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“Last I checked, I got the same job as you, so I don’t think it got anything to do with you being lowly, as you say. And speak for yourself. I ain’t ordinary. If you knew what was good for you, you wouldn’t claim that shit either. Watch the things you say about yourself, even in a joking way. Your heart doesn’t know the difference.”
“I was just being silly is all… I know you’re trying to make me feel better. I had no idea I was hollerin’ and screamin’ so much on the phone with Tom, some customers noticed.”
Iris rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Heffa, I been done told you that. You even got called in the back office when we was both still on second shift a couple years ago. Then you had the damn nerve to have him on speakerphone. Might as well have said, ‘Good evenin’, Kroger shoppers, listen in to this dysfunction. On ya mart, get set, GO!”
Lark burst out laughing so loud, she cupped her mouth to stop herself. “It’s on yourmark, not mart, but I’ll go in the back of the building from now on.” She shrugged.
“But it’s creepy back there. It stinks, too. All that trash.”
Lark shrugged again. “Sounds like when Tom is home. I’m used to it.” They both burst out laughing together this time before the lady strolled away, looking back a time or two, a twinkle in her eyes. Or maybe that wasn’t a twinkle at all, but the shimmer of budding angry tears. Iris had no idea how serious Lark’s crush was on this guy until recently. The woman watched him all the time. Yet, that mess with Tom needed to be straightened out before she entertained another relationship.
Iris rested against her table near the cash register, legs crossed, and admired her newly painted nails—this time bright gold adorned with emerald jewels and charms. That was the one self-care thing she splurged on. Her Aunt Blue was big on that, too. Aunt Blue and her grandmother had helped take care of her and her sister while her mother worked long hours at a food plant after Daddy died. Before that, Mama had been one of the few stay-at-home mothers in their neighborhood back in Memphis. Daddy had been a long-distance truck driver, making pretty good money, but when he passed away in a truck accident, money had gotten tight fast.
Lily was never the same since then. Neither of us were, but I guess people take grief differently. Some transform tragedies to triumphs while others end up crash landing. At least that’s what some of those talk shows say. Now I’m raising her daughter, Ayanna, and she blamed me for all of it. That’s a lotta nerve. Tellin’ me she already got a mama, or she don’t need me to fill Mama’s shoes. I got a shoe, all right, and if she come around tryna raise her fist to me again, I know exactly where I’m going to put it! Try God, not me, go pray, be productive, and get some damn therapy. She was the one out there in the streets with all of those different people and left the child alone all the time when Ayanna was just a baby. She needs to be thanking me for putting my life on hold to raise her daughter, while she gets to still run the streets.
Lily just gonna have to get over all of this bitterness. Don’t forget to come and pick up yo’ feelings, baby. Better that priceless girl be with me than her.
God, I know you’re tired of me asking you this, because the person has to want help for you to jump in and do anything. Charity starts at home, and I know ya gave us free will, but please help my sister…I’m scared for her… She in bad shape.
Setting aside these grim thoughts, she focused on something more pleasant. Dreams of her boutique.
I gotta get me some more money and tighten up my plan. Seems like as soon as I get my check though, it’s gone.
Iris budgeted her money so tight, down to the nickel. She put some of it in savings for her boutique and the main portion into keeping a roof over her and Ayanna’s head, as well as food on the table.
Jude sauntered over and emptied his cart contents onto the belt.
This time, it was a pair of reading glasses, aloe vera gel, a big bag of bubble gum, Lays potato chips, a couple of spiral notebooks, a comic book, a Salisbury steak frozen dinner, a car sticker magazine, two packs of blue ink pens, a crossword puzzle activity book, some muscle car magazine, a Farmer’s Almanac, two coloring books, jumbo Crayola crayons, shaving cream, razors, Hershey’s chocolate bar, one Bartlett pear, and a box of condoms.The big boy ones…
She smiled. “Hey, stranger. Ain’t seen you in a couple of weeks.” The chiming of the register commenced as she started to ring up the items.
He counted out some bills from a thick, rubber-banded wad of cash he retrieved from his wallet.He over here peacocking…She shook her head and kept working.
“How much you get paid to work here, Iris?”
She looked down at her smock. She’d taken her nametag off a few minutes prior and slipped it into her purse. As if reading her mind, he cleared his throat.
“I’ve known your name the entire time. I said it last time I was here, too.”
“I know. I remember. It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you. Usually you come in a couple times a week at least, and you are here later than usual this time around. Everything all right?”
“Yes ma’am. You sound like a wife drillin’ me about where I’ve been.” He smirked, his focus still on that big, fat stack of money. “I think I kinda like it. Now, how much they payin’ ya?”
“Paper or plastic?”
“Paper money or credit card?” He laughed. “Plastic. I always get plastic. Which is better for the environment?”
“Neither. One of ’em fills the landfills, the other one takes away the trees. You bringin’ in your own tote each time is the best option. We got some for sale on the end caps if ya want a couple, or a few.” She pointed at them.
“I’ll buy a couple of ’em next time. How much they give you on that paycheck?” he repeated.
“If you need an application, just let me know.” She slipped the crayons in the blue and white plastic bag.He must have some kids. I wonder how many? Candy, toys, and cartoonish stuff. One time he even bought some jacks, and the little rubber ball that comes with ’em in the pack, too. I ain’t seen no jacks since I was a little girl. I guess the condoms mean he ain’t tryna make no more.
“I need to hire somebody for somethin’. Part time. Could you use a bit of extra income? I might have an opportunity for you.”
Did this motherfucker read my mind before he walked over here?!
“You sound like one of those salespeople that go door to door trying to peddle their pyramid schemes. I ain’t tryna go diamond, and I don’t want your vitamins, cosmetics, or skincare products, either.”
