Page 4 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio
My hands were folded behind my back as my eyes swept the counter. I stopped when I came across what had to be the bracelet in question. It was a beautiful piece, with emerald and rose quartz crystals. The bracelet was from our zodiac line, and this one held a little crab in the center.
Although beautiful, I didn’t appreciate it sitting outside of the case just available for anyone to grab.
“Camille, how many pieces did you show this young lady and from which collection?”
“Uhm—well . . .”
While she stumbled over her words, I removed the display key from my pocket and put the bracelet back.
“Next time, don’t leave my shit out like that if you’re not going to be behind the desk.”
“Kai—”
I continued toward the back of the store for Camille’s office.
Once I crossed the threshold, I turned my nose up and frowned. The air was stale and smelled like corn chips and stale fish grease. I’d known Camille for many years, and she had never had an odor. Whatever she was doing was offensive as hell. Von came over to me with his flash drive, and I shook my head.
We were going to have to do this in the employee breakroom because I couldn’t stand another second.
“Nah. I’m not working in there. I can barely breathe. Employee lounge, and Von will set up the video.”
“This is totally unnecessary. Kairo, you should just trust my word.”
“I don’t when you put on this show and don’t have the decency to contact me when something like this goes down. It’s my name on that door. If she decides to sue because of her treatment here today, can I take the money out of your salary? If this video contradicts anything you told the officer, know that you are out of a job.”
Camille’s mouth dropped open, and she tried to storm from the breakroom, but the officer blocked it. I didn’t appreciate them being in my building, but they’d get a pass because they had been acting cordial. I’d been waiting for the perfect moment to get rid of Camille, and it seemed like the opportunity had just presented itself.
“I should suethe pants off her stankin’ ass.”
My mother giggled, and I cut my eyes at her.
There was absolutely nothing funny about almost getting arrested. If Mr. Moore hadn’t shown up when he did, there was no telling what Camille and the cops would have done to me. I was so angry, my head was spinning.
For as long as I could remember, Camille had it out for me, but today, she went too far.
“I’m not laughing at you or the situation, Munchkin. I’m laughing at the phrase you used. You sound just like Nannie.”
I smiled as I thought about the woman who used to be my partner in crime before God called her home.
“I guess that’s okay.” I smiled, slumped down in the seat, and sighed. “I’m sorry you had to leave work to come get me. None of us are in a position to miss work, and I’m sure Jacob is going to fire me after missing my shift. This whole year has just been crap.”
“Just talk to him, Munchkin. That’s all you can do. If he lets you go, we’ll figure out the rest. You had a crazy day and need to rest your soul. Maybe spend some time in your garden to recharge. Since I’ll be home with you, I can make your favorites for dinner, and we can binge one of your favorite documentaries until Daddy gets home.”
I smiled at my mother because she was my greatest comfort.
She’d been present for all the drama Camille put me through in middle and high school. I never envisioned she’d be an issue as an adult. We didn’t even run in the same circles anymore and hadn’t since our friendship ended in seventh grade. Camille had her eyes on me the moment I crossed the threshold, and instead of listening to my gut and going to another Diamonds & Moore location, I stayed.
I was thoroughly embarrassed, and it would take God himself to get me off her if I caught her in the streets.
“I would love that, Mommy. Maybe you can join me in my garden.”
Before I could finish speaking, she was already shaking her head.
“No, ma’am. You’re not tricking me into being out there with you all afternoon. I have the rest of the day to relax, and you will not be putting me to work.” She cut her eyes at me again, and I put my hands up. “You recharge while I cook, then you come relax with me.”
“Sir, yes, ma’am!” I saluted her.
She rolled her eyes, and I stared out the window, trying not to give Camille any more space in my head.
