Her daughter overdosed five years ago, after Ms. Earline’s husband died from cancer. She left Ms. Earline with three kids, they ranged from the ages of fifteen, twelve, and eight years old.
“Oh baby! It’s so good to see you. I cooked your favorite for dinner.” She winked before breaking our embrace to take my coat.
“Where’s the maid?” I frowned.
Ms. Earline had a bad habit of doing things that wasn’t her job. I hated that she felt like she owed us something since my mom and dad did so much for her and her family.
“Don’t you start that Bleu.” Her eyes turned into small slits.
“I’m just taking your jacket so I can put it on the rack. The house staff was given the day off per your momma’s request.” She looked away with worry creasing her forehead.
My stomach tightened because Ms. Earline didn’t have to tell me that this was more than a dinner. Whenever the house staff was given the day off that meant that a serious conversation was pending for the family.
“Oh,” I offered. “Where’s the kids?” I asked trying to lighten the mood, but mines had already soured.
“With their dad for this entire week, praise the Lord. I’ve been resting and catching up on my shows. I’ve been trying to get your momma to do the same but of course you know she keeps herself busy with being worried about you and Dreu.” She shook her head.
“That’s her fault, I do everything I can to make her and dad proud.”
“And we are all proud of you baby.” She stood on her tippy toes; I leaned down so she could squeeze my left cheek.
Ms. Earline was big on affection; she always loved on me and Dreu. She spoiled us a lot and, in her eyes, neither one of us could do no wrong.
“At least you feel that way.” I chuckled dryly.
I placed my arm around Ms. Earline shoulder and walked towards my dad’s art collection that lined the hallway. He had massive canvases with gold accents, worth enough to buy several houses.
“Your parents feel that way too, they just stuck in the old way of doing things. Here, baby.” She stopped in her tracks soon as we reached the end of the corridor. “I’m going to let the four of you enjoy each other company. My friend is supposed to be stopping by.” She smiled nervously.
“Friend?” I raised a brow.
“Yes, my friend Clifford from my church that I keep begging your mom to come to. He’s a nice man, maybe you can meet him one day.” Ms. Earline said eagerly.
I saw right through the whole ‘Friend’ speech. Ms. Earline was back hot in the ass as my momma loved to call it. She was looking for another husband.
“Okay, Ms. Earline. I’ll stop by to see yourfriend, before I leave.” I smirked sinisterly down at her.
“No, you won’t, we will be busy with umm.” She batted her eyes then fiddled with her short French tip nails. “Studying the Lord’s word, we will be busy, and I don’t like interrupting my studies, you know that.” She cleared her throat.
Nah, you don’t want to be interrupted getting them cobwebs dusted out…I thought with a tight fake smile on my face.
I leaned down, gave Ms. Earline another hug and watched her walk in the opposite direction. She and my mom were both sometimes too much to handle, they were sneaky as well and gave everybody a run for their money. I took in a deep breath and stepped into the dining room. My eyes fell on the crystal chandelier that hung low over the long cherrywood table set for twelve.
My brother Dreu sat staring at his phone with a perplexed look. He pecked at his phone screen hard then ran his hands through his long thick dreads every couple of seconds. Everyone sat spread out amongst the twelve seats. My father sat at the head of the table with a cigar tucked in the corner of his thin lips. His salt and pepper beard grew out and still he didn’t look a day over forty. His hazel brown eyes lifted from the Maison Langston’s magazine that hadn’t been released yet. He smirked at me and shook his head.
My gaze snapped to my beautiful mother, she sat at the opposite side of the table, posture regal, her diamond necklace shined brighter than the lights.
“Bleu.” She greeted me without looking up from her phone as I quickly made my way to her.
“You’re late.” She scoffed, locking her phone.
I leaned down, kissed her cheek, and took my seat to her right.
“Fashionably.” I smiled at her.
Her mahogany complexion was flawless, and semi-covered with a full face of makeup. My mom looked like Naomi Campbell, herhigh cheek bones and deep-set eyes were something fierce. Her lips twitched, but a smile didn’t appear. She was ready to get right down to business.
I broke eye contact with her and inhaled the good aroma of soul food.
