Page 65 of Tangled Emotions

Big E hung out in the window listening in.

“I see.” I took another drink. “Do you have someone in mind?”

Nodding, he stirred cream into his coffee until it’s almost white and took a drink. “I do.”

“Yo, homeboy, who you tryna’ set your mama up with?”

“I got someone in mind.” He waved his hands at his uncle. “Don’t you worry.”

“Who?”

Yeah. Who?

“You sound like an owl.” Matt deadpanned and then looked back at me. “This is where I need your help.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Well. You’re a man. I’m a man. How would a man go about setting up a date?” His little face was serious, and I brought my hand up to hide my smile.

I cleared my throat. “Can you cook?”

“Um. Yeah.” He nodded. “I can make some good things.”

“You could always invite the man over for dinner and then surprise your mom with dinner being made.” I coughed. “And a date.”

“Oh. That’s a good idea.” He nodded.

Big E came through the doors with a plate of nachos, and I looked at the boy. “Matthew, I think you might be wrong about your family.”

“Wrong about what?” Big E leaned back on the counter.

“He didn’t think you would help him with this?” I smiled as I popped a loaded chip into my mouth.

“That’s because you guys always tell me I’m just a kid. And it’s not my business.” Matthew frowned.

“Matt, I’m going to point out the obvious here. You are a kid.” I took another healthy bite of my food.

“Well, I know that.” He shrugged. “I’m only nine years old. But at home I’m the man of the house. I really want a dad.” His eyes looked up at his uncle and I saw my friend melt.

“Little man.” Big E smiled. “I think my sister and you deserve a good man.” He sighed. “I’m sorry you felt you couldn’t talk to me.”

“It’s okay, Uncle E.” Matthew licked his lips, looking at my nachos.

“You want some?” I pushed the plate towards him.

“Thanks, Doc.”

“Mattie, if you got a dad wouldn’t he be the man of the house?”

“I see your point.” He tapped his finger on his lips, thinking. “I think … if he was a good dad, I could be okay with that. Then he could take out the trash.”

Evelyn came back out front. “Need refills?”

“Aunt Evie, you’re a woman.”

“Uh, just noticing that?” She motioned down her body.

“No, silly. What day of the week do you like for dating?”