Page 137 of Grace

Immediately, people began to move about, reacting to the announcement. Ashira stayed in place, so I did the same.

“We’re gonna go,” a woman informed, one of Ashira’s aunts.

“Oh, all of you?” Ashira asked, surprised.

“Betty and Charles’ grands are up for the weekend. Peebo gotta clean the pavilion area for the barbeque tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Ashira chirped.

“I’m staying, cuzz,” Sabrina winked, heading out, too.

When Ashira turned to take off, I followed behind her. That was until her mother, Celestine, grabbed my arm gently. When I turned, caught off guard, her gaze cut into me again. “Noel went too hard on you, was way too preoccupied with your situation.” My chest tightened. At the same damn time, Ashira must have realized I wasn’t on her heels and turned around. Celestine spoke even louder. “Ineverforget a handsome face, love.” Her smile so fucking beautiful.

Softly, yet it could definitely be heard, Ashira huffed, stepped back smoothly, and snatched my other arm, pulling me out of the room.

Chapter 20

Part II cont’d

May | Present Day

“How’s your aunt, Kimberly?” Celestine dabbed the sides of her mouth with a cloth napkin. “She still thinks your father’s the holy grail of siblings?”

Ashira cleared her throat, pulling her wine glass closer to her plate. “Still pretentious with conviction, but she’s around. Very present.”

“Interesting,” Celestine chirped.

“So, you bought your own club, I hear.” Sabrina’s brows raised when looking at Ashira.

“Boss shit.” Ashira winked, but wasn’t her usual silly self.

And I knew why.

For some reason, her moms didn’t seem to be that loving, doting mother I experienced the first time I’d seen Celestine and Ashira. Something happened, something that tore these two apart. It made sense why Ashira hadn’t even made mention of her mother for a while since we’d been in touch.

“How are the girls, mommy?” Ashira asked, face toward her plate.

“Ah!” Celestine’s eyes lit up. “They’re marvels. Young, brilliant marvels. I wish you could see this year’s troupe. They remind me of you when you were ten: energetic, inspired to follow instructions, and quick learners. It’s truly my fortune to see my life’s work play out, day after day by way of those young girls.”

Ashira’s lips twitched as she cut into her chicken. I could swear to her fighting off a cry.

“So, what makes Mr. Sinclair here desirous of such a title of boyfriend—and so soon?” Celestine continued the conversation.

Ashira chewed, fork stabbing into her food. “Because he gives me Brandy vibes,” she muttered, and I was lost.

“Who?” her cousin, Sabrina, chirped.

Ashira answered, still speaking in code, “Brandy Norwood.”

Oh, damn…

“The singer?” Sabrina guessed.

“Yup.” Ashira forked food into her mouth then grabbed her wine for a sip, swallowing it back.

“I’m sorry,” Celestine interjected. “Perhaps it’s my age, but what does that young lady have to do with Mr. Sinclair here?”

“She wanna be down,” Sabrina laughed.

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