Page 64 of Steel

“Don’t say that when we get in there.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

We climbed out of the car and headed up to the front door where Nayelli rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, we saw her little friend peeking out the window. I could hear his feet on the floor as he ran to open the door. The cutest little guy stood there with a big smile, ready to greet us. He was dressed in shorts, with an anime T-shirt and a cape around his neck.

“Hi, Nayelli!” he said excitedly.

“Hi!”

“Is this your mom?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

“Hi, I’m Jaiden. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

He extended his hand, and when I took it, he kissed the back of it.

I blushed. “It’s nice to meet you, Jaiden. Nayelli has told me so much about you.”

“All good things, I hope.”

I chuckled. “Only the best.”

“Come on in. Mommy! Nayelli and her mom are here!”

We stepped into the house, and I was floored by how beautiful the inside was as well. Everything was so tastefully decorated, organized, and clean. Nayelli and Jaiden were chit chatting as I looked around the entry. When my eyes landed on the picture above the mantle of the fireplace, I froze.

No, . . . this couldn’t be right. My eyes had to be playing tricks on me. There was no way I was staring at a family photo of Kerrion. My gaze traveled from the photo to Jaiden, and it was only then did I realize the similarities in their faces.

“Oh my God . . .” I mumbled.

Both he and Nayelli looked at me.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Nayelli asked.

I didn’t get a chance to respond before approaching footsteps came to a stop. When I looked up, there stood his mother. I’d never met her, but I’d seen pictures, and I’d always complimented him on how beautiful she was. She stared at me, and I stared at her. There was no doubt she knew who I was, but there was something else in her eyes . . . Surprise, maybe?

I swallowed hard. “H-hi,” I said. My voice came out barely above a whisper.

“Hello. You must be Ms. Malone. Tavia Jenkins, Jaiden’s mom.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She turned to Nayelli. “And you must be Nayelli,” she said with a smile. “Jaiden and Kerrion have told me all about you.”

Nayelli smiled. “These are for you,” she said, handing her the flowers.

“For me? Why thank you, baby.” Mrs. Jenkins pulled her in for a hug. “That’s so sweet!”

“Thank you for letting me come play with Jaden. Did you say you know Mr. K?”

His mother smiled. “Very well.” She pointed to the picture above the fireplace. “He’s my son.”

Nayelli’s eyes widened. “That means . . . you’re my grandma!”

“I am.” She cupped her face. “I am so happy to finally meet you, baby.”

Nayelli broke into tears, and she wrapped her arms around her grandmother. Ms. Tavia picked her up and hugged her tightly. They both cried as they embraced each other.