Page 7

six

“B aby girl, I’m beginning to think you have a problem. This is the third day this week, you’ve had me bring you these damn wings and fries.” Wisdom fussed playfully, handing the bag to me.

“Did you get my extra sauce on the side?” I asked, peeking into the back to see if the cups of sauce were in there.

“You know I did. I don’t want your ass to be crying like you were last week.” He smirked as I dropped my head in shame. Lately, I’d been overly emotional about the simplest things. Food being the main thing.

“I’m not that bad.”

“Shit, tell that lie to somebody else. I don’t mind it, though. As long as you’re eating, that’s what matters.” Wise declared. My appetite has been fluctuating lately so he’d been trying his best to make sure I eat every day.

“What time is your doctor’s appointment?” He inquired, although I knew he had it on his schedule already because that’s just how he was. Anything that was important to me, he kept track of it.

“It’s at two o’clock, sir.” He nodded his head while looking at his phone. I couldn’t help but admire my husband’s handsome face. We’d been married for four months, and it had been the best experience of my life. We’d gone to the courthouse to make it official, and although Wisdom offered to give me a big wedding, it wasn’t what I wanted.

Just being his wife was enough for me, plus he’d taken me on the most amazing honeymoon in Tulum. We’d been adding so many stamps to our passports in the last year, and I was so grateful. Our immediate family was there to bless our union, so that was all I really needed. My father got to walk me down the aisle, so I still had all the memories to hold onto.

“Okay, I’m going to head back to the office. There are a couple of trucks that need inspection, so I’m going to get some work done then I’ll be back to pick you up. I love you, pretty mama.” He kissed my lips before heading out of the door of my shop.

Running my own lash and brow bar had always been a dream of mine, and thanks to my father and Wisdom, my dream had been made a reality. My father kept his promise and furnished my entire shop. Between him and Wise, I was spoiled rotten. There wasn’t a single thing I wanted that I couldn’t have, and I was eating it up.

“I love you, baby. I’ll see you later.”

“I love you more. Make sure you take it easy; I’m not playing with you either because you’re hardheaded as hell.” I giggled in response because I really was trying to do better with listening. I loved my career so much, so sometimes I work harder than I probably should have.

“Yes, daddy.”

“See, you want to play with me. I’ll take you to your office and have you hollering in front of all of your clients and staff.” My body started heating up because I would love nothing more than to feel my husband inside of me. He already knew I didn’t care where we were.

“You’re lucky I have a client coming in a few minutes because I love a good threat.” I teased, winking at him as he shook his head at me.

“Now I have to go back to work with a hard dick. You’re going to have to answer for this later on,” he warned.

“I can take it, baby.” I cooed, teasing him even more. He smirked at me because he knew exactly what I was doing.

“Yeah, I got something for that ass, fasho. I’ll be back for you later.” With that, he left out of the door. My next client was walking in right after him, so I got my stuff ready for her.

“Hey, Toots!” My mom greeted me as she headed towards me. I’d been doing her brows for years, so now that I had my own shop, she made it a point to schedule her bi-weekly visits.

“Hey, mama!” She kissed my cheeks and then stepped back to observe me. She’s been doing this a lot lately, and all I could do was chuckle.

“I see one of your men has brought you food.” She scoffed jokingly. Every time she came, either Wisdom or my daddy was here bringing me lunch.

“You sound real jealous, love. Don’t be mad at me because I’m a spoiled princess. I’ve been this way for a long time.” We both headed to the back, where my station was. I had a desk in there, so I was going to eat a little bit before I got started with her.

“I’m not jealous one bit because you deserve it. Better them than me,” she tittered. She could put on a front all she wanted, but she’d been another person who has been contributing to me being spoiled. Since Wisdom and I moved into our new place, she’d been coming over to help me set things up and decorate each room. We closed on our house eight months ago, and it still didn’t feel real to me.

