Page 25 of Pieces of Us

“But you’re telling me now, so what’s the difference?”

“The difference is I don’t do that stuff anymore. I was really doing the shit out of anger anyway. I saved myself for that cheating ass nigga, gave him my all, and he shitted on me. So, I went through a ho phase and enjoyed my time in that phase. Now, I’m just really focusing on my art store and my baby. Can you believe we’re about to have high schoolers?”

“Girl, no. I’m not ready for it at all, but they’re so smart. I know they’re going to excel.”

“Indeed.”

“Morgan?” I looked up to see Chelsea and Shanise standing in front of me.

Shocked, I couldn’t formulate the words to speak. My eyes skirted around the salon to make sure Megan wasn’t around. My heart was moving a mile a minute as I tried to think of a way to hide my child.

This is ridiculous. Not here! Please don’t let them see her here.

It was no secret that Megan stole her father’s whole face. Every day I looked at her, all I saw were those thick eyebrows, light brown orbs, long lashes, and gorgeous smile. If Chelsea or Shanise saw her, they would know immediately that she belonged to Nehemiah.

“It’s so good to see you. Can I have a hug?” Chelsea’s voice brought me out of my stupor.

“I’m sorry. Of course.”

She ventured around the pedicurist and wrapped her arms around me tightly.

“It’s been so long. How have you been?”

“Awesome. Can’t complain. How are you?”

“All good. Hey, Drueski!”

“Hey, Chels. Hey, Nisi! Y’all looking fab as always.”

“Hey, Drue.” Shanise smiled. “Thank you, bookie. You’ve been alright?”

“Splendid.”

I couldn’t help but feel awkward. My eyes kept going toward the back to make sure Megan wasn’t coming. My anxiety piqued, making me feel even worse than I already did. My first love’s sister, my very first best friend was standing in my face, not knowing that her niece was only a few feet away.

“Mommy, it tickles!” Mariah screeched and laughed.

“I know, Honey Bee.” I smiled, pinching her little cheek.

“She’s adorable, Mo!” Chelsea complimented, smiling down at Mariah.

“Thank you.”

“Well, we don’t want to take up too much of your time. Gotta get our paws done. It was really great seeing you, Morgan.”

“Thank you. It was good seeing you all too.” She pulled a card from her purse, handing it to me.

“Call me sometime. Okay?”

I could see a hint of sadness in her eyes. I knew why and wanted so desperately to reconnect with her…withhim.

I smiled. “Will do.”

They walked away, and I released the breath I was holding in.

“We need to go.”

“No we don’t. I’m not going to let you do that, and maybe this is God’s way of telling you that it’s time, Sis.”

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