Page 83 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming

“Sushi! Jelani’s being a boo-boo head,” Leticia yells.

Kofi stifles a laugh.

“Lettie don’t use that type of language. Remember, words can cause the people we love pain. And don’t yell. There’s no need to raise your voice. I’m here to listen to you.”

“Okay,” Lettie says.

“I’m sorry, Kofi. I was supposed to be taking a break while the kids have their snack, but Lettie found me.”

“No worries. Did she just call youSushi?”

“Yes, that’s what the two dumplings call me. The girls love it. They thought it was hilarious when I first told them.”

“They call me coffee.”

Suchi burst out laughing.

“What are your plans tonight?”

“You’re coming over to my place for dinner, and you’ll get to meet Ginger.”

“For real? I get to meet the famous Gingie?”

“Yep, and if things go well, you can meet my girls. They’re very curious about you.”

“I look forward to that.”

Suchi opensthe door and Kofi can’t help it; he pulls her over and kisses her. When they break apart, she’s grinning.

He hears the pitter patter of little feet, and then Ginger comes into view. He smiles and picks her up. She proceeds to lick his face.

“Hi, Ginger. I’m your new daddy. Yes, I am. Are you giving daddy kisses?”

“Sir.”

“Ma’am.”

“Who said you were her new daddy?”

“I did. You and I are a couple, Dr. Brown, and this isourbaby.”

The two get settled and make dinner together. On the menu is linguine alle vongole. Kofi makes that—at his insistence— while Suchi makes a salad and garlic toast.

“It sounds like you have to fix a lot of peoples tattoos.”

“Let me tell you, girl. Between drunken mistakes, break ups and artists who cannot spell …” Kofi says making Suchi laugh.

“You’re swimming in clients,” she says.

“Drowning.” He lets out a soft chuckle.

“I imagine it’s not that different from being a hairdresser. People seek therapy from folks whose job takes time. Talking is inevitable and getting personal is, too.”

“This is true. My previous job called for me to listen a lot, too.”

“What did you do before tattooing?”

“Um, I?—”