“I’ve already put in an order for pink rosebuds, hearts, and bright-red lips,” Jolie said. “I’m having a party for my makeup artists.”
“Sure you don’t want some of my schlong designs?” Nikki asked. “3D scanners are expensive, but a lot of the students at the university have already scanned their erect cocks.”
“Huh, I bet they fudged with the dimensions,” Jolie said. “I saw some of the sizes, and they look like King Kong cocks.”
“Shhh…” Leanna shushed them when Carmelita and Soledad came out from behind the counter. “Have you two met my daughters?”
“Wow, they’re beautiful,” Jolie said. “I’m Jolie Becker Cassidy, a cosmetologist. Which one of you wants to learn how to do makeup?”
“I do,” Carmelita said. “I’m Carmelita Leanna Bandera, and this is my mom! I can’t believe I never met her, well, I don’t remember meeting her, because I obviously met her when I was born.”
Yep, that was Carmelita, a chatterbox.
“And I’m Nikki Chu,” Nikki said. “Denton’s sister. If you two want to learn all about blogging and social media, I can offer you a summer internship.”
“Hey, no fair taking my helpers,” Denton said. “Find your own.”
“I know all about social media,” Carmelita said. “Have you seen my FacePlant page? I’m litaloca. That’s my screenname. I documented my entire journey with a migrant caravan.”
“Maybe next summer,” Leanna said, putting one arm around Carmelita and the other one around Soledad. “I want these two precious darlings close to me this summer until they get used to living here.”
“I speak good English,” Carmelita said. “I learned in school.”
“I know you do.” Leanna gave her daughter a cheesy grin. “But I missed so much of you growing up, I want you with me all summer.”
Soledad shrank on Leanna’s other side, and she realized the girl was feeling too exposed by all the attention.
“Chop, chop. Back to work,” Leanna said to Denton. “Let’s close up so we can deliver the goodies to Club Rachelle for Ryker and Terri’s baby shower.”
“Okay, Carmelita, help me pop stuff into the van,” Denton said.
“Hope Terri doesn’t pop before the party!” Nikki hooted about their pregnant friend who was already a giant the last time Leanna saw her.
“I’ve got to pick up the balloons,” Jolie said. “Marisa’s getting the flowers from Terri’s assistant, and Carol has Nick setting up the video-karaoke system. Did you check that Sherelle has the proper menu?”
Leanna rolled her eyes. “Yes, gluten free, no shell fish, no peanuts. Got it.”
Her friends left in a whirlwind of activity, and Carmelita followed after Denton to help him load the delivery van.
Leanna gave Soledad an extra special hug. “You had fun today?”
The young girl nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
“Do you miss your father?”
“I don’t know,” Soledad said. “I don’t like him much.”
“Why is that?” Leanna stroked the girl’s hair in a comforting manner.
“That man who’s supposed to be my grandpa is a mean man. He cares more for him than for us.”
Leanna hugged Soledad. “I’m sure that’s not true. He misses his daddy, because his daddy has always been good to him.”
“I never had a daddy, so I don’t know.” Soledad stared at the floor.
“Hey, I bet your daddy will come pick you up and take you to dinner,” Leanna said. “Why don’t you go help Carmelita load the cakes?”
As soon as Soledad disappeared into the back, Leanna texted Axe.You might want to take your daughter to dinner. She’s feeling lonely. And no, I’m not trying to get your attention. In fact, I don’t care, because Carmelita, me, and my mother are making enchiladas tonight. A bonding exercise, not that you know anything about them. Huh!
