Page 14 of The Killer Cupcake (Poison Cherry #3)

"I'm sorry, okay?" Janey touched Kathy’s cheek gently, her voice softening.

"I forget sometimes why Brenda gave you the soft life up there in Harlem instead of the one she and I endured.

Sometimes it's good to be a dreamer, Kathy. Dreams are what make it bearable to be a black woman in this world. You chose a hard path. You done lied to Big Mama and your folks by coming here. You ain’t innocent.

You know what we Elliot girls are. Stop pretending you different.

If you want Carmelo, dreams won't be enough anymore. Understand?"

"Did you go to Harlem? Did you kill DeMarco the consigliere, Auntie?" Kathy asked quietly.

Janey lowered her hand. "We can talk about that later. First, see Willa. See what being married to the mob can do for you and that girl you care about.”

Janey turned on her heel and walked away.

When Kathy stepped into the parlor, she stopped abruptly at the sight before her.

Willa stood gracefully from the velvet settee, transformed so completely that she bore only the faintest resemblance to the timid sharecropper's daughter who had arrived in the Tremé.

Her rich, dark skin glowed from the pampering, polished to a magnificent ebony sheen through care and proper nourishment.

Her hair, previously hidden beneath worn scarves, now framed her face in sophisticated waves that caught the afternoon light like spun black silk.

Willa wore a spring dress of soft lavender, made of satin, that complemented her complexion beautifully.

The expert tailoring celebrated her natural bosom and slender waist, with the skirt redefining her feminine lower curves.

Delicate pearl earrings caught the gentle sunlight filtering through the lace curtains, while cream-colored leather pumps gave her an air of refined confidence.

Subtle makeup enhanced rather than masked her features, bringing out the intelligent warmth in her dark eyes and the generous curve of her smile.

This wasn't a changed Willa—this was Willa revealed, an empress finally given the center stage she'd always deserved.

“Oh my, Willa,” Kathy breathed in wonder.

Willa smiled. “Look at me, Kathy. Just look at me!”

“I ain't never seen anyone more beautiful,” Kathy whispered. “Ever.”

Willa burst into tears, overwhelmed with joy. Kathy rushed forward, and they hugged tightly, bouncing and squealing happily.

“Your aunt is an angel, Kathy! This place is unreal. I went to a salon just for us Black women, where they sat us in chairs and pampered us. They served tiny sandwiches with no crust, and tea in fancy cups like at Ms. Lottie's house. They bathed me, rubbed oils into my skin until I smelled like flowers.” She released Kathy and walked to her reflection in the window, astonished. “I’m beautiful. Truly beautiful.”

“Yes, you are,” Kathy agreed warmly.

“I can’t ever go back, Kathy. Ever. This place was made for us—for Coloreds. We should stay. Nothin in Butts to go home to. The Tremé is the sweet life!”

Kathy blinked, her stomach tightening anxiously.

This wasn’t the plan. Yes, she wanted Willa to experience the joy and dignity she’d never known back home, where she was treated barely better than the mules on the farm.

But she had promised the Jensens she’d bring Willa back safely and assured Big Mama no trouble would come to Willa.

Though they'd offered Willa little in her life but labor and chores, the Jensens’ attachment to Willa’s gentle spirit ran deep, having reared her since she was six or seven.

“Willa, let’s not think about that right now. We just got here. There’s so much to see and do.”

Willa grinned brightly, pointing to the opposite side of the room, which was filled with shopping bags and boxes. “I’m nervous to open them. Aunt Janey said to throw away my old suitcase. I ain’t never had a real present before in my life.”

Kathy took Willa’s hand and guided her toward the pile. “Well, welcome to Christmas, then. Let’s see what you got.”

After several minutes of admiring pretty dresses and evening wear, the parlor door opened abruptly. Both girls quickly stood.

Carmine Boanno entered slowly, leaning on his cane. His pale blue eyes swept sharply over them, lingering in surprise on Willa’s transformation before shifting to Kathy.

“This is Janey’s doing, I presume,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” Willa replied nervously, lowering her head as though caught misbehaving.

Kathy frowned slightly.

“Where is Janey?” he asked.

“I—I dunno, sir,” Willa stammered, voice trembling.

“It’s alright, Willa,” Kathy reassured her. “She left us here, Mr. Boanno.”

Carmine paused thoughtfully. Perhaps seeing Willa’s anxious expression softened his demeanor. He nodded respectfully, adding gently, “You look very beautiful, Willa. Enjoy your stay. And please call me Carmine—not sir.”

“Yes, sir!” Willa blurted, covering her mouth immediately after.

Carmine nodded once, then slipped out, his cane tapping softly against the hardwood floor.

The moment the door clicked shut, the girls erupted into giggles, clutching each other like schoolgirls with a secret.

Willa plucked at the delicate fabric of the dress in her hands, suddenly self-conscious.

“Maybe I oughta change into somethin’ less…

fancy,” she murmured. “Ain’t like we goin’ out.

She got me a pair of pants and a nice shirt. ”

Kathy grinned, mischief lighting her eyes. “Oh, we’re goin’ out alright. Tonight, we’re hittin’ La Reine Noire .”

Willa’s eyes stretched wide. “The La what now?”

“Janey told me in her letter,” Kathy said, lowering her voice like they might be overheard.

“It’s a mob-run speakeasy—one of them hidden juke joints, but fancier.

Now it’s where the big shots go to hear jazz and pretend they ain’t crooked.

” She leaned in. “It’s tucked under some café on Royal Street.

And tonight? It’s where they’re throwin’ Carmelo’s fight party. ”

Willa’s mouth fell open. “You mean we gon’ be rubbin’ elbows with gangsters ?”

Kathy laughed.“I think we get to see him get his announcement, and then we leave. No funny business.”

Willa swallowed hard. “Lord… I ain’t never even seen a place like that. Just read about it in the books you gave me.”

“Me neither,” Kathy admitted. She picked up a modest yellow cotton shirtwaist dress—perfect for daytime—and handed it to her friend. It reminded her of the dresses Janey had given her upstairs.

Gathering all of Willa’s new belongings, they headed toward the stairs.

As they passed the hallway, they glimpsed Janey wrapped in Carmine’s arms, swaying gently as he whispered softly to her.

Janey lifted her face to his and kissed him tenderly.

Kathy noticed the usually stern Carmine almost smiling, kissing Janey in return before leading her away, one arm around her waist, the other hand on his cane.

“They seem so in love,” Willa observed. “Strange seeing it. I mean, I know your Carmelo is like him, but it is still strange to see it.”

“I think they truly are,” Kathy agreed softly. “They are made for each other. I can feel it.”

“And your Carmelo—is he here?” Willa asked eagerly.

Kathy smiled. “Yes. We had our reunion when you were gone.”

“Is he okay? I mean, it’s been eight months for you and his family and all…”

Kathy shook her head. “He’s a little different. He’s been through a lot so that will change ya. He’ll be okay though. Never mind it. Don’t mention anything I’ve told you about his family. I’m helping him. He’s with me now, so he’s gone be okay. So change quickly, and you can meet him.”

Willa grinned excitedly. “I can’t wait.”