Keys.
I playfully rolled my eyes as I turned on the shower.
“Stress relief, huh? Are you trying to tell me something else, Q?”
“Hell no. I know better than that shit, Josie. Just keeping my word and taking care of my wife. But, look, I have to get back in here. I love you, and I’ll be back soon.”
“Thank you, and I love you too.”
The three beeps hit my ear, letting me know he was indeed off the line. I smiled as I put my phone on the sink. Even without his words, I knew what my husband was telling me and I wasn’t even mad. Now, with a hum to go along with the pep in my step, I proceeded to hop into the shower before taking a long hot bath. It was Wednesday and my countdown to be on the island was now my motivation to make it through my next couple of days until I was officially in paradise.
“Knock,knock! Baby mama, where are you?” I yelled as I walked into her house carrying two bags of food in my hands. This was a surprise visit on my part, but I wanted to see Minnie. It had been a stressful week and her chubby cheeks always put a smile on my face.
“Hey, we’re in the kitchen!” she said as she poked her head from around the corner.
I finished walking the few steps to see Mickey at the sink filling water jugs, letting me know she was about to water the plants. New visitors would think upon entry that they’d stepped into a nursery and not a home. They had plants and flowers everywhere, including the backyard.
“Ooh and you brought food. I feel special and loved. What’s going on?”
I set the bags down while putting on a smile.
“You are special and loved with or without the food, Mickey. I figured I had some free time and wanted to stop by real quick. Where is my Minnie?” I was already going to wash my hands so I could hold her as my eyes bounced around the room for her, landing on her asleep in her swing.
“Girl, finally sleep after fighting me all morning. She’s been up since two, wanting to kick it with her daddy. BK got in late and I swear that girl popped up the second he walked in the house wanting to party.” I fake pouted as I got closer, taking her in. Minnie was the miniature version of Mickey through and through, but if you asked BK, she had his whole face.
That part always cracked me up, especially if you knew their history and how it was biologically impossible.
“Aw, look at my wittle baby. You better stop hating on my girl. She didn’t choose the daddy’s girl life, he chose her. I’ll leave her be for now, but just know, next visit, sleep or not, I will be holding her. I already feel like I’m missing too much time now that practice and stuff is taking over my life. I haven’t even been able to see the kids at the center.”
“Oh yeah, how’s that going? It’s also election year, right? How are you juggling that plus Q? I remember his season can be just as stressful.”
“Ugh, we’re fine, but Q has been busy. Practice is going well. The first one is weeks away, and yes, between both time-consuming projects going on at once, I’m completely stressed out. Q is currently out of town ,which gives me a slight break. Oh god, that sounds terrible, but right now it’s my truth.”
“Hey, it’s not terrible. The way I see it, just like new mothers, wives need solo time too to help keep them focused on being an individual.”
I looked at her now grabbing plates and silverware for us to use. I started unpacking the food from Redmond’s, even pulling out their famous lemonade.
“Meanwhile, when did my Mickey start to sound all wise and things?” She chuckled.
“Girl, don’t play me, but motherhood and preparation to become a wife has changed me. I’m fighting to maintain who I was and who I’m becoming. It’s a lot to find my healthy balance.” She released a snort as we both sat at the table so we could eat.
“That makes sense. Are you okay? Like, mentally.”
“Yes. Visits like this help a lot even though I know you really came to see Minnie. You bringing food and giving me a moment to eat and just be does a lot of good.” We got quiet for a bit while we ate. I figured she was thinking about the many changes she was going through. Just months ago she was a semi-single woman preparing to step into motherhood and now she was becoming someone’s wife.
“I can’t relate motherhood wise, but the wife part, I got down. I’m here if you ever want to talk about it, you know that right?” I reached for her hand, giving it a tight squeeze for reassurance.
“Yes I know that. Now, back to pageant season, I was thinking about something. You won’t let me come support with my big ass sign in the audience, but can I sponsor you? BK brought up the idea as a way to help grow Herbal Remedies.” I snorted, shaking my head.
“Now you know I’m not going to turn you down. Honestly, I was going to ask you about shouting you out as a sponsor but wanted to make sure you were ready for what comes with it. Orders will be flooding in and I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
“Girl, shout, yell, kick, and scream. I’m ready. I’ve been doubling my batches since he brought it up. I wanted to be ready too.” She shared a laugh.
“I’ll start posting on my socials now! Did you make your business page yet?”
“Oh snap, yes, I knew I forgot to do something. This mommy brain is taking over. I need to follow you, Hollis, and Amber.”
“Girl, that’s just busy girl brain. Mama Steph is going to appreciate the donorship to add to the mountain we have already.” I playfully rolled my eyes thinking about the stack of sponsors and donors I had collected not only this pageant season, but over the years. Being married to Quincey Wilson made it easy sometimes for me to secure them. Many of the sponsors saw me wearing or promoting their products or companies as a major win since it would be attached to my husband’s name.
