Page 3 of Cause When You Love Someone
“You don’t sound happy about it.”
My shoulders twitched. “Over the years, I’ve gotten used to using my brain to make money.”
She squeezed my arm. “Now, you get to use that body.”
When Shiloh shared his plan to launch a private security firm under our car club’s name, I thought it was another way to wash money. Shiloh was good for starting a business he could use for multiple purposes, but to my surprise, everything was legit.
“Seriously, Ish!” Isabella slammed her back against the passenger seat. “Why did you park all the way back here? We’re almost on the last row.”
“The first few rows are reserved, and the middle is for valet.”
Her lids went low. “You are so cheap. Now, we have to walk a mile to get to the entrance.”
“I’m not cheap. You’re frivolous. Besides, I don’t hear you complain when we walk from one corner of the mall to the other.”
“Of course not. I’m trying to win best dressed this year. That title comes with sacrifice.”
“You’re counting on your looks. How are your grades?”
She dusted off her shoulders while saying, “Straight As, per usual.”
“My dawg,” I replied, bumping my fist against hers. “I want you to stay pretty and remain smart. Even if you turn into an ugly duckling, you can use your brain to make your own money.”
I showered Isabella with affirmations and warnings until we entered the mall, and she pointed out Auntie Annie’s. I hung back as she ordered a bunch of snacks I knew she wouldn’t finish, then I stepped forward when it was time to pay. Isabella called me cheap every chance she could, yet she knew she could get anything out of me. Aside from my club brothers and my best friend, Essen, she was the only person who could break my pockets.
For at least two hours, we walked through the mall, going into nearly every store we passed. I spent a pretty penny in Lulu Lemon and in the Gucci store, so I breathed a sigh of relief when she pulled me into Bath & Body Works.
The edges of my lips turned up as I silently thanked God for blessing me with financial stability. Even though I didn’t believe He approved of some of the ways I earned a living, I knew His protection allowed me to make it home every night.
“All right, Ish. After this, I just need to run to MAC for lip gloss, then we can go sit down and have lunch.”
“MAC? What happened to the beauty supply? Back in the day, that’s what the girls used to wear.”
“Back in the day? Really? You’re twenty-nine, not seventy.”
We laughed as we turned away from the register, but our lighthearted moment came to a halt when we saw a crowd rush into the store. Out of instinct, I positioned myself in front of my sister.
“Excuse me! Excuse me!” A cashier came from behind the counter, waving her arms in the air. “If you’re not purchasing an item or inquiring about purchasing, you must leave the store. We are at capacity!”
Izzy tugged on the sleeve of my hoodie, garnering my attention.
“Do you know who that is? The person they’re trying to see?” she squealed.
“I can’t see through all the people, but obviously, you can.”
I focused on the entrance of the store and saw that a walkway had been curated for the source of the chaos. A lady no taller than five-foot-five swaggered through the place in white fur that swept the dusty floor. Butt-length hair poured down her back, and skinny, black shades covered her eyes. A crinkle of a smile put her cheekbones on display, though I could sense her expression wasn’t authentic.
“C. Rose!” Isabella cheered, slapping my shoulder. “I have to get an autograph and a picture.”
“Aye, calm down. What does she do? Sing? Act?”
Isabella’s gaze drifted to the floor. “She used to be on ‘Hotties of the West Coast’, but recently, she became a cast member on‘The Wave’.”
“She’s a reality star? That’s what all the fuss is about?” I groaned. “Girl, let’s go.”
“Not until I get my autograph!”
“Izzy!” I shouted between clenched teeth, but she was already out of arm’s reach.
