Page 5 of Breeze and Melodie

It was a week after the grand opening and Black Reign's first official day of business. We’d arrived hours before opening to make sure everything was ready. Raine and I had been doing hair all our lives, and we still would, but not as often.

Today was the first time we’d had a chance to talk without other ears around eavesdropping, so I had to give her the rundown of what had happened with Sean.

“You don’t sound like you believe him.”

“I want to, but . . . it’s always something. I’m starting to think our relationship has run its course.”

“Really?” I nodded. “Are you sure?”

“I hate to say it, but I have to be honest with myself.”

“I kinda felt like things were off between y’all, and I’ve been trying to get you to open up about what’s happening. This is the first time you’ve actually shared anything.”

“I know, sis. Things were going well for a long time, and I was hopeful about our future, but Sean has changed, and not for the better.”

“I really hate this for you, Mel. Sean has so much potential.”

“Had, sis. Hehadso much potential. Do you know he had the nerve to get mad and leave because I wouldn’t let him hit it raw?”

“Nooo!”

“Yes, girl! And I let his ass leave because one thing I’m not gon’ do is chase after dick. I got too many toys to ever feel that desperate.”

“Have you seen or talked to him since?”

“Yeah, he came over the next morning to apologize . . . with his mouth and his condom-covered dick that I supplied. For now, we’re good, but we’ll see how things go from here.”

“Listen, Mel. I want whatever you want. If you think he’s the one, I’m rocking with you. If you change your mind, it’s fuck him and his mama. Okay?”

“And that’s why you’re my sister for life.”

“For infinity and beyond.”

“Here’s to day one being a success!” Shyne announced as he opened a bottle of champagne.

“Cheers!” everyone shouted.

It was the end of our first full day in business, and what a day it was. Although there were a few hiccups, overall, it was a great day.

“Praying for an even better day tomorrow and beyond,” I added as the six of us brought our champagne glasses together.

“Today was more fulfilling than I thought it would be. I still consider myself a new barber and never thought I’d be mentoring aspiring barbers so soon,” Breeze said.

“You have a lot to offer, big bro, and not just as a barber. These young men can learn a lot from your life experiences,” Raine said.

“True,” Shyne agreed. “You can be the catalyst they need to help them fight the lure of the streets.”

“That’s the goal,” Breeze said.

“I’m more concerned about managing so many people,” I commented. “We have almost thirty employees.”

“That part!” Raine exclaimed.

“There are six of us,” Adan said. “If one of us don’t know how to do it, somebody else will. We got this.”

“We most definitely do,” his twin, Zayn, agreed. “I have no doubt we have enough knowledge among the six of us to figure out any problems we may run into.”

We talked a while longer before finally heading out. Before I got into my car, Breeze stopped me. “Wassup?”

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