Wisdom made sure to include me in all of the decision making, and I was so happy with the results. Our home included five bedrooms and three bathrooms. We also had a beautiful backyard with an in-ground swimming pool. There was an office space in the home for both of us whenever we decided to work from home as well.

I only ate a few wings because I wasn’t sure how my stomach would react to it. Lately, it had been hit or miss, and I couldn’t afford to be sick right now. I still had three more clients before I left for my appointment. My mom got herself settled on the bed so I could get started.

“How’ve you been feeling today? You never called me back to tell me whether the tea remedy helped you the other night?” She inquired.

“Today has been going pretty good so far, and the tea worked wonders. It didn’t smell the best, but it settled my stomach almost immediately.” My mom had given me one of our family’s old home remedies for an upset stomach, and I was so grateful.

“How have things been for you in the new place?”

Technically, it wasn’t a new place, but it was new for her. My mom had recently left my dad, and Wise offered her his condo for however long she wanted it. I didn’t believe it for one second, she’d last this long when she first told us she was leaving. I knew how much the two of them loved each other even in the midst of their dysfunction, so it surprised me to see her take these steps.

“It’s an adjustment. I love the idea of only having to feed myself, but I won’t lie and say it’s not lonely. Your father is all I’ve ever known, so being without him hasn’t been easy.” I knew exactly where she was coming from, and I was incredibly proud of her for standing up for herself.

“Has he reached out at all?” If I knew my father the way I think I do, he’s probably been blowing her lineup.

“Girl, the man will not give up. I made it clear to him that I’m not going to stay anywhere I’m not being appreciated. As much as I love Keso, I’m tired of accepting the bullshit that comes with him. If he wants to live life as a single man, then I’m going to grant him his wish.” I smirked because I knew my father was losing his mind. He knew exactly where she was, but she’d been standing her ground with him.

“Does this mean you’re filing for divorce, or are you going to give him a chance to change?” Even though I didn’t agree with the way my father treated my mother, the last thing I wanted was for them to separate permanently. I prayed my father would take heed of this warning and get his life together.

“I don’t know. Your father is my first and only love, so the idea of being done with him scares me. I just know I’m not willing to accept pieces of him. If he’s not willing to step up and be the man I need, I’ll have no choice but to find someone who will.” My mother had never uttered words like this before, so I knew she meant them.

“Do you really think Daddy is going to just let you go and move on with someone else?”

“If he doesn’t want it to be a reality, he’s going to have to put some action behind his words. I’m not settling for the bare minimum any longer.”

“All I want is for the two of you to be happy. Of course, I’d prefer it to be with each other, but I’m rooting for you either way. You deserve to be loved completely, and if Daddy isn’t willing to step up, then I guess I’ll have to get used to the idea of having a step father. Well, at least until my daddy gets rid of him.” I laughed although there was some truth to it. Keso Jackson was not about to sit back and watch another man take his place. At least not without a fight.

“You’re over there laughing because you know your father doesn’t have a lick of sense. I went on a dinner date with an old friend of mine, and your father popped up at the end of it. He put a pistol to that poor man’s head and had him pissing on himself. I was mortified. The poor man ran to his car and blocked me on everything.” It probably was wrong of me to laugh, but I couldn’t help myself. My dad was a true nutcase when comes to his family, but he brought this on himself.

“Omg, what did you do after the man left?” My father had called me last week and begged me to talk some sense into my mother, but he failed to elaborate on what happened. I know he told Wisdom because he told me he’d added a doorbell camera so he could keep an eye on the property. According to him, my father wanted to ensure my mother’s safety.

“What could I do? Your father is crazy as hell, so I let him take me home, and then I cussed him out. He acted as if I’d put a knife to his chest when, in reality, this is just his own little piece of karma.” One thing I’ve learned about men is that they can dish it out, but they can’t take it. My daddy cheated on my mother more than a little bit, but the idea of her going out to dinner sent him spiraling. It was exactly what he deserved if you ask me.

