“What’s crazy is, I’ve been working on a membership for y’all. You won’t have to wait long,” Dani said.
Orielle’s smile widened. “That’s next level, girl. So proud of you.”
“Thank you so much! Let me know how those pants fit. I tried a new material for the colder months and want to make sure it’s not too thick.”
“I most definitely will. Thank you again. Have a good day!”
“You, too!”
The bell on the door chimed softly as Orielle exited the store. She didn’t plan to spend as much money as she did and walk out with two bags full of new clothes, but that was okay. It took money to make money, and she loved looking good while doing so. Dani always came through with the cute sets, especially the high-waisted leggings that hugged her in all the right places. Those were Orielle’s favorites, along with the one-shoulder strap top that made her feel snatched and soft at the same time. Her self-care budget was worth it.
Making a stop at her car, she placed the bags in her trunk. She walked slowly toward the strip mall’s entrance, letting the sunlight warm her skin as she adjusted her Lorvae sunglasses. The winter months were about to be in full effect, so she was taking advantage of the heat she’d miss.
Her hair was in curls today, up in a pineapple puff, while oversized hoop earrings swung from her lobes. She glanceddown at her phone for the time and was happy that it was still early in the afternoon. For once, she had nothing on her schedule and was glad about it.
She’d been in a good mood all week, even after her mama’s antics tried getting the best of her, and she wanted to keep it that way. Dropping by to see her cousin was going to be the icing on the cake. The familiar smell of cold-pressed fruit and agave hit her as soon as she stepped inside Jennie Mae’s Juicery. Saleem wasn’t expecting to see her, and his face lit up as he came around the counter to greet her. Like always, there was a line and customers sitting at every table inside the store.
I know Granny is so proud of him,Orielle thought, smiling.
The space was inviting, with warm earth tones, wooden chairs, and vibrant artwork adorning the walls. He recently added some plants that hung from macrame ropes near the window, and the music was always a vibe.
“Look who finally decided to come see me,” Saleem teased as they hugged.
Orielle wrapped her arms around him, and they rocked side to side. It was one of those hugs they both needed. The kind that only family can give. Breaking away, Orielle took him in and smiled. Saleem rocked a black tee and denim jeans, with his hair braided to the back, similar to how Orielle’s was before she washed it. That same easy smile on his face he’d had since they were kids made her heart melt.
“Be nice, cousin,” she shot back. “Look at you. Looking like someone’s husband and soon-to-be daddy.”
Saleem grinned, thumbing his wedding band. “I didn’t know that had a certain look.”
“Yes. You’re glowing. How’s Amira? She’s almost due, right?”
He nodded. “Yeah. She’s due in January.”
“You nervous?”
“A little bit, but I’m ready to see my baby girl. My lil’ angel.”
Orielle’s heart was swooning. Seeing her big cousin so deep in love with his college sweetheart was something she’d never get tired of. Loved looked beyond good on him, and she couldn’t wait to experience it—the real kind. Not the fake shit she’d been subjected to believing was factual.
“You’re going to be an amazing father. Trust me,” Orielle reassured.
“Thank you. Where you coming from?”
“Curve Me. Had to get a few things.”
Saleem nodded. “That’s what’s up. My wife loves her stuff.”
Orielle couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, my gosh. Doesyour wifehave a name?”
“Man, watch out,” Saleem said, chuckling. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. I’m just teasing. That’s so cute, though. I can’t wait to hear my husband refer to me as his wife.”
Getting married hadn’t been a dream of Orielle’s, but she did want someone to call her own for the rest of her life. Settling down, learning, laughing, crying, celebrating, and experiencing life with just one person who had your entire heart was what she craved. It’s what most of her songs were about; what she yearned to feel.
“You can if you stop being so closed off,” Saleem said.
Orielle playfully rolled her eyes. “Oh, Lord. Here we go.”
