Page 5 of The Hellcat Barbies: Zora
“It’s called flavor, Peanut. You too young to understand greatness.”
She folded her arms, with a smirk on her pretty little face. “It should be called nasty because that’s what it is.”
“Damn, Peanut. That’s how you do your ol’ man.” I feigned hurt.
“Stick to cutting hair ’cause cooking ain’t it.”
I couldn’t do shit but laugh at her because she was telling the truth. I couldn’t cook worth a damn, but I tried for her. Some things I could fix with ease; other times we were eating out or at my mama’s house.
“Bet… now get your stuff so we can get outta here.”
By the time we hit the car, she was humming some TikTok song I couldn’t stand. I caught her in the rearview and smiled at my baby girl. She was my twin, and I thanked Big G every day forthat. She was my biggest blessing, and I’m forever grateful for that.
“You got your homework?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Lunch?”
“In my bag.”
“Attitude?”
“Left it at home.”
“My girl.”
I parked and turned back to her. This was non-negotiable. No matter what I had waiting for me after I dropped her off… we never missed this part.
“Rules,” I said, holding out my fist.
Her small fist met mine before she spoke again. “Work hard… stay focused and don’t let nobody play in my face.”
“That’s my girl.” We hit our handshake before she got out. “Always us?” I recited.
“Always us, Daddy.”
She hopped out the backseat and headed straight for the doors that led inside. She met up with her friends, and they walked in together. I stayed watching until I could no longer see her. That was my blood… my heart walking around outside my body. Everything I built, every move I made—it was so she never questioned who had her back. I was simply Daddy to her, and I took pride in making sure she never doubted it.
***
I pulled up to the shop and parked right out front. The glass caught the sun, and my name stretched bold across the front of the building?Semi Cutz. It wasn’t just a sign… it was a brand. I’d built this brand steady, one head at a time, and now it was planted in the middle of Diamond Cove. My books were alreadyfull, and people were waiting for me before I even got here. I had a little over a million followers on Instagram, so the word spread fast about my relocating and setting up shop here. I stepped out my car and took in the space from the sidewalk. I didn’t have to picture what it’d be—I already saw it in motion.
Inside, the echo of my steps carried until they met Case’s laugh. He was leaning against the counter with his arms folded, like he’d been waiting for me all morning.
Case had been my best friend since we were kids. When I lost my mama at fourteen, his mama took me in and raised me like I was her own. Blood didn’t tie us together… loyalty did. And now, standing in this new shop with him already posted, it didn’t feel like I was just relocating my business. It was about me being side by side with my brother again that was most important.
“’Bout time, nigga,” Case said, straightening from the counter with that smirk. “You forget you got a grand opening to get ready for?”
“You act like I’ain got a kid I gotta get ready for school and shit. You’on do shit but run yo’ gah damn mouth,” I clapped back.
“I got a kid, too. Fuck you mean?” He frowned.
“I meant just what I said. You probably let CJ walk out the house looking like a baby YN. I’on know why Maya has that much faith in you. You can barely get yourself dressed.” I laughed.
“Man, watch out.” He laughed. “You ready for this shit?”
“Always.” I leaned against the opposite counter, matching his stance. “We got chairs ordered, mirrors coming in tomorrow. Only thing left is staff. Shop this size can’t run on just me.”
