It was Aunt Addy.
“Hello?” I answered, fully prepared to turn around.
“Don’t forget to send me a picture of you and Lamar at Aaliyah’s birthday party tonight. I didn’t want to say anything in front of your parents because they would’ve asked all types of questions.”
“Thank you.” I laughed. “The party is tomorrow, but I will absolutely send you pictures.”
“Live your life.”
We said our goodbyes, and I dried my tears. With my music turned up, I didn’t get consumed with sadness. I just got introspective and gave myself space to think.
When I arrived home, I had a white envelope taped to my door. I grabbed it as I walked into my cute little one-bedroom apartment. Frowning at the stale scent that greeted me when I entered, I carried my bags to the bedroom. The lack of movement and warm weather for almost two months forced me to immediately open my windows and get to cleaning. By the time I finished, I was exhausted. But before I showered and prepared for bed, I remembered the letter from the door.
Shit, I internally groaned as I recognized the Richland Hills letterhead and the two-week-old date emblazoned on the top.
I was expecting the worst as I started reading, and then I stopped in my tracks as I realized a mistake had to have been made.
“I wish,” I muttered as I saw that there was a credit on my account that covered my rent through the rest of the year.
I’ll send her an email.
Shaking my head, I headed to the bathroom. After a shower, I called Nina, and at midnight, we called Aaliyah to tell her happy birthday. Talking to them was a great way to wind down, and when I fell asleep, I slept hard.
Lamar Anderson:If I leave straight from the facility, I can get to you at four o’clock. If I go home, I can get to you by five, five-thirty. Let me know what you want me to do. I have my stuff with me.
Jazmyn Payne:We have to be there at six and we can’t be late so I’d rather you just come straight here. You can get ready with me and then we’ll head out to Dowdy Lake.
I sent that text when I woke up and then rushed to my nail appointment. I hadn’t been since the spa day with my aunt. I got myeyebrows threaded, and I got a wax because I hadn’t had one since June. I couldn’t get a hair appointment until next week, so when I showered, I took extra time to wash my locs.
“Braless?” I mumbled out loud as I stared at the black gown. The backless halter with two sheer pieces that hung long like a train was a sexy choice that Nina and Aaliyah had picked out for me. But I was only just now realizing that due to my summer in Chance, I’d never purchased the breast tape necessary for a dress like that.
I tied my silk robe tighter and reached for my phone. I was going to call Nina to ask what she would suggest since I didn’t have tape. But I saw the time and freaked out because I still needed to sit under the dryer to dry my hair.
To kill two birds with one stone, I set up my hooded hair dryer in the living room, and I moisturized my body while sitting under it. I wanted to have everything done and be dressed before Lamar arrived at four o’clock.
Lamar Anderson:Are you home?
Jazmyn Payne:Yes, sitting under the dryer so texting is easier.
Lamar Anderson:Is it okay if I come up? I’m a little early.
Panic swirled in my belly as I still needed fifteen more minutes until my hair was dry.
There’s nothing I can do about it now.
I crossed the living room to unlock the door and then got back underneath the dryer.
Jazmyn Payne:Of course, come on up. It’s unlocked.
I hadn’t seen Lamar in so long, I got nervous when he knocked. I made sure I was covered up completely and retied the belt of my robe just as the handle started to turn.
“Hey,” I greeted him when he walked through the door in basketball shorts and a T-shirt. “Come in.”
“What’s up?” he said, noticing what I had on. “Is this the move for the night? Because if so, I’m going to be overdressed.”
Grinning, I rolled my eyes. “I’m getting dressed after my hair dries.”
“I’m not complaining. I like it.” He tilted his head to the side. “That’s a short-ass robe.”
