“Ma’am.” She chuckled. “I like that. Respectful. Too many young women these days don’t know how to address their elders. So, you are the pastry chef, huh?”
“Yes, ma’am. I own a dessert catering business. Sweet Zin.”
“Those cinnamon rolls on the table? Those yours?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I had one earlier. Damn near slapped somebody, they were so good.”
I laughed, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
Rita leaned closer, her voice dropping so only I could hear. “Take care of my grandson, Zainab. He’s got a lot of darkness in him. Seen a lot. Done a lot. Things that would break most people.” She squeezed my hand. “But underneath all that, he’s got a good heart. The best heart. He just needs somebody who can see past the hard exterior to the softness he hides.”
My throat tightened. “I know. I see it every day.”
“Good.” She patted my hand. “Then we’re gonna get along just fine.”
Before I could respond, Serenity appeared, looking gorgeous in that burgundy dress.
“Grandma, stop hogging Prime’s girlfriend. Some of us want to get to know her too.”
“Girl, sit your fast tail down.” But Rita was smiling. “You young people and your impatience.”
Serenity slid into the seat on my other side, and suddenly I was sandwiched between two generations of Banks women. It should have been intimidating. Instead, it felt almost… comfortable.
“So, Zainab, ” Rita’s voice took on a mischievous tone. “Those cinnamon rolls of yours. The way they’re shaped, all swirled up like that…”
“Yes ma’am?”
“They remind me of my rose toy.”
I blinked. “I’m sorry. Your… what?”
Serenity’s head whipped around so fast I thought she’d hurt herself. “Your WHAT?”
“My rose toy. You know, the vibrator. The swirl pattern on those cinnamon rolls looks just like it.” Rita waved her handdismissively. “A lady at bingo told me one day. I got it off the Amazon. Technology is amazing these days. Two-day shipping.”
“GRANDMA.” Serenity looked like she was witnessing a crime. “You have a… since WHEN do you have a…”
“Since I learned how to use the internet, baby. You think just because I’m old I don’t have needs?” Rita sucked her teeth. “Please. Your grandfather’s been dead fifteen years. A woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do.”
Serenity pressed her hands over her ears. “I can’t unhear this. I’m gonna need therapy. MORE therapy.”
I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing. This woman was absolutely unhinged and I loved her immediately.
“I’ll… keep that in mind, Mrs. Banks.”
“Just Rita, baby. We’re family now.” She stood, surprisingly steady for a woman who claimed to be legally blind. “I’m gonna go find some more of those cinnamon rolls. Serenity, keep Zainab company. And stop acting brand new—you’re grown. You know what a vibrator is.”
She shuffled off toward the dessert table, leaving Serenity staring after her in horror.
“I need a drink,” Serenity muttered. “Several drinks.”
“She’s…” I searched for the right word.
“A lot?” Serenity offered. “Insane? The reason I need therapy?”
“Amazing. I was gonna say amazing.”