“He is something else. I pray this serves as the wake-up call he needed. I’m really proud of you for choosing you. I might be a daddy’s girl, but you’ll always be my favorite lady. You taught me how to be strong, and I really want to see you genuinely happy.” Neither of my parents were perfect, but they had raised me to be the strong, independent woman I am today.

“I love you so much, Toots. Seeing you come into your own this last year has encouraged me so much. I’m happy that we’ve gotten closer, and I get to be a part of your future. Happiness looks good on you. I guess, in a way, you motivated me to stand up for what myself. I want to experience a love that doesn’t hurt. One I can be proud of and feel protected in. I know your father loves me to an extent, but it’s not the kind of love I deserve.” Her revelation pricked my heart because I felt her pain. She’d given my father the best years of her life, so I couldn’t imagine what it felt like to feel as though you weren’t enough.

“You deserve everything that’s in your heart and I pray you receive it. Like I said before, I’m in your corner regardless of what you decide. I’m grateful for our relationship as well. I prayed for the days I could lay in your lap and get my head scratched like you used to do.” There’s nothing like having your mama play in your hair while y’all watched reality TV together.

That’s what I meant when I said she’d contributed to me being spoiled because every Sunday, I was on her couch after having dinner with the Grahams. She may not have been the best cook, but when it came to dessert, she’d been doing her thing. Any craving I had, she made sure to have it ready for me.

“Spoiled butt, you better enjoy it now because your time will be up before you know it,” she teased. My eyes rolled at her insinuation.

“If you think I’m letting anybody take my spot, you’ve clearly lost your mind.”

“You are ridiculous! I’m going to tell you the same thing I told Jalisa and your brothers. Once y’all make me a granny, y’all will no longer be the favorites.”

“Play with me if you want, mama. I fight kids, too. Ain’t nobody taking my spot from you or daddy. I don’t care who they are.” I meant every word because I wasn’t giving up my spot, at least not yet.

“You can live in a delusion all you want, my love, but I’m preparing you now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” My mama was lucky I took my job very seriously because I was tempted to wax her whole eyebrow off and send her out here looking crazy. After I finished with her, she held the mirror up to admire my work.

“Thank you, baby. You always get your momma together. Now I can go out into the world and find you a proper stepdaddy,” she proclaimed.

“Ha! We’ll see how that works out. You’re welcome, mommy. Make sure you send me pics once you get dressed tonight.” Her class reunion was tonight, and I already knew her fine ass was going to shut shit down. Serenity and I had helped her pick out her dress a few weeks ago. My momma had a shape that was out of this world, and her dress hugged every curve.

“I will. Serenity is coming to the house to do my makeup, so I’m going to grab something to eat and make sure I have all of my accessories laid out. I’m wearing heels, but depending on how the night goes, I might bring some slippers for later on. Rhonda mentioned something about an after-party, but I don’t know if I’ll last that long.”

“Go outside and throw that ass in a circle! Let your hair down a little bit!” I encouraged.

“And let your father knock me between the washer and dryer!”

“I thought you didn’t care about what my daddy thought?” I teased, knowing damn well her ass was lying.

“He’s still my husband even though I don’t like him at the moment. Plus, you know he has eyes everywhere, so his petty tail will probably pop up if I try to do too much.” I nodded in agreement because I knew before the night was over, he’d be popping up on her.

“Daddy is going to have to take this L like a man. He’ll be okay. The only thing you need to worry about is having a good time. Anything outside of that is not important.”

“Thank you, baby. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and videos. Make sure you text me the moment you leave your appointment. I wanted to know everything!” She squealed, wrapping her arms around me.

“I promise I will. I love you, mommy.”

“I love you more, Toots. Try not to stress; God has your back no matter what. Never forget that.” She looked me over once more before collecting her things. I never charged my mom for services, but she made sure to tip me every time. It didn’t matter how many times I told her it wasn’t necessary; she did it anyway. I walked her out before taking a small break

***