Page 18 of Jagged Edges

“Oh wow,” she stressed.

“Now, guilt is killing me. I feel like I’ve fucked off on a girl who I don’t even know.”

“Your heart knows her,” Trinity revealed, “And, that’s why you feel like you’ve betrayed her. Honestly, Bello, you have. If you know just how you feel about her, then you’ve got to stick it out until you do know her and vice versa.”

“I’m almost positive she isn’t involving herself with anyone,” I admitted, “which is fucking me up, too.”

“I get it. Trust me. My advice to steer clear of temptation - not that it works anyway - and follow your heart. It seems to be leading you in the right direction. And, hopefully, you can finally settle and bring someone to the family functions. You’re getting old, kid,” she joked.

“The lies you tell.”

“Maybe it’s me, huh?” She yawned.

“It’s definitely you. I’m going to let you go. You sound like you could use some rest.”

“Ok. It was good talking to you.”

“Same.”

“I love you, Bello, and I’m glad you’re home.”

“I love you, too, Trinity. It feels good to be back.”

With that we ended the call.Seven more days. I accessed my email box immediately and shot a message to my interior designer. I needed new everything before Brisk stepped foot into my spot. I didn’t give a damn how much I loved what she’d done to the place. I’d love the next layout, too. Another woman’s presence had tainted the entire place. I needed a do-over.

Nine

After a day full of events,I finally convinced Melonie to let me retire. We’d been to brunch, to the hair salon for blowouts, and to see a movie. I was pooped! When I slid the fob across the rental that I’d be claiming for the weekend, my feet rejoiced.

A sharp gasp was followed by widened eyes and a grateful heart.This is beautiful, I cheered, inwardly, thinking of all the rest I’d be getting while in such an immaculate space. Everything was perfect and looked every bit professionally designed - from the architect to the decor. It was stunning.Wow.

All of a sudden, the threads poking from my bag stuck out like sore thumbs and the backpack that I wore didn’t seem to belong. In an instant, I’d removed all my clothes from it andlocked it away in the coat closet near the door. With my clothes and toiletry pouch in my hands, I walked the length of the loft. There was a staircase that led to a large space that was topped with a glass vaulted ceiling. I knew - even from below - that it was where I’d spend most of my time, with myTropical Paradisecandle fromScent from Heavenserving as my guiding light.

Because although there wasn’t water, sand, palm trees, or a beach, this for me was paradise. After so many nights in the hills, dreaming of the day that I could rest my head in one of the homes, I was here. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave me a view that my little heart wasn’t prepared for, sending hot, wet tears running down my cheeks. I didn’t care that it was only mine for the weekend. The fact that it was mine at all was enough.

Bzzzzz.

My phone vibrated, still silenced from the movie theatre. I quickly dug into my pocket and retrieved it. I’d forgotten to call Melonie. I promised her I would once I made it safely. They’d gone above and beyond for me and I couldn’t wait to show my gratitude.

To my surprise, it wasn’t Melonie attempting to contact me. Instead, it was a number that I didn’t recognize sending a text. Before unlocking my cell, I contemplated allowing the message to sit a while longer. It could’ve been anyone, starting with the possibility of my mother though I highly doubted it. Curiosity had me in a chokehold, leaving me without any choice but to open the message.

Happy Birthday.It read. Nothing more. My heart twinged as I combed my brain trying to identify the number. I couldn’t.

With a shrug, I continued my tour of the beautiful property, ending in the bedroom which was gorgeous. My cheeks burned and eyes perspired at the sight of two green bags, exactly like the ones Mrs. Frank had received at her party, sitting on the perfectly made bed. Without hesitation, I rushed toward themin anticipation of removing their contents. And, when I did, I wanted to faint.

A blush-colored bucket bag with two Gs was underneath the ribbons and excellent packaging of the larger bag. The second bag, under the same perfect packing was two belts with double Gs, one white and the other black. In addition, was a pair of jelly sandals that were full of stones and trinkets.

“Oh my God, Melonie! Your family is the best,” I cried, hugging a green box to my chest.

The sound of thunderous knocks at the door startled me, forcing me from the emotional pit I was slowly slipping into. I hurried to my feet and headed for the door, expecting to find my sneaky friend on the other side. Behind the door stood three women with a large wagon in tow. Before I could find the words to express my concerns, they pushed their way inside and began to set up their equipment.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure who you guys are,” I finally made out.

“We’re here for your facial, massage, and wax,” the one closest to me turned around and revealed. “On the table, please. Remove your clothes.” It was apparent that they didn’t speak much English, which was fine with me. I preferred minimum conversation when serviced at any capacity. My social anxiety was set up that way.

Oh, Melonie. More tears fell as I began undressing in front of complete strangers. Every ugly cry I’d experienced had been from the weight of the world weighing so heavily on me. This time, though, things were different. It was utter joy that filled me to the brim and had me bursting at the seams.

Naked with tears running down toward my chest, I laid on the table that was stretched out for me. I closed my eyes, allowing the warm, heavy hands of one of my guests to go to work on the kinks and knots that were all up and down my body. This fat couldn’t get any better. It wasn’t long before sleep discovered meand I found myself snoring. I remained stiff as a log until I felt my legs being pried open and pushed upward. My eyes popped open and my head lifted. The cucumbers that were on top of them fell onto my cheeks.

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