“I have something for you.”
Excitement was etched in her voice. She’d already given me the gift of a lifetime.
“Your presence alone is a gift, Royce. What more could you have for me?”
“Close your eyes.”
Her smile was bright. Her cheeks were fluffy. Her teeth were on full display. My baby was beautiful. There wasn’t a flaw present.
“You’re so fucking incred–”
“Close your eyes, Ishmael.”
“Okay.”
Sighing, I pressed my eyelids together. Silently, I was preparing to reimburse Royce for whatever she’d purchased me. I didn’t want her spending her money. The moment I entered her life, she became my responsibility. I wanted to provide for her. Fully. It didn’t matter that she could take care of herself. Ineededto take care of her. It brought me great joy to do so.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
An automatic timer sounded off in my head. Just before I reached the next number, Royce’s voice ended the count.
“Open them.”
I opened my eyes, finding a yellow gold Patek Philippe. The diamond dial was accented by emerald hour markers. The same diamonds marked the bezel and center links.
“How much do I owe you, my baby?”
“Nothing.”
“How much?”
“It’s a gift, Ish. A celebratory gift.”
“How much?”
“You’ve already settled your debt. It’s paid for with your two–”
“Still, how much?”
“One hundred and sixty.”
I nodded, knowing the watch had cost a pretty penny. My baby had done well. I loosened the Rolex and peeled it from my skin.
“I thought it fit you well.”
“You have exquisite taste, love.”
“I assume that means you like it?”
“It does. Thank you.”
She removed it from its case and slid it on my wrist. I admired the new piece while admiring the woman who’d gifted it. They were both one of a kind.
