“Tea, that man is not checking for me.” I waved her off with a laugh.
“I didn’t say he was… but he could be.” Teagan tilted her head, smiling just enough to be annoying. I rolled my eyes, but her tone made me pause.
“I’m just saying, Sis.” She lowered her voice. “Don’t count yourself out. This chair doesn’t mean a thing. You’re still my fine ass sister.”
I said nothing, just glanced in the mirror. Most days, I felt beautiful, even when my body was raging a war within me… but beautiful enough to attract a man?
“You’re worthy of being seen, Sis.” Teagan’s voice softened as she walked up and patted me on the shoulder. I looked up at her through the mirror. Something about her words had me stuck.
“I know,” I said, even though some days I wasn’t so sure.
“I know you know. Now act like it,” Teagan said, pointing her long, coffin fingernail at me before backing out the door.
The second she was gone, I sighed and reached for my brush. I told myself it was just about looking presentable. This wasn’t for him; it was for me, but the thought of Quae Lo seeing me and thinking I was beautiful was in the back of my mind, probably fueled because men didn’t look at me the same anymore. Their eyes were always focused on the chair. My beauty was no competition.
“Just a little mascara and gloss,” I told myself as I reached my still shaky hands for the tube of mascara before applying a bit of lip gloss. “This isn’t for him, but for me.”
“Noa! A Northside Rebuild work truck just pulled up outside!” Teagan informed me from the front room, and I jumped. I had just finished sliding the cute little bodycon dress over my head and down my curves. It was perfect because it showed that, even in this wheelchair, my body was still tea.
“Okay, coming!” I took one last glance at my appearance. “You’re beautiful,” I whispered to my reflection in the full-length mirror before rolling out of my bedroom and to the front door just as a soft knock sounded.
Teagan rushed past me, throwing open the door before I could protest.
“Hello… Wait, I know you?—”
I rolled up beside her and peeked around, my eyes searching for Quae Lo. He came into view, standing there in a fitted, black hoodie and a tool belt slung low on his hips. Behind him were two guys. One was tall and stocky, and the other was lean with a clipboard and glasses.
“Morning,” JaQuade said. His tone was casual, but the way his eyes lingered on me felt anything but. “Hope we ain’t too early.”
“Nah, this is good,” I said, backing up to let them in. “Come on in, JaQuade.”
“Just Quade is fine,” he said.
Teagan hadn’t moved. She stared at Quade like she’d just seen a ghost.
“You’re Quae Lo,” she blurted. “LiketheeQuae Lo. ‘Money Up’ Quae Lo.”
Quade laughed under his breath. “That’s old news.”
“I had a whole poster of you on my wall in high school,” she said, starstruck. “I was gon’ marry you. Lord. Look at God.”
I pinched her arm. “Alright, groupie. You done?”
She snapped out of it and stepped back, giggling. “I’m Teagan. Noa’s sister and caregiver. I live a few blocks over at the University because someone insists on living alone.” She cut her eyes at me.
“Nice to meet you,” he said, offering his hand.
I watched the way he shook her hand, respectfully, even though I could see Teagan trying to cop a feel.
“You wanna give us the tour?” he asked, turning to me. I nodded and led them through the front room, down the narrow hallway, and into the kitchen. The two guys with him started snapping photos and measuring doorframes.
“This is Rico and James,” Quade said, waving a hand casually. “They’re helping with the assessment today and will help me on your build.”
“Hello.” I waved my hand at the men, and they offered a friendly wave back. “This way.” I rolled toward the kitchen, everyone falling behind me.
“Besides the hallways, the kitchen is the worst part. The counters are too high, the sink is practically unreachable, and I haven’t used these cabinets in God knows how long,” I explained as I pointed around the room. Quade nodded his head as he looked around, his face holding a puzzled expression as he took it all in.
“I got a few layout ideas,” he said, pulling a folded paper from his back pocket. “But I wanted to walk through it with you first. Get your feedback.”
