His business associates had been sending me signed contracts for days, and I was still smiling from ear-to-ear. “Yes, I already got some deposits.”
“Deposits?” Mama repeated, and I could hear the smile in her voice now.
“Deposits. Like real money, Ma. And a lot of it.”
“Look at God.”
Grinning, I pulled the canvas tightly toward the corner and stapled it. “I’m already making more money than I have ever seen.”
“That’s so amazing.”
I teased. “You’re cool with that building being built now, aren’t you?”
“I’m cool with whatever is putting money in my daughter’s pocket, as long as it’s legal. They can build condos, castles, they can build a damn spaceship if they’re paying you.”
As I laughed, KJ yelled my name from the living room.
“What?” I called back.
“I can’t find my tablet!”
Groaning, I yelled back, “It is literally on the charger next to your bed. Did you even look?”
“Oh.”
My phone beeped with another call coming in. I glanced down and saw that it was Aria Voss. My heart skipped a beat because I still wasn’t used to her hitting my phone so casually.
“Ma, hold on. Aria’s calling.”
“Put me on three-way. Let me hear how rich people talk.”
“Girl, no,” I spat, laughing as I clicked over. “Hello?”
“Hi, Rhythm. I’m just checking in. How are you doing?”
I looked around my living room at the canvas bars on the floor and my supplies everywhere. “I’m… good. I’m excited… and overwhelmed.”
“That is a normal combination. I wanted to make sure Sincere followed through.”
Just like that, my focus slipped away. My heart started thundering and my mouth went dry. All I could see was that tall frame inked up with tattoos.
“He did. He’s done everything he said he would. I’m really grateful.”
“Good. That is why I put you in the room with him.”
“I’ve been so busy getting started with these pieces.”
“Not too busy that you aren’t able to get ready for Thanksgiving, I hope. What are your plans for the holiday?”
“Nothing really. My mother is visiting my aunt for the holidays. I was just going to cook something small for the kids, but honestly, they would be happy with pizza, and I’ll probably do that so that I can work.”
Aria disapprovingly sucked her teeth. “Absolutely not. You are coming to my house.”
I froze. “Your house?”
“Yes. There is no way you will eat pizza and work on Thanksgiving. You will come here.”
My mind tried to catch up. “Aria, are you sure? You barely know me.”
