Page 10 of Smoke

“Well, hello to you too. Is that how you greet people?”

I chuckled. “My bad, love. How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you. To answer your question, Sharina booked me to do her makeup since her original makeup artist has a stomach bug. I take it you’re part of the family?”

“She’s marrying my brother.”

“Oh! Well, it’s a small world. Sharina and Salima are clients of mine.”

“So you do makeup? I know you said you had a business, but you never elaborated on what.”

“I’m a licensed esthetician. Makeup services is part of that.”

“Aahh! So women come to you for a bald ki—waxing services.”

She giggled like she knew what I was about to say.

“Yes. I offer additional cosmetic treatments, such as facials, acne treatment, skin exfoliation, and peels and spray tanning, among other things. And this isn’t a service just for women. I service men too.”

“That’s what’s up. I know who to come to if my shit starts looking funny.”

She eyed my skin. “You have flawless skin. Though it might be a different story beneath that beard.”

My hand instantly went to my beard as I cracked a smile.

“Nah, love. You don’t get a beard like this without taking proper care of it and the skin beneath it. Touch it. You’ll see how soft and moisturized it is.”

She hesitantly reached out and stroked my beard. “I stand corrected. It’s nice.”

“Appreciate it. Are you staying for the ceremony?”

“I am. I promised I’d stick around to do touch-ups before they take pictures.” Her eyes passed over me for a brief moment. “You look very handsome.”

I smiled. Was my big ass over here blushing and shit? I had to pull it together.

“Thank you, love. You look beautiful, yourself.”

“Thank you.”

“You left lil’ mama at home?”

“She’s with my sister. They are having an auntie and niece day while mommy is at work.”

“Did you have any trouble this week?”

“Thankfully, no. That hasn’t stopped me from being on pins and needles about what could happen, though.”

“That ain’t no way to live.”

“I know.” She hung her head, but I cupped her chin and lifted it.

“Chin up, mama. You don’t give no nigga that kind of power over you.”

“I’m trying to hold it together. Believe me, I am.”

We stared at each other for a moment, her chin still in my hand. I couldn’t get over how beautiful she was. She wasn’t like the women I dealt with. There was this aura around her that said she was soft, yet fierce when she needed to be. It was… nice.

“Why don’t you stick around until things are over?” I suggested, dropping my hand. “Feed that baby. Have a dance or two. Just enjoy yourself. One thing my people know how to do is party. I promise it’ll take your mind off the bullshit, even if it’s just for a little while.”

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