“Oh, he went to juvie. Did some time. Got out and ended up working in Detroit on the Ford line.”
I shake my head. “Well, Grammy, thanks for that enlighteningstory, but none of us are dealing drugs and I plan to be home by one a.m. at the latest. Ms. Mills is gonna come check in on you around ten and help you get to bed. If you needanything, my cell is on, you hear?”
“Oh, hush! I will be just fine. You have yourself a ball, and maybe kiss that girl you say you don’t like.”
Kiana stifles a laugh but shuts up when I side-eye her.
“OK, Grammy. Did you take your new meds?” Changing the subject is the only way to get out of another conversation about how Juniper isnotmy date and just a friend.
“Yes, I did.” Grammy sighs. “Now, y’all better get going. You ain’t got all night.”
“Oh, we really don’t!” Kiana says, looking at the time on her phone.
“Right. Let’s go,” I say, scanning my outfit one last time in Grammy’s dresser mirror. I can’t lie: I feel like an absolute queen.
CHAPTER 18Juniper
SONG OF THE DAY:
“My Favorite Things” by the Supremes
When I step into the living room
in a cream button-down
gold oversized blazer
cropped black dress pants
and wingtips with a gold accent
I’m feeling myself.
I do a twirl for Mom and Mama Alice
who are waiting for me with their phones
ready to document the occasion.
Well, aren’t you just as pretty
as a picture—Mama Alice beams
two thick, messy blond braids
framing her perpetually rosy cheeks.
Mom walks up to me
and straightens my collar.
She’s got bags under her eyes
but her face is lit uplike a paper lantern
soft and full of emotion.
Wow, just wow, Junie. You look
