Page 15 of Wifey
I stared at Alicia for a long, quiet moment before I answered. “Where I was had bad reception but everything is fine now.”
“Okay.” Alicia smiles at me before she looks back at the car. “I see you got a new whip. The inheritance money?”
It’s none of Alicia’s business, but a little white lie won’t hurt. “Um, yes. Decided to treat myself just once. It’s been a hard year.”
“I hear that.” She shakes his head. “I still can’t believe Lamont is gone. Right about now, we would be talking about last night’s game as we’re getting the shops prepared.” She let out a sigh. “Lamont would be proud about how you’re holding up.” He studies my face and a concerned look appears on his. “Are you okay? You seem flustered.”
Flustered didn’t even begin to describe the half of it. I can still feel Cameron’s mouth on me and his dirty words taunting me to come all over his tongue. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired. I have a lot to do this week so I’m just going to go in and rest up.”
“All right. I’ll let everyone know you’re well and we’ll see you back at the shop later?” She asks as she walks away.
“Um, yeah. Probably tomorrow, though.” I don’t know how in the hell I was supposed to work today after what just happened. “I have a lot to do today.”
“That’s right, there’s that online benefit tonight.” She mentions. “Ready to help those in need?”
I was so caught up with Cameron, I totally forgot about the benefit. It’s a Zoom concert featuring local acts and support from quite a few businesses within the area, including Fresh Espresso.
Not only are we supporting families during the crisis, but also promoting our businesses at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. If it wasn’t for Alicia, I wouldn’t know where my brain would be at times.
“Yes, I am! I’m going to film from the main shop and hopefully, it’ll encourage people to come in and get some coffee in the area.” The benefit starts at 6 P.M. and that only gives me a few hours to get my act together.
“Do you have a specific dollar amount you’re going to contribute to the pot?” She asks. “I know a few businesses are hurting but they’re still managing to put in a few thousand.”
“I haven’t thought of a number but it’ll be substantial,” I lie. I haven’t thought of donating at all. My father is surely turning over in his grave.
“Okay, then.” She smiles as he gets into her Accord. “See you later, baby girl.” She drives off.
I watch Alicia leave as the nagging feeling in my gut becomes stronger. I pull out my phone and see my reception signal was strong. I knew it was strong at Cameron’s home. There were no missed calls from Alicia. I checked my messages to see if Alicia left any. He didn’t.
Alicia was the woman my father always loved and always wished he’d tried harder with. They still spent the night with each other on occasion and when Daddy had a benefit, Alicia was the first one he called to accompany him.
Alicia had been over at our home more times than I can count and she was like the mother I never had. She was at every birthday, every major event, and always treated me with love and respect.
So, I’m truly confused as to why she would lie about trying to reach me.
Seven
“So, honest question,” Hayley approaches me with two sets of earrings. We’re setting up the shop for the possible late-night crowd that’ll rush over to support after watching the concert. We only plan to be open for a couple of hours, but we’re also expecting a lot of traffic for those hours. “Should I wear the Chanel tonight or the Burberry?”
“I think you should wear Target because we’re holding a benefit for families waiting in line at the food bank, hello?” I love my girl but even I get annoyed with her golddigging ways at times.
“Girl, I’ve donated a lot of money and give huge tips to all of my delivery drivers,” Hayley decides on the Chanel earrings instead. “I’ve done my part. I still want to stunt.”
“Whatever,” I take out the chocolate chip cookies and set it on the stove. I would chide Hayley but we both know she’s not going to care. “Are the biscuits and jam ready?”
“Ready, Freddie.” She puts in her earrings. “I also have all of the coffee ready and the hot cocoa done. I expect a lot of people to show up after the concert. People act like coronavirus doesn’t exist here.”
“And that’s why our rates have skyrocketed,” I roll my eyes, “but it is what it is. People want their coffee and avocado toasts and we’re here to help them.”
“True that.” Hayley looks over her appearance and nods approvingly. “So, Ms. Thang….”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve noticed you started driving the Beemer finally.” She smiles at me. “I guess things are good between you and Cam now?”
My body is still screaming from the memory. “He wants me to move in with him. This weekend, no less.”
“Oh.” The revelation even caught Hayley by surprise. “Do you need help packing?”
