“And we’ll have to get together soon. Because Iwillbe at that jazz festival in a few weeks.”
“I know that’s right!”
My aunt sounded like her old self, and that put the biggest smile on my face.
She’s going to be okay, I told myself.
“We’re here and we’re ready,” Monica called out as we approached.
“Presenting to you, the new and improved Addison Payne,” the stylist announced as she spun the chair around.
My aunt’s long locs were such a vibrant blue. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. She was always so creative and stylish, but dyeing her hair such a bright color was one of the coolest things she’d done.
“I love it!” I couldn’t stop staring as I got closer. “You look so good!”
“Jazmyn?!” the stylist exclaimed.
When I looked over, I saw a familiar face and a fantastic bob. “Mrs. Brooks?!”
“You know my niece?” Aunt Addison asked with a huge grin.
“I met her a couple of weeks ago when she stopped by my house with my son.”
My aunt’s head whipped around. “Your son is Lamar!”
The two of them squealed and started talking at the same time as my stomach dropped. My face flushed with embarrassment at their excitement.
Aunt Addy knew that he was out of town, but she didn’t know he’d ignored me for almost his entire ten-day vacation.
“He’s in Dubai, right?” she asked, even though she already knew.
I stared daggers at her.Girl, what is you doing?
Mrs. Brooks didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, and he gets back today. I only talked to him once the whole time he’s been gone.” She shook her head and then turned my aunt to see her reflection in the mirror. “He lost his phone while jet skiing! My husband’s birthday was a couple days ago, so he called to say happy birthday from his friend’s phone. Fortunately, he was able to order a new phone, and it’ll be waiting for him when he gets home today.” While Monica was assisting my aunt back into her wheelchair, Mrs. Brooks turned to me. “It is so funny running into you like this!”
“When you mentioned Hot Comb, I didn’t realize you worked here. I just liked your hair, and when I checked the reviews online, I knew I needed to get my aunt in for her color.”
She smiled, tilting her head to the side. “I knew I liked you.”
“She’s a wonderful woman,” Aunt Addy complimented.
“I believe that,” Mrs. Brooks agreed with a smirk. “Lamar never brings women home, so she must be.”
Everyone was staring at me.
I had no idea what to say. Heat crept up my neck as the seconds passed.
“Gwen, your one o’clock is here,” someone called from behind me.
“We have to get to our next appointment anyway,” Aunt Addy stated, before reaching out to take Mrs. Brooks’s hand. “Gwen, it was so nice talking to you today.”
“It’s been my pleasure. And don’t forget about me with the jazz festival. I’d love for us to do that.”
“It’s a plan. Talk to you soon.”
We said our goodbyes, paid for services, and then climbed in the van. The moment Monica pulled out of the parking spot, the two of them started questioning me about Lamar.
“You made it seem like you met his mother in passing,” Aunt Addy cried, looking at me giddily. “But the way she reacted made it seem like you two spent some time together! Like her son was introducing her to someone special in his life.”
