Page 7 of Bern and Isley
“But I’m going to do what I have to do until I can do what I want to do.”
“And what’s that?”
“I have something in the works. I’ll tell you about it once everything is finalized.”
“Not you being secretive.” She pulled my hair.
“Naw, it’s not like that. I just don’t want to jinx it.” I reached up and grabbed her hand then gently pulled her in front of me. “As soon as everything goes through, you’ll be the first person to know.”
I stared into her eyes while still holding her soft hand. She smirked then gently pulled her hand away.
“You better make sure of it.” She pursed her lips as she gave me a fake eyeroll.
She and I continued to converse while she twisted my hair. It was comforting. It felt like old times. Cracking jokes with Isley. Joning each other. Revealing our innermost thoughts and feelings. We could tell each other any and everything. I missed that shit when I was behind bars.
Before we knew it, an hour and a half had passed and she was finished with my hair. She offered me a handheld mirror when she was done. I looked at my hair and was satisfied with the result.
“Since it was longer than I thought, I went ahead and styled it for you. I know how some people hate the ‘ugly’ phase.”
“Shid, I don’t give a damn about that. Ain’t no ugly phase if it’s on me.”
“I heard that.” She took the mirror from me then removed the cape from around my neck.
Standing from the chair, I pulled my wallet from my sweatpants. “How much I owe you, Icey?”
“Nothing.” She shook the cape then began folding it.
“I don’t expect anything for free,” I told her as I peeled two Ben Franklins from my wallet and shoved them into her hand.
“You just don’t listen, do you? Got those big ass ears for nothin’.” She fussed as she stuffed the bills in the pocket of her apron.
I chuckled. “For real?”
Her phone vibrated on the table. She picked it up, glancing at the caller ID.
“Hello,” she answered. Her voice dripped with irritation. “I just finished with Bern’s hair. I can be ready in thirty minutes.”
I stood with my hands in my pocket. Not hiding the fact that I was intently listening to her. She ended the call within the next minute.
“Let me guess… that’s your man?”
She exhaled as she grabbed the broom. “Yep. He’s getting ready to pick me up. I can’t wait to get my car fixed. Tired of depending on people for rides.”
“I didn’t know your car was down. What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s my transmission. I’m getting it rebuilt soon. I almost have enough money.”
“How long you been without your car?”
“Three months. Every time I get close to having all of the money, some unexpected bill comes up.”
“So how have you been getting around? And your aunt?”
“Snow and Marshall help when they can. Otherwise, I have to pay for an iDrive.”
“Scrap peel head ass don’t help?”
She rolled her eyes and kissed her teeth. “Hell nah, even though Aunt Fee pays his high ass car note and insurance every month. Oh and let me not forget, giving him gas money when he asks.”
