“Bitch, that’s the same thing I said. I was so heated I almost left they ass on the side of the highway. And because of what happened today, I’ll be taking that service off my site. The money is not worth the mileage on my Benz. They gon’ drive they damn selves. I’m over here tryna give an experience, and they tryna treat a bitch like Fonzworth Bentley. I think the fuck not.”
I listened to her vent before giving my opinion. “Now that I don’t agree with. Your tours are what sets you apart from the other realtors. Nobody is transporting their clients to showings. Don’t let one bad experience spoil it for your potential clients, sis.”
In my eyes, Ebone was the best in her field. She made house viewing fun. And by the reviews on her site, it was clear that she was doing something right.
“Ion know, Dai. I’ma have to figure out another niche.”
“Give it some more thought before you decide.”
“Mmhmm. Anyway, how does it feel to be back home?”
I smiled and rubbed my belly absentmindedly. “Feels good. Don’t get me wrong. I really like Houston, but my heart is still here.” I meant that in more ways than one. “I’m glad you convinced me not to let the place go.”
A sense of peace washed over me when I walked into my place earlier. I absolutely loved my detached condo. It was in a quiet area out in Jersey City, just outside of New York. Part of me was worried that it would feel stale or strange, like too much had gone on for it to fit me the same. But it was quite the opposite. My mom had been there the night before to freshen up and make the place lively for my arrival. She wanted me to come back to the same home I’d left months prior.
Keeping the condo may have seemed like an unnecessary expense on paper to some, but in the back of my mind, I’d always known that Houston wasn’t forever. Nothing was forever without Pryce.
“I’m happy I did too. Have you heard from Pryce?”
“Kind of. I sent him a text letting him know I was back.”
“And what he say?”
“That he already knew.”
She sat up and smirked. “I swear that nigga can smell you from miles away. That is love.”
I smiled faintly.
“Food’s done,” my mother announced, walking into the living room with two plates.
She handed me mine first then handed the other plate to Ebone.
“Aww, you made my plate too? That’s so sweet, Ma,” she said.
“Yes, I did. Knowing you, ain’t no telling when’s the last time you had a full meal.”
“I’m always on the go.”
“Exactly. Just like this one here before the baby slowed her down.” She pointed to me and sat on the loveseat across from us.
“Now how I get in it?” I mimicked Nene Leakes, and they both laughed.
“You in it because there was a time where I had to beg you to slow down. And I know as soon as you drop that baby, you’ll be up and running again.”
“Not if Pryce can help it,” Ebone let out with her face in her plate.
“You got a point there,” my mother agreed. “Speaking of Pryce, I meant to tell you that I saw Kyiris at the nail shop a couple days ago.”
“I spoke to her yesterday. She’s planning her grandmother a surprise birthday party and asked for my help.”
“You gonna help her?” Ebone asked while chewing.
“I told her I would.” I put a spoonful of chicken and rice in my mouth and chewed slowly. I watched my mother’s face shift slightly. “What?”
“You don’t think you need to be meeting with Pryce before you meet with Kyiris?”
“I’m not ready to meet with him yet.”
