She snickered, as she went into the closet to grab Bando’s harness, favorite ball, and poop bags. “You asked why I was missing an eyelash.”
I stuck my head out my bedroom. “You could have lied.”
“I can never lie on that man,” she said dreamily, which made me vomit in my mouth. “Anyway, what are you doing today?”
“Nothing.” It was Friday and I had decided the moment I powered my computer off that I was going to take a personal day today.
I didn’t have court today, and I had spent all night going over files and other things pertaining to my most important case. All the attorneys at the firm used today to dress down, ordered catering, while bullshitting until the work day was over.
“It’s Labor Day weekend. We’re having a block party… you have to come, Zoya.”
I continued to rummage through my closet for my favorite hoodie, as I listened to Navy go on about this block party and Labor Day weekend.
Navy had been going on about Labor Day like it was Christmas. She had been asking me what I was doing that weekend before I even knew what I had going on. Avril had texted me earlier in the week to ask too. Apparently, she had put in an application with the city to be granted access to shut her parents’ block down for a block party.
It was something that they did every year, and it was a tradition for Navy and her family. From how excited she was, I could tell this meant a lot to her. Navy was very family oriented, and it was so cute, because I could see that she was rubbing off on Don.
“I don’t know, Navy. Somebody always dying over Labor Day weekend. I actually got someone off last year for shooting at the parade.”
“Well, did he do it?”
I winked. “I’ll never tell.”
“Well, I attend every year and I’m still alive in the flesh. I remember one time me and Greene went to J’ouvert and got our asses handed to us by our moms. Our parents were so mad.” She went on ranting about the Labor Day festivities.
“Hmm.” I busied myself with putting Bando’s harness on, while she continued on with what the itinerary for the weekend would be.
I half listened as she opened the fridge and then stopped talking. “What the?”
“What?” I quickly turned, thinking she was in the middle of a stroke, and I would have to tell Don his fiancée died in my kitchen.
“Why is your fridge so perfect? Everything is color coordinated, even the labels on the drinks.” She rubbed the glass bottle of Saratoga sparkling water like it was a precious jewel.
“That’s how every fridge should look. Don’s fridge looks the same, I’m sure,” I waved her off and continued strapping my baby’s harness.
“No, Zoya... his fridge is very normal. We have takeout containers, and we put our drinks anywhere. I mean, when the housekeeper comes, she arranges it nicely, but not like this.”
“Navy, are you saying I’m a weird ass bitch or something?”
She never replied because she was so busy staring into the fridge. I closed it back, getting her attention again. “Actually, I am… you are too neat.”
I laughed and ignored her.
That wasn’t always the case. Some weeks I had things all over because I couldn’t bear to pick up a broom or pick up a blouse I had worn the week before. I had a housekeeper, but the reason my condo was tidy was because of me.
I popped my medicine and got out my depressive funk and cleaned. Sang my heart out while sweeping and mopping my floors. I organized my fridge while listening to audio books that Navy recommended.
Being neat and organized was something that was instilled into all of us. Menace was the neatest and most organized personI knew. He was never afraid of getting his hands dirty to assure that something was clean.
“You should be happy. Your future husband is actually normal.” I teased.
She smiled. “You are all normal in your own way… ready?”
I picked up Bando’s leash and we headed out. As we were leaving out, the door to the vacant condo across the hall was wide open with a housekeeper cleaning the large windows. When I moved in, it hadn’t gone onto the market and the owner wasn’t sure. I wanted that condo because I knew the sun and view were ten times better than mine. I had a decent view from my bedroom, but the best view was from my office.
“Looks like they finally put it on the market.” Navy shrugged as we continued toward the elevator, as Minks and Bando pulled us.
Bando and Minks decided to take us on a tour of central park, and since it was a beautiful brisk morning, I wasn’t mad about it. The warm sun, cool breeze and smell of leaves and nature was good for my mental.
