Part 23 – Smile and Wave
Two days had passed since Jordy had stopped by, and Deon had thought of little else since.
Funny how all the right words come to you when it's too late to say them, he thought.
He'd picked up his phone to text her so many times and changed his mind just as many.
Nothing he said now would feel right. The words he'd said in the moment were what he meant to say—it just hadn't come out as smooth as he'd liked.
His head was swimming, but there wasn't much time to be lost in thought. Not today.
Today was the day. Sierra had asked him to tag along to meet an old friend of her dad's, and she'd been radio silent ever since. He didn't like that. He was also supposed to see Amina later tonight—she'd texted last night saying her flight would be landing early, so she was probably already in town.
That thought cleared his head. Amina was something to look forward to. The texts and late-night calls had been nice, but holding her in his arms again would be something else entirely.
After a shower and getting dressed, he got a message from Sierra: an address to a hotel. It wasn't close, so he decided to leave early. Better to be the first one there. He hated walking into rooms where all eyes turned toward him.
He arrived about twenty minutes ahead of schedule and took a seat in the lounge. The space was quiet, no other guests in sight.
His mind drifted—back to Jordy. She'd probably be finishing her morning run right about now. Then a shower, a light breakfast... weekday routine. Her girlfriends would be at work, and he'd typically still be asleep, so—
"Maybe she's painting," he muttered to himself.
She was an artist when she wasn't freeloading at his place. A good one, too. It had been her minor back in college.
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Deon? What are you doing here?"
Energetic, warm, and bright. He knew it instantly.
He stood up, smiling. "Well, I was here to meet a friend—but now I'm happier to see you."
Amina didn't hesitate. She leapt into his arms, and just like that, it felt like his soul thawed. His muscles loosened. His breathing evened out.
This—this felt like home.
She sighed into his neck. "I'm not dreaming, right?"
"Even if you are, do you want to wake up?"
"...Not yet." She hugged him tighter.
After a long moment, they let go. She took his hand in hers, fingers lacing naturally.
"There's this little shop we passed on the way in," she said, smiling. "I'd love to stop there with you later."
"Wherever you go, I'll follow."
"Don't follow," she teased. "Stand next to me."
"Hand in hand."
"Shoulder to shoulder," she said, pressing close again.
Someone cleared their throat behind her.
"Do you two need some privacy?"
Amina froze and spun around, still holding Deon's hand.
"Uh... Mom, this is—um... this is Deon. He's—"
Deon gave her a reassuring smile, then turned to the woman and extended his free hand.
"Deon, ma'am. I met Amina abroad. She's my... everything."
Amina's face went crimson, but she didn't shy away. Her body language said more than words could.
The woman took his hand. "That's bold. A man should say what he wants. Stacey Banks. Amina's mother."
"That makes sense," Deon said with a grin. "Beauty must run in the family."
"You're a charmer, aren't you?"
"Nah. Just an inarticulate guy. If I don't say it straight, it comes out weird."
"Honesty isn't a bad thing, young man," Stacey said softly, a bittersweet look in her eyes.
"I once knew a boy a lot like you."
"Oh yeah? Hope things turned out well for him." He didn't want to pry. There was a quiet pain behind her words.
"So do I," she murmured, not really to him.
"Sorry, Deon, but we should get going. We're supposed to be meeting someone."
"No problem. I'm waiting on someone myself." He squeezed Amina's hand. "See you later?"
"As soon as I'm done here," she promised, turning to follow her mom.
"Stacey? Is that you?"
The voice came from across the lobby—deep, familiar, and full of disbelief.
Stacey froze mid-step.
Deon knew that voice too. So did she.
Juan.
He moved across the room, almost gliding straight toward her.
Deon stepped in before he could reach her.
"Mr. Juan! Good to see you." He reached out for a handshake.
Juan blinked in confusion. "Deon? What are you doing here? And how do you know Stacey?"
"I don't, really. I know her daughter. I'm, uh... getting to know her. Amina."
Amina smiled and gave a small wave.
Juan nodded slowly. "How do you know them?" Deon asked.
"Well—" Juan began.
"Deon!"
Sierra's voice cut through the air. She rushed over and jumped into his arms.
Déjà vu, he thought.
"Hey, Si. We're in public—ease up a bit."
She buried her face in his neck. "Just a little longer."
"Your dad's here," he said gently, peeling her off.
She blushed, his words pulling her back to reality.
Deon's eyes darted between Sierra and Amina... and then to Stacey.
His brain stuttered. They really do look alike.
"Uh—" was all he managed.
Sierra noticed Amina. "You're here?" she said, glaring slightly.
"I am. With my mom," Amina said, giving Stacey a small nod.
"You two know each other?" Juan asked.
"Not really," they both said at the same time.
Juan sighed. "Well, that might make this easier."
"What are you talking about, Dad?" Sierra asked warily.
Stacey turned to face her. She stopped just one step short and took a slow, trembling breath.
"Um... hello?" Sierra said, confused.
"Hello. I wanted to meet you," Stacey said. Her voice was steady but fragile. "And I'm sorry it took this long. It's... complicated. But I'm here now."
Deon instinctively stepped back, trying to fade into the background. He could feel what was coming—and it made his blood run cold.
"I'm sorry, you're not making any sense," Sierra said with a nervous laugh.
Stacey took another deep breath. "I'll just come out and say it. I'm your mother."
"Huh? My what? That can't be—I have a mom!" Sierra turned to Juan.
"Tell her, Dad!"
But the look on his face said everything.
The truth landed like a punch.
Sierra's knees gave out. She collapsed to the floor.
"Hold on—Mom! What are you talking about?!" Amina shouted.
"Amina," Juan said softly, "I'm sorry."
She turned on him, eyes wide. "Do I know you?"
"No," Juan said, his voice shaking. "But believe me, I wish it wasn't like this. I'm your father. My name is Juan."
Amina stumbled back, hiding behind Deon. "I have a dad. A good man. My mom would never cheat on him. This has to be some kind of sick joke."
"Mina," Deon said, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. "I don't think this is a prank. Look at Sierra. Look at your mom. Even I can't deny the resemblance. You two are practically twins."
"Exactly," Juan and Stacey said in unison.
They exchanged a faint, guilty smile.
"What?" Amina and Sierra echoed, eyes darting between them.
Deon exhaled, running a hand down his face.
"Fuck," he muttered.