Page 164 of Roulette: The Madam

“Wait– this is for me?”

“Yes. It is.”

A new dresser and queen-sized bed with a canopy were the stars of the renovation. The vanity was runner up. I guided her into the massive closet that was filled with every piece a girl could ever want in her wardrobe. The island in the middle was filled to the brim with original and custom pieces of jewelry that she could pass down for generations.

“Shut up!”

“It’s all yours, Princess.”

“Can’t be. How– H–”

“Your father’s credit card doesn’t have a limit.”

She nodded. “You’re right. It doesn’t.”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

We exited the closet. While I kept walking, she stopped in front of the bed. Her hand went on her hip as she looked over at me with that sparkle in her eyes again.

“Ma’am, I don’t know why you got me a bed when I have yours.” She chuckled, bringing light to such a dim situation.

“Honey, I have a man now and I can’t have you in my bed every night. Where is he supposed to sleep?”

“At his house, girl.”

“This is as much his home as it is mine,” I assured her.

“Then it’s as much mine, too, huh?”

“You might have a point there.”

“This is cute, though. I like it. Maybe I will sleep here sometimes. You know, when your man is over and stuff.”

I chuckled, admiring the birth of her confidence.

“Um hm.”

I began to close the door behind me. She protested the second she noticed.

“We’re not starting tonight. So, don’t get any ideas.”

“I don’t have any ideas, girl. I’m just closing the door so you can get undressed. Have you showered?”

“Yes. Before we went over to mom’s house.”

“Alright, because I don’t want your germs on my bed.”

“No germs, girl. Just good skin and good hair.”

“I heard that.”

I watchedas Malaya slept peacefully underneath my sheets. My fingertips roamed the sleeve of her pajamas. I was relieved that she’d settled down. Although she didn’t last through the first movie, her need for rest didn’t bother me at all. She was feeling so many things at once. Her body and heart both needed the silence.

Oh shit.

I remembered the drink I’d spilled in the hallway. It was too far into summer to allow it to sit on the floor for too long. The ants would sense it and make their way inside from my lawn. Slowly, I slid from underneath the sleeping beauty. My shoulder felt better instantly.

I tiptoed out of the room and into the hallway. Carefully, I sealed the door and frame. I reached the kitchen in record time. However, the cleaning supplies I’d left on the counter were no longer there. With furrowed brows, I exited and made my way toward the door.

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