Permanent Resident at the Purse Table Read Online Free PDF Page B

with determined steps, she opened the car door, slid in, and looked at Ava as if she wanted to bring the phrase “cuss like a sailor” to life.
    Ava backed out of the driveway, not sure if she should say anything; but something in her needed more details. “So what does Ishmael have to say about your car?”
    â€œHe said something about meeting one of his club-promoting homeboys to pick up some flyers for a concert next week.”
    â€œMm-hmm.”
    â€œYeah, I know. I’m an idiot.” Rene rubbed her fingertips back and forth over her pant leg.
    â€œYou’re not an idiot. You trust him to do what he says he’s gonna do.” Even though he never does it.
    Rene’s shoulders elevated. “I guess. I’m just getting tired of plans changing. It’s always something. If it’s not baby momma issues, it’s the club promoting thing, or his janky car breaking down. Not to mention his momma. She’s a nice lady, but she stays in his business. I just don’t know if this is something I want to be married to for the rest of my life.”
    Recalling her prayer for Rene just twenty minutes earlier, Ava gave God an internal smile. “Well, do you know how much it will cost to get your car out?”
    â€œNot sure. But he said he’d pay me back. With interest.”
    â€œI’m sure he will.” Yeah, right. When had Ishmael ever paid her back for anything? He’d picked up the bill on frustration and aggravation many times over, but paying in cash was not his forte.
    Rene put her hand on top of Ava’s. “Please don’t say anything to Toni. I can’t take her right now. That’s why I didn’t say anything last night.”
    â€œLast night?” Ava frowned in confusion.
    â€œYes. I called him last night when we were leaving the club, and he told me.” Rene looked down at her fidgeting hands. “I was hot, but didn’t want to hear Toni’s mouth.”
    â€œI know you and Toni get into it every once in a while. But really, I think she’s just looking out for you.” Ava felt like a counselor. “Be it in her own outspoken, opinionated way, but she means well.”
    â€œWhatever your name for it is, she can work my nerves.” Rene used a roll of her neck to emphasize the important words. “And if she would’ve made one of her comments, I think I would’ve just snapped.”
    Maybe Ava was more like a referee. “I understand, but I really do think it comes from a good place.”
    Rene sighed. “I’m sure it does. But in that ‘good place’ you’re talking about, there’s also judgment. And she has no room to talk with the mess her own marriage is in.”
    Ava’s eyebrows jumped as she tucked her chin. “Okay. Let’s change the subject.”
    â€œI’ll leave it alone, but I just would like to note that you and I were fine back in college and you just had to bring her into our group.”
    â€œWell, Ms. Law School, you were always studying, so I had to have somebody to kick it with. Plus, like I said, she means well. She just needs to work on her delivery.”
    â€œYes, that’s true. She needs to deliver her opinions to someone else.”
    â€œAll righty then.” Ava cleared her throat. “I’m starving. You up for a bite to eat after we get your car?”
    â€œSure, why not?”
    The rest of the ride was in “I’m here for you, girl” silence. Ava didn’t want to press any more buttons. Rene’s fingers tapped her forehead as she looked to the sky, seemingly searching for answers. Ava knew if Rene wanted to talk she would. Rene was never short on words. The lawyer in her could always find something to say. But with gloom resting all over her face, words were scarce.
    After fifteen more minutes, Ava exited where the GPS told her to and followed its directions to the All City Towing Yard. She