“Your palms are sweaty. Calm your nerves, mama. Everything is goin’ to be fine,” Christian whispered in my ear.
I nodded and tried to focus on anything but the lounge. My thoughts landed on my mother. Ties & Tips was a place I knew she would’ve loved. She loved to read and write. Her lane was poetry.
With the atmosphere I was providing, that would’ve been perfect for her. I didn’t realize I was cryin’ until Emilia dabbed at my tears. I missed Yonei Evans.
Pullin’ up to Ties & Tips, I was in awe at the turn out. I wasn’t expecting for a soul to show up, but there was a crowd. Like free before eleven type crowd. My nerves were shot to hell.
“You got this, mama. Take your time, speak from the heart, speak up, and speak clear. That soft voice won’t be heard if you don’t. Thank who you need to, cut the rope, and let the people see what you’re offering.”
The limousine stopped, and it was showtime. The door opened as I released a deep breath. I grabbed Christian’s hand and held on to it as tight as I could.
He helped me out the car, and the cameras went crazy. The red carpet was a nice touch too. I felt like I was someone of importance as my name was screamed. All I could do was smile.
I was ushered to the front of the crowd where the ribbon was already stretched and tied to a pole on each side. The spotlight was on me. The flashes didn’t stop, and neither did the shouting.
The twins finally made it to the front, and I was relieved. I didn’t know what to do. It was my first time doin’ any of that shit. Hell, if I thought of it in time, I would’ve hired somebody to speak for me.
Nina signaled for a microphone, and I looked to Christian for help. He chuckled and said, “Calm down. Remember what I said.”
I grabbed the mic with my free hand and kept my other where it had been since we exited the limo. I couldn’t see them, but I knew my edges were sweating. Clearing my throat, I lifted the microphone to speak.
“Hi, everyone. I want to thank each and every one of you personally for attending the opening for Ties & Tips. The time and hard work that was put into this lounge was six months of stress, frustration, and woosahs,” I said, causing the crowd to erupt with light chuckles. “But here we are. The Belvedere twins and their magnificent crew are the real MVPs. I really hope the atmosphere I gunned for is enjoyable. I’m Journei Evans, and Ties & Tips is officially open.”
I cut the ribbon, feeling a weight drop from my shoulders immediately. That was the moment I had been waiting for since Alexis presented the building to me. I was an owner of a business and not just on paper.
The hooting and hollering came through along with “congratulations”. Once the doors were open, my staff was lined up waiting for the guests to enter. The colors I chose came together nicely.
That evening was one to remember. I was shown so much love and support that I was overwhelmed.
Those in attendance thought the dining area was all there was to Ties & Tips. Shocked was an understatement when they realized it held a hookah lounge in the back. So many were already asking to book it for parties.
“Baby, I think I bit off more than I can chew. These people are crazy. We just opened, and they’re tryin’ to host shit.”
I stepped into my office to get a breather. I had guests in my face each way I turned. I didn’t know what they wanted from me, but I was an introvert, and we didn’t fuck with shit like that.
Christian sat in his black fitted suit, looking nothin’ less of delicious. He matched my dress by wearing a marron button-down underneath. That man looked good in anything he put on.
He chuckled as he watched me have a baby anxiety attack. I found my panicking amused him. If he kept laughing, my foot was goin’ as far as it could down his throat.
“Mama, you are gettin’ worked up for nothin’. You have a building that can hold events. Be grateful and appreciative that people want to hold shindigs in your establishment. You don’t see nobody callin’ Barnes & Noble to host anything but a book signing.”
“You ain’t never lied,” I said, agreeing with his Barnes & Noble comment. “Fine. If this is what business life is about, I guess I have to get used to it.”
Christian stood, asking for a hug. I walked into his arms and enjoyed the embrace. He towered over me, but I felt safe and content. He made things better… easier.
I raised my head for a kiss. Those lips calmed me faster than any talk he gave. Our tongues danced to a tune of their own as the serene waves washed over me. Now him I would forever be grateful for.
Gills
Journei didn’t know how to receive her blessings. Any good that came her way she thought was too much. It was clear that those around her didn’t show or tell her how much she deserved good things. She had an angelic spirit, and now someone other than me could see it.
The number of people that showed to support her was dope. I didn’t know what her status was in the city of Chattanooga, but they popped out to show her she was doin’ big thangs.
I scanned the crowd when she gave her speech and didn’t see the people I personally invited. What happened shouldn’t have broken any bonds, but I saw that it did. I was hurt by it. I couldn’t even deny that.
Diego was my second father, and Kégo was the brotha I didn’t have. They were my family. I felt like they should’ve understood my reason for killing Galleria. It was either her or my family. They knew what the outcome was.
My calls had gone unanswered since that night. I missed my family. I had just got them back, and within the blink of an eye, I lost them again. I was dealing with a lot internally.
