Page 1

Pecan Praline Ice Cream? Check.

Popcorn with extra butter? Check.

Vanilla Coke with extra ice? Check.

I had everything I needed to start my midday, I-finally-got-a-Friday-off binge-watching escapade. All I needed to do now was silence my phone and watch the five episodes of “The Polygamist” I was behind on before my best friend, Wood, came over later to binge with me. I pulled the soft lilac throw my grandmother had knitted for me off the back of the couch and arranged it around my body before reaching for my phone.

Of course, it started ringing the minute I touched it. Looking at the caller ID, I was tempted not to answer. But if Bria were calling me, I knew it might be urgent. She respected my time and my position. Sighing, I accepted the call.

“Hey, Bria⁠—”

“Topaz, I swear to God, I’ma kill your boss,” she went in immediately.

I was instantly on alert. “Whoa, lady. That’s gon’ make it hard for me to get paid. What’s up?”

She blew out a frustrated breath. “You know it’s his weekend to get Sanaa. This man called talking about he had some clients come to town unexpectedly, and he needs to go to dinner with them.”

I frowned, wondering who these clients were. It had to be someone important because my boss, Saadiq, didn’t play about his time with his children. The man was nerve-wracking, but he was an excellent father. I was tempted to call in and⁠—

I shut that train of thought down. Day off, I reminded myself. Saadiq could handle it.

“You had plans?” I asked.

“Yes. My parents are out of town, and his dad⁠—”

I closed my eyes, rubbing my hand across my face. Okay, change of plans for me.

“Bring her to me tonight.”

“No, Topaz. That’s not why I’m calling. I can get a sitter⁠—”

“And Saadiq gon’ have a fit, and you won’t enjoy your night out ’cause you’ll worry. Bring her to me,” I repeated.

“I was gon’ change my plans to next weekend. I was just calling you to see if next weekend was clear for him.”

“Bria, I got this. I promise. You know she likes staying with me. Go have fun.”

She hesitated before finally saying, “You sure?”

“Yes! Let me call you back to set it up, though. I got another call.”

“Okay. Topaz, he better not ever lose you.”

I sucked my teeth. “That nigga knows,” I assured her before taking the incoming call.

“Yes, Zoë?” I answered dryly.

“Took you long enough to answer,” she snapped.

I refused to respond. She would realize one day I didn’t work for her, just her baby daddy.

“I’m wondering why I’m at the salon, and my baby has a half day at the center today, but no driver is there to pick him up.” Attitude dripped from her raspy voice.

“Did you tell me to schedule a driver for him, Zoë?” I asked calmly, knowing she hadn’t.

“No.”

“Then why would you expect a driver to be there?”