Grandmother’s Table

Chapter One

She pulled over at the front of her house. It was raining, that misty light rain showering the sidewalk. The back window was rolled down, so that Kobe, her four year old Labradoodle, could hold his head out the window.

She had to finish this text. She would send it, he would think she was crazy, say “Okay” or maybe put up some resistance. But ultimately he would leave. She’d tested him enough. If he couldn’t get past her whirlwind of thoughts, emotions and high expectations, how could he manage the father of her children?

Ahmad would have to believe her. He would have to trust her, if they were to ever have anything more. Taliah couldn’t help but push him away, so she tapped away…

I feel like I wanna end things with us. I am so triggered by small things. When I’m with you things are so awesome then after a few days I’m anxious. This could be for many reasons, but would primarily include the marriage I was in. That’s why I have gone back to therapy.

Nonetheless, I thought that aspect of feelings would go away this second time around with you. I felt I could handle this type of relationship with you. And really I can’t. So, I find myself in the same space as before.

You have been so patient and gracious with me. How I behaved at the party was very embarrassing. And at the same time reminded me of how I was treated for many years. I felt like I became the person who hurt me so badly.

Is this dramatic? Yes, but my feelings be so strong. Anyways, you’re living the single childless life and it’s like your friend said…I have baggage. It doesn’t feel like baggage to me since everyone has some, but I get it. I can’t do the limbo thing with you, even though that’s what people do nowadays. It’s stressful and as much as I want you, I don’t want to be stressed. Maybe I’m archaic and an anti-feminist but this is not for me. This literally makes me feel crazy.

Should she send it? Before he had cancelled their plans together, Taliah was already on edge. These guys were either crazy, ridiculous or boring. Dating felt like being greased up with Aquafor and pushed down a 100ft metal slide. Just today, she dropped two serial texters within the last four hours.

But she felt better now. Maybe she’d save the message and talk to him about her feelings later. Ahmad had a rough day and since he’d told her that he’d be out of touch the next few days, she saved it in her notes and texted,

Hope you have a better night.

She felt like a dumbass.

unforgettable

what a wild trip around the sun

when i began this adventure

the goal was singular

to satisfy my appetite

many lessons learned

i cringe when thinking about the burn

never had this stage of life

throwing caution to the wind and taking flight

who knew this cliff could be so high

now addicted to the thrill knowing i survived

how again will i cheat death

gale force winds to take my breath

to kiss you once again

feel the softness of your skin

roll over with laughter

as we dance in the livingroom

hips rolling, vibes flowing

light the green

set the scene

another round of you and me

i wonder this time

where we’ll be

The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1) Review

The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1)The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dragons, magic, war, revenge and resistance against classism? Who can resist? I enjoyed this book and Winter’s writing style. The magic system is unique where Tau has the unlikely ability of the “gifted” to transport himself to the underworld and battle demons. Winter didn’t delve too deeply into the magic system and we learn, alongside Tau, more about its origins and effects on the world around him. This book has a little bit of everything and it was dope to read another fantasy novel with people of color. Excited for the next installment!

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Catwoman: Soulstealer Book Review

Catwoman: Soulstealer (DC Icons, #3)Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

As a low key SJM fan, I was pretty excited for this book. SJM did a great job introducing us to to the main character and right on up until Catwoman met her love interest. I was all the way in. Respect for Maas addressing racial profiling and implicit bias in law enforcement. Thank you queen 👑. After that though, my interest in the book totally waned and I found myself struggling to finish. Perhaps DC stories are better told on screen or in a comic/graphic novel. The rest of the plot was run of the mill DC and despite SJM’s efforts, I couldn’t stay connected. Perhaps that’s no fault of the writer an more about the cheesiness and predictability of these plots. Had this been her own original novel, I’m pretty sure she would have amped this up a bit more.

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The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles, #1) Book Review

The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles, #1)The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have ever given a book one star. Just one. LOL I really felt like this book kept trying to go somewhere but it never made it to its destination. Mind you, I did not even finish this book. Maybe because I am not a “young adult”. I could not endure reading angst and pains of youth and subpar writing. I read about a third of this book and I just cant. So I gave up. Forgive me guys, but maybe this author needed a better editor cuz…yikes.

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