Read Online When Solomon Sings by Kendra Norman-Bellamy - Free Book Online Page B

outside frigid temperatures.
    The shock of seeing her had slowed Shaylynn’s movements, but she managed to return Ella’s hospitable smile. That must have been why Neil’s SUV was parked in the driveway instead of the garage. His mom’s car must have been there. When Neil called and asked if she would allow him to take Chase to his house after school, and then she join them for dinner later, Shaylynn was under the impression that it would be just the three of them.
    â€œHi, Ms. Ella Mae.” Shaylynn loved Neil’s mother; she just didn’t expect to see her. It had taken her some time to get used to calling her Ms. Ella Mae. When Shaylynn first met Eloise Mae Flowers Taylor as a decorating client, she became accustomed to calling her Ms. Flowers while Chase called her Ms. Eloise. It wasn’t until she began dating Neil that she tagged the name on his mother that the rest of the family used when addressing her.
    Ella always offered the warmest greetings. “Give me a hug, baby. How you been?”
    â€œBusy, but fine. It’s so good to see you.” While she accepted the hug that Ella offered, Shaylynn’s eyes scanned the space for any signs of her son.
    â€œGood to see you too. It’s nice and warm in here, so let me take that.” Ella reached for Shaylynn’s full-length navy blue coat. When Shaylynn removed it and handed it to her, Ella stepped back in admiration. “You looking mighty, mighty pretty this evening, but then again, you always look pretty.”
    â€œThank you.” A timid smile stretched Shaylynn’s lips, and she arbitrarily ran her fingers through her signature braids that cascaded over her shoulders.
    â€œI don’t know if I’ve ever seen you in all white before,” Ella remarked as she hung Shaylynn’s coat on the rack near the door. “Is that new?”
    Shaylynn reached up and touched the cowl neckline of the sweater dress that she wore, then gently fingered the silver chain of the necklace that was largely hidden by the thick fabric. Technically the dress wasn’t white; the color was closer to cream. Shaylynn pondered for a moment, wondering what Neil’s mother would think if she told her that she’d just bought it today ... just for Neil. Consciously, and sometimes subconsciously, Shaylynn found herself often wearing beige, ivory, taupe, and other neutral colors along that line when she was around Neil. Ever since she found out that they were among his favorites. Even the decor of his house reflected his choice colors. “I bought it not too long ago,” she finally answered, “but this is my first time wearing it.” Shaylynn released a soft sigh, relieved that she could tell the whole truth without telling the whole truth.
    â€œOooh,” Ella sang out. “And look at them shoes!”
    Robotically, Shaylynn looked down at her three-inch-heeled Anne Klein boots. The stretch material hugged her legs all the way up to the calves, and their shade of cream matched the dress’s to perfection. She’d complemented the entire ensemble with dangling pearl earrings and an oversized silver, flower-like ring with pearl accents that she wore on the middle finger of her left hand. Shaylynn had been pretty proud of herself when she gave her image a final once-over before leaving her home to head to Neil’s, but now, as she looked at Ella’s casual top and slacks, Shaylynn felt overdressed and suddenly self-conscious.
    â€œYou have a seat right over there, and make yourself comfy.” Ella pointed at Neil’s tan leather couch.
    Shaylynn smoothed the back of her dress as she sat down, but making herself comfortable wasn’t as easy, and her self-consciousness wasn’t the only reason. She was still getting accustomed to allowing her son to be in places that she wasn’t. Where was Chase? “Is Solomon here?” Shaylynn figured she’d ask that question instead