Lessons From a Younger Lover by Zuri Day

with the mental right now.”
    â€œBut she’s cool now, right?”
    â€œYes, thank goodness. I called her just before leaving the house. She’s glad you’re coming. She still sounds pretty weak and groggy, but the doctor believes something as simple as antibiotics may cure whatever ailed her.”
    â€œThen why are they transferring her to LA?”
    â€œTo be absolutely sure, Robert.” Gwen knew her brother kept asking because he was scared. Out of all the children, his and Lorraine’s had always been the closest relationship, even closer than hers. She put a hand on his shoulder. “They’re just wanting to be on the safe side, eliminate all other possibilities. But our mama is going to be fine. I mean, they’re still working to slow the progression of the dementia, but these tests will even help in how to deal with that.”
    Robert nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. “I can’t wait to see her, that’s all. Then I’ll feel better.” After another moment, she saw his shoulders visibly relax. “So how’s my old girl Chantay doing? You called her last night, right?”
    â€œThis morning. And what can I say, Chantay is still Chantay.”
    â€œI told you to call her last night, Gwen. You know she would have driven down so you could have some support. You can be so bullheaded sometimes.”
    â€œIt’s all good, little brother. I ended up talking to Ransom and then afterward I fell asleep.” Gwen probably wouldn’t have shared this information with anyone else, but with Robert she felt safe, free to let her guard down.
    Robert took his eyes off the road to glance at Gwen. “How’d you and he hook up anyway?”
    â€œWe’re not hooked up , as you say,” Gwen retorted, surprised to find that her guard was down but not all the way gone. “He helps out Miss Mary with odd jobs around her house, and was there when Mama passed out. I told you this when we talked last night.”
    They were silent for several miles before Robert spoke again. “We are talking about Adam Johnson’s half-brother, right?”
    Now it was Gwen’s turn to stare at Robert. “Why didn’t you tell me you knew him when I mentioned him last night?”
    Robert cast a questioning glance at his sister. “Because I don’t, not really.”
    Gwen never considered Robert a source of information. Now she was all ears. “Tell me what you know about him.”
    â€œJust that he’s a product of their mother’s second marriage. His father is Native American, and I’m pretty sure the parents are still together. Phillip told me.”
    â€œPhillip Burns? Not the Phillip Burns who got caught screwing y’all’s art teacher his senior year!”
    Robert laughed. “The one and only.”
    Gwen shook her head. “I didn’t know you and Phillip stayed in touch.”
    â€œWe lost touch for a while, but reconnected at the fifteen-year reunion.”
    â€œSo how does he know Ransom?”
    â€œHis niece and Ransom went to school together.”
    â€œNiece? How old is she?”
    â€œTwenty-five, six, something like that.”
    Gwen’s mind whirled. Yet one more reason any romantic thoughts about Ransom were inappropriate: she was almost old enough to be his mother!
    â€œSo Ransom and Phillip’s niece dated?” Gwen asked.
    â€œThat’s why his niece was all upset during that weekend I was back here. She secretly liked Ransom and hoped he would break up with his girlfriend. That’s how his name came up. Instead, she found out the girl was pregnant.”
    Will the surprises about this man ever end? “Ransom has a child?”
    Robert shrugged. “Far as I know. But that’s about all I know, sis, that and the fact that there’s not too much love lost between Ransom and his brother. Phillip says the dude’s all suave and what not,