“I’m open.”
“Sounds good.”
I slid on my skull cap and opened the door. “Take it easy, Laiya.”
She gripped the steering wheel. “Bye, Spence. And thank you.”
Alaiya
I can’t feelmy face.
I froze at the self-checkout lane at Sam’s Club and glanced at the various people standing around. Lifting my hands to my face, I pinched my nose, brushed my palm over my eyes, and tugged on my ears. Everything was there. But not there. And that didn’t make any sense.
“Mom?” Desiree shoved me gently. “It’s our turn.”
I blinked once. Then another time for good measure. When it felt like my legs were going to give out, I gripped the cart for dear life. “Oh shit,” I mumbled.
Des glanced at me over her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel weird.”
Walking over to me, Des peered at me. “What do you mean?”
“I’m probably having a stroke.”
Alarmed, Des’ mouth fell open. “Mom, don’t play.”
I ran a finger down her face. Her skin was so soft. I remembered having skin like that … fifty million years ago. I held her cheeks in my palms. “You’re so cute. My little Mucha Mucha.”
Des gasped. “Oh God. What’s wrong with you?”
Holding my hand up, I studied my ashy knuckles. “I forgot my hand lotion.”
She squeezed my shoulders. “Focus, Mom.” Des paid for our cart and escorted me out of the store. “I should call someone. Shit, I can’t call Dad. Aunt Vicki?”
The moment the name registered in my brain, I yelled, “No!” I smacked my hand over my mouth. “Shh.”
“Mom, you’re telling me to shh, but you’re the one yelling in the parking lot.”
“Don’t call her,” I whisper-yelled.
“Well, then we’re going to the hospital,” Des said, helping me into the car. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Des, is my nose on my face?” I smacked my cheek to make sure. “’Cause I think I left it in the store.”
“What? Wait, what did you eat today?”
“I don’t know.” I gasped. “Oh no! I didn’t eat.” My throat burned as tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m starving and having a stroke.”
“Oh Lord,” Des muttered. “Listen to me, Mom. Did you drink that smoothie in the refrigerator?”
“Smoothie?”
“Yes, the green one.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mumbled, burrowing into the seat. “I’m so sleepy. If I die, make sure you don’t show anyone my panties. I had to put on an old pair this morning. Oh, and ignore my browsing history. I just wanted to see Drake’s dick because it was all on the internet. And I was rushing so I didn’t notice they had a hole in them.”
Des giggled. “Mom, you’re trippin’. Everybody saw that video. You’ll be fine.”
