Page 141 of Roulette: The Madam

“She’s someone different. And, the change has everything to do with whatever is happening between us. That makes me feel good. Makes me feel like I’m doing something right in the world. I’m no stranger of sabotage. I’m sure Rome told you that too. I thrive in chaos.

“I like fucking it all up so that I have something to fix. Keeps me busy. Keeps my ADHD in check and me out of the doctor’s office. I didn’t break Malaya, but helping fix her feels so much different from anything else I’ve done. I’m contributing to society. It needs more young women like her.

“She’ll pay it forward. I know she will. I’m blessing the next young girl and I don’t even know her. Malaya will do the work, though. I know she will. Besides, it’s my job to make motherfuckers believers.

“Haleigh will never assert herself in such a negative manner again. Trust me. So, technically, I’m saving a few girls from her wrath, teaching her a lesson, and building up Malaya in the process. Full circle.”

“Teaching her a lesson?”

“Her and her low iron, oily scalp ass mother.”

“Princess–”

“I tried to slap the Mabelline off that bitch,” she admitted.

“I’m sorry, you did what?”

“Nothing.”

“No. Not nothing. What did you do?”

“Got my baby’s lick back. The right way.”

“No one has put their hands on Malaya.”

“But they put their mouths on her, speaking to her outlandishly. That’s as cruel as physical touch. Nevertheless, they’ve both learned not to fuck with that one.”

“Princess, you can’t go up there clo–”

“I’ve made myself clear, Israel. You can’t bring her into my life and expect me not to treat her like my own. And, by my own, I mean blood. Whether it’s a sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, or child.”

“I can respect it.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m happy for you,” I admitted.

“Happy for me?”

“You’re not above fixing something you didn’t break to begin with. That means the world to me, Princess. Malaya means the world to me. And, you’re right. The girl I witnessed tonight is not the same girl from a week and a half ago. Everything is different, down to her smile.”

“She’s a girl’s girl, now.”

“Is she now?”

“Um hmm. It’s exciting. Rome is taking her to rehearsal with her. As soon as she lands this next role, Malaya will be front and center. They have classes at the theater. I hope she still finds ballet interesting enough to try out for placement.”

“Me too. She’s actually nice on the floor.”

“I know. She was showing off with Rome in the living room. My sister thinks she has something. That’s all Rome needed tosee. She’s going to do everything in her power to make sure Malaya succeeds.”

“Just like you– does it run in your family?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Good thing she’s considered a part of it, now.”

“She is.”

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