And that was so odd.
But tonight was our first game. The first opportunity for everyone else to see how we’d been fairing as two people on the same team for the first time in almost a decade. I’d understand if she wanted to keep everything bottled in tonight, but I also knew it wasn’t like her.
I sat in between her legs as the morning rays poured into the living room. The cool feeling of the rattail comb she held parting my hair into halves then quarters then sixteenths as she got ready to re-twist the hair I washed and blew out just for today.
“Thank god you’re doing my hair. I didn’t know what I’d do after the beach day.”
“Getting a girlfriend who can also do your hair might be your best idea yet,” Bee murmured before ripping open a pack of hair rubber bands that she had on hand.
“Bee, dating you was my best idea yet.” I braved when I wasn’t looking at her. I felt her hands still though, ever so briefly, before going back to applying gel to my scalp.
“Keep buttering me up, and I’ll outscore you in points.”
“I don’t need to butter you up to do that.” Bee’s hands moved fast as her fingers moved throughout the left side of my head.
“Nola, stop kissing ass.”
“Who’s kissing?” A sleepy voice asked from behind, and Bee didn’t even have to shift to guess which sister.
“Good morning, Nessie.”
“Morning. Happy first game day!” She yawned and came to sit on the floor across from me.
“I was going to make breakfast once Bee’s done.” I announced as Bee finished what felt like the last of my hair on the left. I was always bad at guessing how much hair was left. I could only pray we were close.
Celeste shook her head. “Lettie and I were going to do it; you guys are working tonight.”
“Please, you’re our guests,” I countered
“And I need time to interrogate your intentions with my sister.”
“Oh, God.” Bee probably rolled her eyes behind me.
“Understood.” Celeste still wore her bonnet so the forehead that was usually covered by her bangs was smooth and undisturbed as she leveled her gaze at me. Where Bee, Colette, and Amir all had a silly streak that naturally flowed from their bodies, Celeste appeared to be all business just like Aaliyah.
Celeste pulled out her phone, ready to consult with it.
“Nessie, youwrotequestions?”
“Yes, Bee-sting, how else did you think I’d keep all my thoughts down?” She rolled her eyes like the question was a dumb one to ask.
“What are your thoughts on live theater?”
“I love them.” I responded while Celeste typed out my answer.
“Name your favorite musical?”
“Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Celeste nodded. “Extra points for taste.”
“Can I ask what a wrong question would’ve been?”
“Any jukebox musical. Obviously.”
“Right.” I nodded before Bee straightened my head.
“Is cheerleading a real sport?”
