“Yeah, he was a hustler. That’s where I get that mentality from, having various streams of income.”
“Just think, most people meet you, and they just see this barber shop guy. They’re all proud of you for being a Black business owner, and they love supporting Black-owned businesses, but you’re a legit baby business mogul in your own right.”
He laughed. “Not quite there yet, bae, but we’re working on it.”
“Mm. I love that.”
“You’re gonna be there too. The way we’re making money moves and investing in the future, Hollis, restarting your online services, and teaching baking classes in the community.”
Over the last few weeks, I discussed reopening my online services to ship goods to people who weren’t in the community, and we had also been working on a strategy to give baking classes at the community center for the youth. I was so excited about that.
“It feels good to be doing the things that we’re doing, Harlem.”
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
“You’re right about that,” I replied softly. I hopped off the couch and walked into the front hallway. When I returned, I held out a gift bag to him.
“What’s this?”
“Just a little something for you.”
He smirked and opened the gift bag. He removed the box and unwrapped the engraved clippers with his initials on them before he extended an arm and reached for me.
“Come here, girl.”
I plopped onto his lap and wrapped my arms around him.
“You like it?”
“I love it. Gimme some sugar.”
I pressed my lips against his, taking time to lick along the seam of them before he nipped mine, forcing them open. His tongue lightly caressed mine before our tongues danced together doing a teasing, tempting tango.
When I pulled back, he pressed a kiss to my forehead and whispered, “Thank you,” against it. It was a moment before he pulled back and smiled at me. “I love how you look out for me.”
“Because you take such good care of me,” I replied, and it was true; I wanted for nothing with this man. He made sure that all my needs were taken care of.
I was thankful for the blessings I had received, and I was even more thankful that not only did I now have someone to share them with, but I also was able to give back to those in need.
21
HARLEM
A COMMUNITY AFFAIR
The music was jumping, the kids were exhausted but still running around with balloons tied on their wrists, faces painted, and something sugary and sticky smeared on little hands and mouths. The teens were walking around in friend groups, either chatting and laughing or flirting with members of the opposite sex.
The senior adults walked around with approving smiles and every now and then would stop one of the younger kids to correct behavior. The initial two hours we reserved for haircuts had turned into four hours, but it was worth it. All the business owners had shown up, except for the drycleaners and the liquor store, to celebrate in the community.
Baby and Mrs. Vanessa had both donated some alcohol for the adults for the celebration later tonight. Mrs. Vanessa’s husband, Bill, and his brothers were overseeing the disbursement of alcohol.
“Hey, Paul. Hey, bae,” Baby greeted, walking up to where I stood in front of the antiques shop talking to the owner, Paul Davis.
“Hi, Miss T. Thanks for the extra cupcakes you sent down. Mildred told me to tell you thank you, and the next time, you should send my extra to her,” Paul stated. He laughed and Baby laughed with him.
“I will be sure to send her extra, and I’ll make sure you still have one set aside. How about that?” she asked.
“As long as it came from your bakery, we can’t go wrong,” Paul stated.
