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“No problem.”

“Make sure to include any extra time you have to put in for them and charge full price for everything. No friends discount.”

“I’ve never had a client tell me that.”

“They have the money, and it’s written in my contract that I get to pick the contractor. Now, tell me you can give me what I want.”

I can give her whatever she wants. How and when she wants it. I could give it to her here in the middle of this coffee house. Sin ningun tipo de verguenza.

But she’s not talking about my dick. And that’s not going to happen anyway. This is going to stay strictly professional because there’s too much at play. And if yesterday and today were any evidence, this could get way too messy.

I don’t do messy…anymore.

FROM THE HEART

By Bougie Girl

Finding the perfect gift for a loved one is often a nightmare. I always have trouble identifying what is meaningful and will occupy space in their home or life as opposed to getting regifted or ending up in storage. I also like to see their faces when I give them something meaningful. I pride myself on putting way too much thought into it. For example, my brother is getting married, and I needed to think of a gift for him and one for my soon-to-be sister. They’re both so special to me and so different from each other. A his-and-hers type of thing wouldn’t work. Chase is a giant hulk of a guy who enjoys rough sports and stocks (gag). Lauren is all about beautifying people and the world around her (heart emoji). I’ve been searching and researching for months for something to convey the meaning of the occasion. My brother is marrying the love of his life — the first girl he ever loved and the one he never forgot no matter how far away from her he was — and that in itself is inspiring.

Can you imagine being loved so instantly and furiously that it conquers distance, hurt, and past trauma? Can you imagine a love so strong that it lived dormant for years only to awaken at first sight all over again? I couldn’t if I had not seen it twice, with both of my brothers, and as someone who loves them, it means the whole world to me. It also gives me hope that someday it will happen for me too. Like Emily Dickinson’s quote, “Not knowing when the Dawn will come, I open every Door.”

I’m going to let the possibilities bloom like peonies in the spring.

Anyway, back to the presents for the bride and groom, I finally settled on two objects that I think represented their history, their present, and our hope as a family for the future. The two pieces capture my feelings and give us a new mantra as our family multiplies. As I wrapped my gifts today, I wondered if I was making too much of it, but when I thought of the symbolism, of what I’m going to say to them, my eyes welled up. And yes, it could be because I’m super sentimental, but it’s also because the gifts feel right in my heart.

That’s all for me today. I leave you with two questions:

Are you like me with special gifts, or do you just want to check the box of “I got you something,” and they can feel free to return or regift it? We #listen and we #dontjudge if you’re the latter.

Are you leaving every door open for the possibility of dawn?

XoXo

The Bougie One

8

Lux

I reread the words again and again, looking for places where I can improve or cut.

Is it too trivial? I don’t want to say what I got Lauren and Chase. My brother’s gift is obscenely expensive, and I would never want my readers to feel like they have to get something expensive for it to be meaningful.

The one I got Lauren is not as expensive right now, but it’s a one-of-a-kind piece that I hope she will love. I had it designed especially for her. It’s a fierce warrior, in head gear and glorious hair, but in heels.

I look up at the digital clock in my home office, and I’m shocked. It’s almost time for me to go. The bridal party is supposed to meet at four so we can head to the venue together ahead of tomorrow’s wedding. I hit save on my blog and send it to Mimi, my editor. She’ll have lots of input. Mostly, she’ll want me to share what I got them, but that’s not the point of the article. She’ll just have to be mad at me.

After ensuring the email is sent, I run to my bedroom, comb my hair into a messy bun, and slip into a $7 black bodysuit, $10 white joggers, and $50 pointy-toed pumps from Autumn Lush. I pair my outfit with teardrop faux-emerald earrings to stand out against my soft brown bob and bring out my eyes. The crown piece is my Chanel 19 Large Stitch Bag. It adds a touch of cohesiveness to the outfit. It also elevates the look.

I’ve just finished applying eyeliner, when my phone rings. I rush to it, thinking it may be Lauren needing me to pick up something, but it’s not.

Marilyn’s name appears on the screen, and my hand freezes halfway in the air. I can always let it go to voicemail, but with the wedding being tomorrow, I don’t dare. You never know what’s in my mother’s head and when she decides to get scandalous, especially since she’s not invited.

I sigh and answer.

“Luciana, I’ve been calling you all day.”

I inspect the lining of my lips. “My phone was off. I was working.”