Blessings From the Father by Michelle Larks

eagerly tore open the bag and munched on the snack. She took a pad of paper out of her purse and added grocery shopping to her to-do list. When she finished eating, Mariah relaxed her body against the back of the sofa, and thought about her day. She focused on Rosemary declining to move to Hammond, and then meeting Carson. She had to admit she felt a spark of attraction between them. He was very handsome, a pretty boy turned man. She had sworn off pretty boys a long time ago. They were way too much work. She wondered if he was interested in her for herself, or because of the money he must have known that she had inherited. “Only time will tell,” she told herself.
    Mariah looked at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. She noted it was nearly ten o’clock. She picked up her cordless phone off the end table and dialed Sonyell’s number.
    â€œWhat took you so long to call? I was getting ready to put on my clothes, get Sasha to the car, and drive out there,” Sonyell scolded her friend after she answered the telephone.
    â€œI talked to Carson for a little while. I was starving, so I ate the snacks I bought. I changed clothes and made a bed on my new leather sofa. Thank God, it was delivered today. So I’m just getting around to calling you.”
    â€œGood. I really was worried, Mari. I’m glad everything turned out okay. You really took a chance depending on a stranger for help. He could have been a crazy.”
    â€œHe turned out to be a godsend. Can you believe he actually knew my father? You know I’m going to pick his brain.”
    â€œHmm, is that so? Do you plan on seeing him again?” Sonyell tried to keep the excitement out of her voice. She sat upright in the bed.
    â€œWell, we have a date of sorts on Sunday.”
    â€œYou don’t waste time.” Sonyell cackled. “What do you mean by a date of sorts? Either you do or you don’t.”
    â€œI guess we do,” Mariah said wonderingly. “We definitely do.”
    â€œCool beans. It’s about time you got out and tested the waters again.” Sonyell lay back in the bed.
    â€œI don’t know about this, Sonni. He knows that Harold Ellison is my father. He spotted the resemblance. How do I know that he likes me for me and not for the money I inherited?”
    â€œYou don’t. You’re a smart woman, you’ll figure it out. I’ve got to go. I have to go to work early in the morning. Since I gave my month’s notice, they have found a million things for me to do before I leave. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Oh, did you call Granny?” Sonyell turned off the light on her nightstand.
    â€œNo, I didn’t. I thought it was too late, that she was probably asleep. I’ll call her in the morning.”
    â€œYou know that you’re wrong. She called here earlier looking for you. I told her I would have you call her. Now, would you please do that?”
    â€œI’ll think about it. Good night, Sonni. Thanks for having my back.”
    â€œThat’s what sista/friends are for. Sleep tight.”
    The women hung up. Mariah held the cordless phone in her hand indecisively for a few minutes. Then she dialed Rosemary’s number.
    The older woman didn’t sound like she been asleep. “Mari, I’ve been sick with worry. Why didn’t you call me sooner? Where are you?” Rosemary asked tensely.
    â€œI’m all right. I decided to stay in Hammond tonight. I had car trouble. I just got here a little while ago.”
    â€œPraise God, you’re okay. I’m sorry you’re upset with me for not moving with you. But, I feel my decision is the right one for both of us.”
    â€œI think I would feel better if you moved out the projects. Why won’t you at least let me buy you a house? You could stay in Chicago, but just not in the projects.”
    â€œI don’t want you to spend your money on me, Mari. I am independent and I