My chest explodes with fireworks as a crooked smile upturns my lips. I feel like I just won the Stanley Cup, and my ass doesn’t even play the game. But those three words feel like Heaven on Earth.
“I love you more, mama. Come on, we’ve got appointments.”
Deshona’s smile is brighter than the sun as she joins our hands together, and we head to the front entrance of Callista’s Regal Retreat.
“Ooh. This is nice.” Deshona’s mouth drops as her eyes bounce around the front entryway of the spa.
Although I don’t speak, I agree with Deshona’s assessment and am happy that I booked our services here. The spa is Black-owned, and I can tell the owner definitely wants her customers to catch a vibe from the moment they enter. There’s a calming, tranquil atmosphere defined by soft beige and blue-gray tones. A gentle waterfall wall adds a soothing and rhythmic presence that automatically enhances the relaxation vibes.
“Welcome to Callista’s Regal Retreat. My name is Theodora. How can I be of service?” The dark-skinned woman with a blonde buzz cut, big hoop earrings, and a pleasant smile asks once we reach the front desk.
I smile because I know from the website that this is the spa's owner. It tells me a lot about this business when the owner is the one welcoming customers.
“How are you, sweetheart? I?—”
“Sweetheart?” Deshona’s voice is one of question and offense as I turn to see her downcast face.
“Chill, mama. You’re the only woman for me,” I tell her before I return my focus to Ms. Theodora who’s trying to fight her low snickers. “Reservation for Dawson, please.”
“No problem,” Ms. Theodora says as she promptly clicks away on her keyboard. “Ah, yes. You have a full day with us. If you just follow me, I’ll show you to our locker room so you can get changed. When you’re ready, you can open the door, and someone will take you to your first service.” Theodora nods and comes from behind the desk to lead us to the locker room.
“What did you sign us up for?” Deshona whispers to me.
“Everything,” I say before I wink at her just as Theodora arrives at an open door.
“Okay, you can remove everything but your underwear. Then put on one of the robes available. Someone will get you as soon as you’re ready,” Theodora says, and then she walks away.
“Ooh, we’re getting a couples massage. I’ve never done this before.”
That’s what the fuck I’m talking about. New beginnings and new experiences around this bitch.
My conscience pumps his fist as I smile before closing the door so we can get this party started. While I gave Deshona a massage not too long ago, this one should hit differently since it’ll be with a professional. Taking our clothes off and putting on the robes takes minutes, and I return to the door to open it so they know we’re ready.
“Hello. My name is Melanie. I’m here to take you to your massage,” a light-skinned woman says.
It’s only been a millisecond since I opened the door and took a seat beside Deshona on the bench. These people don’t play when it comes to great customer service. I already know before we even have the first service done that Deshona and I will be back. Deshona and I take a step together when a phone rings from the locker where her belongings are.
“Hold on, let me turn it on vibrate so it doesn’t bother anyone while we get our pamper on.” Deshona turns and walks back to the locker, then sticks the key in and opens the door. She pulls her phone out, but her forehead wrinkles in suspense as she turns toward me. “It’s one of the hospitals in Columbus.”
“Answer it,” I urge.
Deshona nods and connects the call before she greets whoever is on the other end. Her eyes flash with several unreadable expressions as she holds the phone to her ear. I move toward her when a tear falls from her eye.
“Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I live in Kai-Kaigood now. No—mhm. Okay. See you soon.” Deshona’s voice is shaky, and when more tears fall, I step up to her and pull her into me.
“What’s wrong?” My voice is low and soothing.
“My—something is wrong with my mom. I gotta get to Columbus.”
“What hospital?”
“OSU main campus.”
“Say less, mama.”
I’m not sure exactly where the hospital is located, but my navigation system will remove that mystery for me. I turn to the woman who’s waiting for us and tell her that we have a family emergency and have to leave. The woman nods and says she’ll let the owner know, then wishes us well before closing the door. None of it matters to me in this moment. I understand that I’m about to pay for the services this emergency prevents us from getting, but my mind is on Deshona and getting her to her mom. We rush to get dressed and are out the door within ten minutes of the phone call.
Deshona’s body shakes lightly with each step we take toward my vehicle, and it increases my adrenaline. It also doesn’t help that Deshona hasn’t spoken since the call disconnected. The minute she’s in her seat, her leg shifts from left to right in a hurried motion that somehow incites worry. I grab her left hand and then hit the freeway toward Columbus. Just like she took care of me when I was sick, I'm taking care of her now. Hopefully, her mom is ready because Deshona’s future is about to hit the scene.
