you don’t eat much home-cooked food, do you?” Mrs. Wise asked.

Tasha blushed.

“Mom,” Raymir said, “that’s the surprise I had for you. Tasha is almost three months pregnant.”

Raymir watched as his mother raised a hand to her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes.

She stood and first hugged Raymir and kissed him on his cheek. Then she went over to Tasha and hugged her also. She held on tight and said a small prayer before kissing Tasha’s forehead and saying, “I love you.” She knew Tasha was genuine.

When they were done eating, Raymir and Tasha went into the family room. Raymir sat on the sofa while Tasha walked around, admiring the artwork and knick knacks. She stopped at the fireplace; its mantle was littered with pictures of Raymir when he was a little boy.

“Wow,” Tasha said, “you were so cute.”

Raymir walked up behind her and said, “So what you saying? I ain’t cute no more?”

She laughed. “Naw, baby boy, you are extremely handsome now.”

They kissed, and Raymir’s mom watched from the kitchen. She was so happy for her son. He finally found someone to fall in love with, and she was going to be a mom-mom.

“I’m going to be a mom-mom, I’m going to be a mom–mom,” she sang as she pranced around the kitchen.

“Mom, we’re leaving,” shouted Raymir.

She walked into the family room, pouting.

“So soon, baby?” she asked. “It seems like y’all just got here.”

“I know, Ma, but I have something to take care of.”

“Alright, Sugar,” she said. “Hold on a minute.” She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a pen and a pad. She handed it to Tasha. “Sugar, give me all your numbers so we can keep in touch.”

“Ok, Mom,” Tasha said. She lowered her gaze and smiled. When she cut her eyes toward Raymir, she saw his smile, too.