Page 70 of When Love Becomes A Need
“Alright, you guys! First, I want to say thank you for coming out and showing love! This year hasn’t been easy competing with other stores, but my little baby does well!” Autumn spoke, coming onto the stage.
“Oh, let’s get back to our seats. Fatima makes sure you come to our next Sunday dinner so we can talk more,” Loraine said, grabbing her husband’s hand.
“As long as your son brings me,” I joked.
Ahmad’s parents walked off, and I turned to Ahmad. “So, I’m upgraded to girlfriend?”
“Shit, it fits right?”
He wrapped his arms around me. “It sure does, baby.” I leaned up and kissed him. Autumn was talking in the background as I pulled away. “You’re distracting me. Go,” I laughed, pecking his lips again.
“Do your thing, baby.” He gave my butt a light tap, and I turned back to the stage so I could get ready to take more pictures.
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“Autumn, tonight was great! I can’t wait for you to see the shots!” I bragged, pulling her into a hug.
“Thank you so much! I couldn’t have pulled this off without you.” She hugged me tighter.
I smiled and pulled away from her.
“Sis, you did your thing. I’m proud of you.” Ahmad walked up to her and hugged her.
“Thank you. I was so nervous something bad was going to happen, but everything worked out. Even the pop-up shop I had set up sold out.”
Her parents and most guests, including Isabella, had already left. We stayed around to help her clean up.
“You did so good with everyone’s makeup,” I told Ashleigh.
She tossed something in the trash and then turned to look at me. “Thanks, girl!”
I yawned. I had been up since six because I had to work at the coffee shop this morning.
“You ready to go?” Ahmad hugged me and bent down to whisper in my ear.
I leaned back into him and nodded. “Yeah, I’m sleepy as hell.”
“Girl, go ahead. We’re just about done. Thanks for everything.”
“I’ll have the pictures to you in a few days so you can look at them.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I’m glad to see everything is working out well for you.” Autumn looked behind us and started to frown.
An attractive, brown skin man stepped around us with some roses.
“What are you doing here?” Autumn crossed her arms and glared at the guy.
“I saw you were having a celebration for your shop and wanted to show love. What’s up, Ashleigh, Ahmad.” He went to hand her the flowers, but she just stared at them. Ashleigh rolled her eyes and walked off.
“What’s up, Maurice? Nice seeing you.” My eyes widened when I realized who this was.
I looked at Autumn, who cut her eyes to her brother.
“I’m busy, Maurice. Thanks for the flowers, but you can keep them. I don’t even like roses. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She turned and walked away.
Maurice lowered his head and laughed under his breath.
