Page 11 of A Boy Is a Gun: Part II
He smiles at me.“See you later, neighbor.”
I don’t know why that small interaction made me giggle like some nerdy girl who just found out the popular jock liked her back.I need to focus on raising Mia, keeping us safe from Cameron and his bullshit, and make sure my shops run smoothly.
And who cares that I listened to “Butterflies” on repeat on the way to Fresh Espresso?It’s a great song!
~~~~
“HEYYYYYYY GIRL!”HAYLEYgreets me as I walk into Fresh Espresso.People turn around to offer their head nods and various hellos as I make my way to the back.
No matter how hard it is to run a business and be a new mom at the same time, I wouldn’t trade either.Mia keeps me grounded and gives me that extra push every day, even when I feel like giving up.Fresh Espresso is how I give back to the community.
And I’ve come to love everyone who comes through.Like Miss Alice who always changes up her drink order, but always orders the same biscuit with peach jam.
Or when the Masons come through with a catering order for their monthly meetings.
And now with our sister shop, Earth, Wind, and Flour, is quickly becoming an East Atlanta favorite, it feels like I’m on top of the world.And of course, since I feel that way, it only means things are about to come crashing down hard, because why wouldn’t they?
Hayley follows me to the office and closes the door behind her.No matter the occasion, she’s always dressed fresh to def.Distressed shorts, a cute purple top, Jordans, and bangles in her ears.Her face is beat to the gods, and she’s wearing a shoulder-length pink wig.I have to admit, being around Hayley made me step up my style.
I lost more of the baby weight, so now I’m rocking boy jeans, a tank that covers my midriff, and a jean jacket.I’m covered enough but still stylish, so I don’t look like I’ll be driving a grocery-getter (read: minivan) and cutting up orange slices on Friday nights for Saturday morning soccer games.
“How’s it going, Tay?”Hayley asks.“I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days.Everything cool?”
“Yeah.I’ve just been...”Trying not to stalk my ex’s social media and wait a minute, why did he likethatpicture?!“...busy.”
Hayley knows me too well.She knows when I’m genuinely happy.She also knows when I’m full of shit.It’s no question what side I’m on currently.“What’s really going on, Tay?”
I blew out a harsh breath and sighed.“I think Cam is dating again.”
Hayley shrugs.“So?Anything else going on?”
I stare at her incredulously.“Um, hello?My child’s father is dating again after we spent the wedding weekend together.”
“And hello?”Hayley shrugs again.“You told him plenty of times – and made it very clear to everyone who cared – you were single.”
“I had no choice,” I defend my decision, “he put our lives in danger.”
“And he’s in the process of fixing that now.”Hayley dismisses everything.“You wanted this, Taylor.”
“I didn’t think he would actually do it.”I pause as my heart flounders.“But it’s not him being single that worries me.It’s what he’s planning to do.I still haven’t spoken to Jamie about everything.”
“Well,Ms.Not All Copsneeds to stay out of it, and I suggest you do the same.”Hayley advises, “This is between Finesse and whoever else he’s dealing with.”
It’s always when Hayley refers to Cameron by his street name, and not his government, that the conversation takes a different turn.This is no longer bestie, sister talk about guys and relationship problems.No, this was about problems that can only be solved with bullets.
Jamie’s knock is more of a formality than a request.She’s already halfway through the door when I look up.She’s wrapped in sleek neutrals today—camel coat, ivory blouse, gold hoops.Understated but sharp.Her eyes scan the room, landing on Hayley for one tense beat before turning back to me.
Hayley stands, slow and steady like she’s sizing up a storm.“You want me to stay?”she asks, voice deceptively sweet.
“I got it,” I murmur.
“And that’s my cue to get out of white business,” She eyes Jamie like a bouncer would a fake ID, then brushes past her.“I’ll catch y’all – and hopefully no bodies – in about 15.”She leaves for Fresh Espresso.
Jamie waits until the door clicks shut before she speaks.“Guess I’m not on her favorites list,” she says dryly.
I don’t smile.“She’s just protective.”
Jamie closes the office door and sits in front of me.She’s very composed, though I can tell she doesn’t want to be.She should be floating on air, fresh off an Italian honeymoon, and she probably was until reality hit her.
