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“Are they forces of nature?”
Raven snickered. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Somebody has to run the world because the folks claiming to be in charge are doing a terrible job. Stand still so I can get your waist.”
Once all the measuring was done, Raven was released. When she and Hattie returned to the front of the store, Brax was speaking with two well-dressed women—one young, one older. Both had ebony skin and were extremely pretty. Their resemblance to each other led Raven to believe they might be mother and daughter. Behind her Hattie said under her breath, “This will be interesting.”
The curious Raven turned around, hoping Hattie would explain, but the seamstress didn’t add more.
Braxton introduced Raven to the women. “Raven Moreau, this is Lottie Franklin and her mother, Mrs. Pearl Franklin.”
His prizewinner. Now she thought she understood Hattie. “Pleased to meet you, ladies.”
The mother trilled, “What a novel accent. Where’s home?”
“New Orleans.”
Lottie said, “Nice to meet you, Raven.”
She seemed sincere so Raven responded in kind. “Same here.”
Pearl, wearing a gray suit that probably fit her better a few years back, scanned Raven’s skirt and blouse and asked, “Are you a new seamstress here?”
“No. My mother is marrying Braxton’s father. Braxton wanted to show me his establishment.”
“WHAT!”
Raven guessed Pearl would be counted among the mourners. “Yes, they fell in love before I was born.”
The sisters expressed their surprise as well. Hattie asked Brax, “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?”
“Because when I arrived, you were too busy spilling secrets, and I wasn’t able to get a word in edgewise.”
Hattie hung her head in mock shame.
“Is he your father?” Pearl asked Raven.
What a rude woman. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”
Pearl drew back.
Braxton was viewing Pearl with furious eyes.
Hattie said, “Raven. I hear there are lots of cottonmouths in Louisiana.”
Raven decided she loved Hattie Clemons.“You’re right, Miss Hattie. In fact, we have one on the family crest.”
“Your family has a crest?” Pearl asked.
“Doesn’t yours?”
A ghost of a smile crossed Lottie’s lips, and it told Raven much about who she was and the relationship the young woman had with her mother, Pearl. Raven said to her, “Braxton speaks very highly of you, Lottie. I’m glad to finally meet you.”
Lottie turned to Brax, who was still viewing Pearl with simmering eyes. “That’s good to hear.”
He nodded her way.
Pearl said, “Yes, the community is hoping they’ll marry soon. His mother and I were lifelong friends.”
