Chapter Thirty-One
“You have a permit yet?” Joshua and Reggie asked in unison.
Joi was sitting in Reggie’s backyard enjoying an afternoon lunch. She’d been in Chicago for four weeks, and yet felt like she’d been there all her life. Jerome Jr. and Renee were the only members of the Thomas family missing from the group. Renee was out of town, and Jerome Jr. said he had other plans. Even though he couldn’t make it, his wife and children were present.
“No,” Joi responded, chomping hard on her second spare rib. “My mother doesn’t have the patience to teach me.”
That was only partly true. Taylor wouldn’t allow Joi to get her permit because she didn’t trust teenagers driving on the streets of Philadelphia.
“Maybe I’ll give you some lessons before you leave,” Reggie said.
“I can show her,” Jerome interjected.
“You better stick to teaching her ball, Pop. You’re a much better coach than driver,” Reggie said, and the family laughed in agreement.
Jerome was a good coach. Since Joi had been there, he had shown her several good plays and helped her strengthen her versatility as a player. There would be no stopping her on the court when she returned for the new school year.
Joi’s cell phone vibrated against her leg. It was a text from Markus: Sorry about what happened. Really miss u. Joi slammed her cell closed.
“Let me guess. That was Markus,” Joshua said, and Joi confirmed his statement. “Later for that clown.”
Joi popped her brother’s leg. “Don’t say that. I was in love with him,” she joked.
“I better not catch him in a dark alley,” Jerome stated. “Nobody messes with my daughter.”
As the family finished lunch, Renee walked into the backyard with a handful of gifts. Everyone, especially Jerome, was surprised to see her. She was not due back in Chicago until Tuesday. She kissed her grandchildren then sat on the bench next to Zora and told the family about her latest business trip.
“Ready for your gifts?” she asked when she finished talking, and the kids cheered. Renee passed everyone large bags filled with trinkets.
Joi didn’t expect to receive anything and was surprised when Renee handed her a small gift bag. “Thank you,” Joi said and eagerly looked inside her bag. She pulled out three T-shirts, one from each of the cities Renee visited in Florida.
Joshua jumped up after looking at his watch. “We better leave, Joi. We’re gonna miss our train.”
“Where you headed?” Renee asked, clearly upset that Joshua was leaving.
“Joi and I are going downtown. She wants to do some shopping,” Joshua replied.
Joi attempted to put a smile back on Renee’s face. “I promise to bring him back,” she said, but Renee only half-smiled.
Joi and Joshua headed out the yard, and Reggie called after them. “Joi, I’ll pick you up after church and teach you how to drive.”
Having brothers felt good. “Okay, thanks for lunch.”
The last place Joi imagined she would be was in a long line waiting for popcorn. Joshua insisted she taste Chicago’s famous Garrett’s popcorn. It was ninety-two degrees, and after an hour, the line had grown midway down the block.
After two hours, they finally made it to the counter. Joshua ordered the cheese and caramel mix for both of them. It didn’t sound appealing, but once Joi tasted a few kernels, she was hooked. The popcorn was definitely worth the wait.
Joi was down to her last twenty dollars, but Joshua convinced her to walk to Navy Pier. They found a place to sit close to the water and watched the boats as they talked about life. Out of all the brothers, Joi was closest to Joshua.
They remained in the same spot until Joshua’s cell chimed. It was Renee, and she wasn’t happy. Joi and Joshua were having such a great outing that they hadn’t paid attention to the time.
“We have to meet her at the hotel,” Joshua said when he disconnected the call. “I don’t know why, but she’s mad. It’s not like I haven’t been downtown before.”
“It’s me,” Joi said. “I don’t think your mother likes me yet.”
“That’s not it,” replied Joshua. “She’s just overprotective.”
“Sounds like my mom,” Joi said and stood up. She prayed she didn’t get him into any trouble.
“Well, we better go.” Joshua threw away the soda he was drinking in the trashcan behind him.