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“It’s been a while, right? Our photoshoot for the magazine was your last time in front of the camera.”
“I didn’t think this break would take as long as it has. I’m starting to wonder if my agency is soft firing me. They can’t be accused of kicking out the deaf, black girl, so they’re just slowly phasing me out.”
“We should find another agency.”
“Maybe.” Her brows knot tighter in concern. “Or maybe I’m jumping the gun and hurting myself more by being impatient.”
I pick up on what she’s not saying. Yaya doesn’twantanother agency. She wants to prove her worththere.
“How about a side-job?”
“Doing what?”
“Come model for me.”
“In what? Lingerie?” She gives me an indulgent little smile.
“Yes. Definitely yes. But that’s not what I meant.”
Her amusement is replaced by curiosity. “What did you mean then?”
“Ru-Carpsel is due a re-brand. We’ve got new designers. New facilities. We’re changing the name and giving the entire business a facelift. My team was floating around the idea of a pop-up show—”
“Yes,” she signs. Her eyes are bright and her body almost zings off the ground.
“I haven’t even asked you yet…”
“Whatever it is, even if it’s working backstage, I want to be around fashion again. I’m in.”
I smile and kiss her forehead. “Alright then. I’ll let my team discuss the details with you.”
Yaya is grinning from ear to ear and it feels like I just won a million bucks. Who knew it would be so easy to please her?
“Uncle Dare!” Talia runs back to us, smiling and munching happily on ice cream.
Yaya types on her phone and shows it to Talia.
Ready to pick up your stuff and go home with your uncle?
Talia nods enthusiastically.
Yaya’s smile is fond as she pinches Talia’s cheeks.
We pile into the car and José drives to Yaya’s house. Talia flies out first, eagerly disappearing through the front door.
Well okay then.
I turn to Yaya. “Since we’re here, should I head in and meet your parents?”
She pauses and thinks it over for so long, I wonder if she’s not ready to take that step. But finally, she offers a sober nod. “Yeah, I want you to meet my parents.”
Am I glad I showered before this.
I climb out of the car and wait for Yaya to join me. We’re walking up to the porch when a car door slams. I turn slightly, expecting to see Dejonae, Sazuki, or one of the other farmhouse people dropping in to visit Yaya.
My smile sharpens to a weapon when the intruder hustles over to us.
It’s Henry.