Page 21 of Sweet Love From Saturn

Fishers and Angels was a high-end luxury store, equivalent to Hermes, and that was where the problem lied. The average working-class person didn’t have thousands of disposable dollars to drop on a purse. I wasn’t an expert in content creation, but I knew from a consumer standpoint I wouldn’t follow people I couldn’t relate to.

“One of my homegirls told me the same thing. I just thought all women loved to see unboxings of that type of stuff. Back to the drawing board I go,” she sighed.

“It happens. I’m going through a rebrand with the shop myself, so I understand how it feels to start from scratch. You just need a fresh mind with some fresh ideas and you’ll be fine.”

“I know. I’ve been thinking about moving back home, Saturn. I’m frustrated and just feel alone.”

When Ava’s voice cracked, sniffles followed and I was at a loss for words. Honestly, I was almost shocked this was happening right now. Ava used to make it seem like Cali was so much better than Pleasant Springs.

“What’s going on, Ava? Like, what’s really going on?”

“It’s my parents. They… they’re going through a rough patch right now and it’s killing me. My mom was able to get our house back in Pleasant Springs, so I’m thinking about moving back with her. Then… People are just different. When I first came out here, I had so many friends and was invited to so many parties that I couldn’t keep up. Now, I feel like I don’t have anyone.I don’t know if you remember the guy Chris I was telling you about, but even he turned out to be no good. Four years of my life down the drain for a fuckin’ cheater!” she spat angrily.

“I’m sorry, girl. I had no idea you were going through so much.”

“Don’t apologize, Saturn. You did nothing wrong. After the way I acted the last time I saw you, I don’t blame you for not keeping in contact with me. I should be the one issuing an apology. I’m sorry for not being there the way you needed me when Grandma May passed away. My head was stuck so far up my own ass that I didn’t care how selfish I was being,” Ava stated through sniffles.

My heart truly went out to Ava and everything she was going through. I had to admit I felt much better now that she’d apologized for her shortcomings. I wasn’t perfect by a long shot, but I always tried my best to be selfless when my friends needed me.

“It’s cool, Ava. I appreciate your apology, but we don’t have to get into all of that right now. You’re going through enough and the last thing I want you to do is stress over something neither of us can change. I’m still here whenever you need me.”

The rest of the conversation was spent with me reassuring Ava everything would work out and fall into place. At the moment, I wasn’t sure how I felt about being in a deeply-rooted friendship again. However, I’d always be a friend she could call when she needed me. After ending the call, I took a few minutes to process our conversation. I prayed that I’d never know how it felt to have parents on the verge of divorce. Leaving a relationship that ran its course was one thing, but walking away from a twenty-year marriage was different. Over the years, I’d heard my parents argue a few times. It was never anything serious, but my siblings and I knew there could be an ugly side to marriage.

Standing from the chair at my vanity, I took one last look at myself before sliding my feet into my sandals and calling out for Sparky. In no time, we were in my car and headed to my parents’ house. The evening air had gotten chilly by now, but it was still a nice day. The sun was still shining and the streets of Pleasant Springs were filled with life. I missed Mccoy something serious. I knew he was handling business, but I hated that it cut into our time together. He was truly a gentleman. No matter what he had going on, he always took time out of his day to see me and check on me. Edible arrangements and other small gifts were always delivered to the shop from him. It felt good to have someone invested in me like I was in him.

Reciprocity was a big deal, so I knew initiating our first sexual encounter would be significant in his eyes. It solidified that I was wholeheartedly in this with him. Our relationship and where he stood in my life would always be clear. When I pulled into my parents’ driveway, I parked next to my sister’s car. Something told me she’d beat me here since she was always on time to everything. I wasn’t a late person, but I wasn’t as prompt as Tiffany either.

“Well hello, my youngest child. It seems like you’ve forgotten your way over here,” my mother said as she stood in the doorway with a hand on her hip.

Spending quality time with my parents used to be high on my priority list. It only slowed down once the shop got busier. That led to me spending more time making sure things were ready and in stock for the next business day. I’d lost count of how many times customers came in for a particular plant I didn’t have stocked. Letting money walk out of the door was a lesson learned, but it was all trial and error. With all of that being said, Barbra Baker didn’t care for excuses. She was big on family and I admired her for that. She and my dad did the best they could to raise us and I was thankful for the life lessons and structure.

“Hey, Momma. I will never forget my way. Just been busy with business.”

“Business can wait when it comes to me, little girl. Don’t ever let weeks go past before I see your face. The phone calls weren’t enough to hold me over. The only reason I haven’t come to your house is because I try to respect your privacy. Plus, I heard through the grapevine that you’re having male company,” she stated with a sly smirk.

My smile was instantly replaced with embarrassment. Tiffany’s ass talked too much and I’d be having a few choice words with her before the night was over.

“Chile, get yourself in this house. I don’t know why you over there turning redder than a strawberry. What? Momma can’t know what’s going on?” she joked.

“It’s not that, Momma. Some things I’d like to tell you myself,” I informed her as I walked in.

When Sparky walked in front of me, my mother’s eyes widened as she reached out to pet and rub him.

“And who is this big guy?”

“This is Sparky. The male company Tiffany told you about is his owner.”

“Well excuse me if I’m wrong, but pet watching is a lot to ask when you’re just dating.”

Before I could defend myself, Tiffany and my dad walked into the living room. Just like my mother, I knew my dad would have something slick to say about me not being around lately.

“What’s up, baby girl? It’s nice to finally see you.”

Rolling my eyes, I leaned into my dad’s embrace. When he started asking questions about Sparky, I felt Tiffany’s eyes on me. She was waiting for me to lie or not tell the whole truth so she could call me out. My sister was my best friend, but there were little things she did that irritated me. Telling my mother my business was one of those things. When I was younger, I chalkedit up to her and my mother being so close. Now that I was older, I felt like it was more of a respect thing. I wasn’t like that when it came to her business, so I’d like the same in return.

Once the greetings were done, we went to the dining room where my mom had the radio on. “Cruisin’”by Smokey Robinson played through the speaker, lightening my tense energy. Shortly after I took a seat at the table, my mom set a glass of red wine in front of me. From the looks of it, she and Tiffany started drinking before I got here. Without hesitation, I took the first sip and swayed my body to the music.

“Hello to you too, sister. Are we not talking?” Tiffany asked as she sat next to me.

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