Free Permanent Resident at the Purse Table by Keisha Bass Page A

Ishmael took a seat on the couch as Ava disappeared into her room. It was too late to be playing counselor for the struggling couple. She would do her best to help him and send him on his way. Her day had been stressful enough without adding Ishmael and Rene’s issues.
    When she returned in shorts and a T-shirt, he stood up. “Thank you for letting me in. I’ve been to her house, her office, and her parents’ home. I even went to 24 Hour Fitness. You know she likes to work out when she gets upset. I’ve called her I don’t know how many times and she won’t answer.” He seemed on the verge of tears. Or maybe an angry breakdown. Ava couldn’t be sure which way he was headed.
    She put her hand up. “Start from the beginning. What did you do?”
    â€œWe got into it earlier over her car being towed.”
    â€œY’all were making up when I left you at the mall.”
    â€œYeah, well, everything was cool then, but when we went to my mom’s house to drop her car back off, Rene found some mail with Shanice’s address.”
    â€œAnd let me guess. That’s where you were when her car got towed?” Idiot.
    He looked down at his feet. “I went to pick up Li’l Man, and I didn’t want to tell Rene because I knew she’d get upset.”
    â€œHow’d that work out for you?”
    â€œDang, Ava. I know, but you don’t have to be so cold.”
    â€œSorry, that’s the wine talking. Would you like some?”
    â€œNo, thanks. I’m good.”
    â€œLet me get my phone and try to call her.” Leaving him in the living room, she searched among the pile of her unmentionables. After she found her phone, Ava picked up the glass of wine and returned to Ishmael, who was staring at his phone.
    â€œCrap! She will not pick up.” He threw his cell on the couch along with his red and blue Houston Texans hat. “Ava, did you call yet?”
    â€œYep, same thing. It goes straight to voicemail.”
    â€œI mean, doesn’t she know how I feel about her? I can’t control what Shanice does or doesn’t do. It’s all about Li’l Man for me.”
    â€œShe’s hurt right now. Give her time. You sure you wouldn’t you like something to drink? Wine, water, coffee?”
    â€œNo, I’m fine.”
    Ava moved into the kitchen to put her glass in the sink. As she stepped from the carpet to the tile, the glass slipped out of her hand, shattering on the floor. “Dat gum it!”
    Ishmael rushed to the doorway. “You all right?”
    â€œYeah, I’m okay. I’ve obviously had too much to drink.”
    â€œLet me help you.” He stepped over the mess and grabbed the broom from the corner of the kitchen. As he swept the broken pieces of glass, Ava took the paper towel roll off the metal holder and soaked up the wine.
    She looked up at him. He was so quick to run to her aid. “I wish I had somebody to chase after me.”
    â€œWhat about X?”
    â€œHe’s not what I want. He puts me down every chance he gets.”
    Ishmael raised the dustpan off the floor. “Puts you down? For what?”
    â€œDepends on the day.” She sighed. “But mostly my weight.”
    â€œAva, you are beautiful inside and out. Don’t ever believe anything different. I know guys like him. They don’t amount to much. I’m surprised you don’t have a line of men at your door.”
    She laughed. “Thanks, but I’d need to lose fifty pounds first.” Maybe more.
    â€œNo, you don’t. Quit putting yourself down.” He smiled and emptied the glass out of the dustpan into the trash. “Believe me, if I wasn’t with Rene, I’d try to holla.”
    Ava smiled and tossed the wet paper towels in the wastebasket he held out for her. After putting everything back in its place, they made room at the sink for one another to wash their hands. Reaching for the