“Glad I found the right place. Now, time is of the essence. We have a lot to accomplish today. First, we need to do something about those shoes. Let me guess. You lost one at a grand ball, which made for the mixed pair you’re wearing today?” the chauffer asked.
Brooke clung to Iskyiah’s arm and beamed up at her. Iskyiah nodded in encouragement before Brooke answered.
“How did you know?” She played along so well. Though she looked just like Charles, Moolah saw nothing but Iskyiah in her. It took him back to all those years ago when they first met. He couldn’t help but smile.
After a few minutes of back and forth banter, they were able to board the carriage.
Once they were off, Iskyiah leaned into him. “Thank you for this.”
He responded by squeezing her thigh. She had no idea this was just the beginning of a very long day.
When they made it to the mall, Moolah led them into a princess store where they did pedicures and manicures for children. Brooke looked hesitant as they entered the shop. Sheglanced at Moolah and then looked up at her mom. “Mama, I just got my nails done with Auntie Sophie.”
She flashed her pink nails at them. Moolah stepped in before anyone could panic. “It’s all good, lil mama. They do makeup here too. You wanna get your makeup done?”
Her eyes lit up. “Can I, Mommy?”
“Of course.” Iskyiah laughed as a worker came over and introduced herself to Brooke.
After Brooke was squared away, Moolah bent down and asked, “You bring that card I gave you this morning?”
“Yes.” She hesitated in answering him, but she knew she couldn’t get away with not responding or lying.
“Good girl. Go blow some money.”
Her eyes grew. “What? No. What about Brooke?”
“I got her. Go ’head and shop, my baby. This day is for you too.”
Iskyiah looked reluctant. “There was this Skims set I been having my eye on . . .”
“Go crazy. No limit.” He smacked her ass, and she giggled.
“You’re sure?”
“Go. Call me when you’re done. Me and Brooke gonna be good. I need to bond with my daughter.”
Iskyiah shook her head but didn’t correct him. He liked that. He knew he couldn’t push things with Brooke like he had with Iskyiah. Brooke was a stranger, and consistency and time would determine their relationship, but he had no worries. Brooke and Iskyiah were meant to be in his life. He knew it like he knew he would make a hundred thousand dollars before the day was done.
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips before she pranced out of the store. He smiled as he watched her go before he got comfortable on the small pink chairs where he could still keep an eye on Brooke.
With his phone in his hand, he took care of some business, texted Teyanna and his uncle, and scrolled on social media.
“Where’s Mommy?” Brooke asked when she was finished getting her makeup done. He appreciated that the place didn’t go overboard and make baby girl look too grown or no shit. She had some glitter around her eyelids and some pink stuff on her lips. They’d even done her hair in a tight bun at the top of her head.
“I told her to go spoil herself. You cool wit’ that? Or you wanna go get her?” He wanted to make sure she was comfortable.
Brooke thought about it for a second. “No, it’s okay.”
Moolah stood and ushered her over to the checkout counter. After he paid, the employee said, “Don’t forget, Princess Brooke, you must find your tiara before the day is up.”
Brooke’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll find it. I promise.” Moolah grinned at her enthusiasm before he reached out for Brooke’s hand. When they were out of the store, she asked, “Now what?”
He glanced down at her shoes. “We gotta fix that shoe situation, no?”
She nodded seriously and lifted one of her feet. “I wondered why they were the same shoe but different colors.”
“Let’s go get you your lost shoe, princess.”
