I ended the call and pulled the door open. Simultaneously, I fell into my sisters’ arms. There was no place like home.
“Who sent you?” I pulled back, adjusting the skimpy clothing I was wearing.
As the words escaped my mouth, Rome opened a greeting card with black hearts covering the front. Baylee Paper Co. was written on the back.
“My Baby,” Rome paused, taking a peek over the card.
“Though the next few days will be the most complicated days of my life, I couldn’t go without reminding you how easy you have made this journey. From the moment you stopped in front of my whip, I knew the woman you were. I knew who you belonged to. And, I knew where you belonged.
“Now that you’re here, I promise not to forget all you’re sacrificing to be here. That includes time with the people you love most. I admired the relationship you have with your siblings. I’m no stranger to what distance does to the heart.
“So, I sent for your people. And, with their help, I’ve scheduled a day full of pampering for all of you. Should you get tired of the AMEX, the feisty one has a gift for you. I love you. See you at eight. Ishmael.”
Roulette held open her LV duffle. Bills were stuffed inside. My face parted with a smile.
“I like him, Sister,” she proclaimed.
“For other reasons, but–” Rugger admitted, pushing her way inside.
“Well, he’s sweet. I like that,” Rome added.
“Come inside! I need to do something with myself and then we can head out.”
My sisters filed inside. My heart was full. Ishmael had a way with words. He also had a way with me. It was the reason he could have his way with me.
I can’t believe I let her talk me into this.
I tugged at the red dress. Though it was beautiful, it was bold. And, it had Roulette’s name written all over it. Letting her choose my dinner dress was a foolish mistake.
“Hey. Hey,” Ishmael called out, stopping inches shy of his mother’s front door.
He pulled me closer, placing a hand on my neck. His fingers laid against my jaw. His hands were massive. I was putty in them.
“You look lovely, my baby. If you tug any harder, you’ll rip the dress off and we’ll never make it inside. I’ll have to have you right here. Right now.”
“I let Roulette talk me into this dress,” I complained.
“And I’m glad you did. It’s stunning. You’re stunning, love.”
I didn’t doubt it. But, red wasn’t my color. It was hers.
“Thank you.”
“Now, come on. My stomach is touching my back.”
He kissed my forehead and then my cheek. I closed my eyes, embracing for impact. When his lips touched mine, I forcedmyself to disengage. Or, he’d be right. We wouldn’t make it inside. I’d have to have him. Right here. Right now.
Hand-in-hand, we entered the modest home. The savoriness of the prepared dishes spread my nostrils. My mouth watered as we approached the dining room where three seats were already occupied. Feet shuffled as everyone stood, acknowledging our presence.
“Hello,” I addressed the room.
At the very end of the table was a thin woman with golden skin and long legs. Her natural hair hung down her back. Gray covered nearly every thread. However, it was the only evidence of her birth year. Her skin was glowing. She was aging well.
“Ishmael, Royce,” she greeted us.
“Royce, my mother, Janis. Indigo. And, Isaías.”
Indigo was no stranger. As he approached me, I extended my hand. Indigo ignored my request and wrapped his hands around me. The smell of marijuana was potent. It lingered on his black hoodie, jeans, and skin. He pulled away with a smirk on his handsome face. Gold teeth flashed, exposing a diamond-encrusted smile.
