and I won’t complain that you did all of this without my knowledge.” I rubbed my temple to her shoulder.
Blessing sighed heavily, pursed her lips, then rolled her eyes. “Fine. I love you.”
“And you can’t live without me,” I pressed, just to get her goat.
She growled. “I can’t live without you.” She shook her head and bumped me back to the side. “Now get yo’ shit and let’s go meet artsy hot guy so you can drool all over him and take some pictures and make my designs look pretty.”
I reached for my big slouchy bag that had my standard model essentials of two pairs of high heels—one black, one nude—lip-gloss, panties in both black and nude, as well as a strapless bra, boob tape, lotion, and other various items I didn’t leave home without when I was heading to a job. I currently had on a worn pair of jeans and a crop top with a men’s long-sleeve dress shirt I’d tied in a knot at my waist. The sleeves hid my scars, but I also thought it looked cute. I slid my feet into a pair of brown leather flip-flops. “Okay, ready.”
“Are you seriously going to wear those?” Her upper lip rose into a snarl of disgust. “You know I despise a flip-flop. They are not shoes. They are annoyances that make tons of noise when you walk and can ruin any outfit…unless you are on the beach in a bathing suit. Even then I wouldn’t be caught dead in a pair but that’s the only time they are acceptable.”
I looked up to the ceiling and grouched. “Lord, give me strength to survive this day without smacking my sister.”
“Oh, you gonna get smacked all right,” she said, and then promptly slapped my ass.
“Jesus, women are whack,” Ryan mumbled, and then entered the kitchen. “Is that coffee I smell?”
I jumped away from her and laughed at the surprise prick of pain then scrunched my nose and glared at Blessing. “You know I’m going to get you back.” I chuckled and rubbed my bum as though it was sore when it really wasn’t.
“Whatever will get your ass into gear. And be my guest. Revenge is best served cold; I’ll be waiting to retaliate, and you know I won’t stop until victory is declared.”
“Yep, definitely whack.” Ryan shook his head and shuffled to the coffee pot.
“Cups are in the cabinet below the coffee pot,” I lied and covered my smile with my hand.
Blessing’s eyebrows rose, and she tipped her head to the side to watch the show.
As expected, Ryan leaned over, giving us a sexy as sin view of one stellar rear end.
Blessing mouthed, “Damn,” and fanned her face with her hand.
I barely contained my laughter but enjoyed the view.
Ryan opened the cabinet and found pots and pans. “No cups…” He glanced over at us checking out his fine booty and stood up with a grin.
“Oops.” I shrugged. “I meant the cabinet on top. Sorry.”
“Didn’t your mama ever teach you not to lie,” he quipped.
“Yes, she most certainly did.” The woman herself came down the stairs in a fluffy robe, her multicolored glassed on the tip of her nose, and her strawberry blonde hair a wild lion’s mane around her beloved face. “My girls being good?” She cocked an eyebrow.
I nodded. “Yes, Mama.”
“Always,” Blessing lied.
“Mmm hmm. Didn’t I also teach my girls not to be late for work? And I noticed three shadows standing at the door through the glass as I was coming down the stairs. There a reason for that?”
“Shit!” Blessing dashed to the door.
“Mouth, darling.” She sighed and then came to me, cupped my face, and kissed my cheek. “How’s my baby this morning?”
I pressed my cheek against her hand, burrowing into the most precious touch in the world to me. “I’m good, Mama. Ready to get back to work. Hoping the day doesn’t bring more bad news.”
“Well, we’re going to be hopeful and focus on the good we have. One another, a warm home, clothes on our backs, food in our bellies, and a whole lotta love, right?”
I nodded and she patted my cheek. “Go be beautiful for the camera, chicklet.” She opened her arms and I went into them like a duck to water. “Don’t let anything tear you down, my precious girl. You are loved. You are beauty. You are a gift. Remember that.” She squeezed me tight and I inhaled her wildflower scent and let it soothe me straight down to my bones.