Page 139 of Roulette: The Madam

I sniggered, unable to conceal my laughter. Suddenly, she’d even become a comedian.

“They will die a slow, cruel death if they do,” Princess warned, “You hear me neighbors.”

The interaction was even comical because the neighbors couldn’t hear either of them. They were at least a quarter of a mile down the block.

“Before you go inside, baby girl, these are for you.”

I peeled off the bouquet of pink roses, leaving the red tucked in the corner of my arm.

“For me?” Her eyes lit up.

“Yes. For you.”

I didn’t want her to reach the age of thirty to realize she wanted flowers from a man. Roulette had taught me a valuable lesson. As her father, I wanted to begin traditions that would elevate her standards and enhance the lists I found on her desk describing her ideal partner.

I was no fool. I knew boys were on the way. Her interest was piqued. However, she was dedicated to her education at the moment.

I wasn’t sure how long that would deter her from the male attention she sought, but I was hoping I had at least another year or two before I was checking niggas at the door. I wasn’t ready and neither was she.

Unlike most fifteen year olds, she was truly a fifteen year old.A child. One who stayed in a child’s place without ever swerving in the lane reserved for adults.

“They are so pretty. Oh my God. Look at them. Hello, babies. I’m going to take such good care of you.”

“They’ll die, Malaya.”

“Hush, they’re alive for now and I’m going to keep them alive as long as I possibly can.”

“Have your way, baby girl.”

“Cold water. A few ice cubes won’t hurt. If you’d really like to keep them longer, put them in the fridge at night. Just like florists.”

I watched as Malaya nodded, giving me those eyes that halfway broke my heart and halfway healed it.

“Dad–”

“Yes, baby girl,” I responded. “Yes. To whatever you’re thinking, yes.”

“Yay. And, it’s a mini fridge in my bedroom by the way. Not for food, but for my roses. I want the see-through one. So I can make sure they’re well during the night.”

Sighing, I nodded. “Alright. Order it. I’ll have Raquim pick it up.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love you, bye.”

That’s her. That’s the bubbly, live-spirited Malaya I want around all the time.

She kissed my cheeks and then bolted toward Roulette’s front door.

“I have a feeling I’m going to have to pry her out of my house. Out of mybed, specifically.”

The look of disgust on Princess’ face was a facade. It was apparent she was enjoying Malaya’s presence. She lived with a house full of siblings until she was in her mid-twenties. This was nostalgia at its finest.

She wouldn’t be prying Malaya out of her home. She’d be begging her to stay for another night and another night and another night. Eventually creating a space for Malaya to stay as long as she wanted.

“She’s been in your bed?”

“Since the very first night. My personal space doesn’t exist at this point. Well, only when I’m at the club some nights, tucked away in my office.”

“You’re going to have a problem on your hands,” I told her, sucking the skin of my teeth.

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