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“You’re hurting.”
I wouldn’t look at Peach. Nope. I’d swallow this in silence, be the big girl Chi-Chi couldn’t. Gazing blindly into the brick wall, I shook my head.
“You are.”
“I’m not. She’s a baby. He’s a weird ass, megalomaniac of a felon.” I felt myself pouting as my thigh bounced, vibrating my whole body.
Peach dropped her face into her hands and groaned, “You don’t mean that, Shi-Shi!”
Not the felon part, but it felt good to say at the moment.
“I do! He is! He’s so damn frustrating.”
“No. What I mean is you don’t mean to label him according to his past. Jas is a long way from inmate number 12345. You know that.”
“You defending him?”
She shook her head. “I’m balancing your good senses with your hurt.” Peach stood, taking a deep breath, then reached inside her purse for her phone. “How are you going to salvage your plans now that Chi-Chi will be with her father?”
“I don’t know.” I rolled my eyes.
“Well, we had a brunch date.” She tapped into her phone. “What were your plans right after?To hit Crystal K’s?”
“No. We have hair appointments at ShawnNicole’s salon.”
“You were taking my goddaughter to ShawnNicole’s?”
Biting my lip, I nodded. “She has great braiders there. My appointment is with ShawnNicole. I thought I’d treat myself and let my baby girl flex, too. Do I judge you when you spoil her?”
Peach shook her head, eyes rolling. “Anyway. Today’s a pretty open day for me, other than a committee meeting. I just sent my apologies for skipping. I still feel awful about missingIDCand Chi-Chi’s party yesterday. She’s not here, but I want to, at least, celebrate you. I know I’m not a gorgeous, three foot three-year-old, but I don’t do bad for myself.” She winked. “I’ve been known to be good company.”
That’s why she wanted to take Chi-Chi and me out to brunch today. The Carmichaels were able to attend Chi-Chi’s party yesterday because it began after church hours. Peach wasn’t unable to make it because of after-church obligations. It was their church’s anniversary week, and all hands were on deck. My best friend was clearly still regretful for missing the event.
“Bitch, you’re known to be thebestcompany.” Peach laughed when I tossed a pencil at her. “That’s why you’remybest friend. I just hope I can be the same. And you’ve already sent me theCartiercashmere stole.” It was waiting on my dining room table along with bouquet arrangements from my father, friends, Austin, and Haris.
“That was a congratulatory gift. Today will be the making up for missing one of your biggest accomplishments live.” She went back to her phone. “We’ll have to skip brunch. We can grab something on our way to the salon, if you’re that hungry. I need to stop at home to pack an overnight bag for the spa stay. I hope these places don’t have a problem transferring services from a three-year-old to an adult.”
With my purse clutched beneath my arm, I grabbed Peach with my free hand to leave the office. “Oh, they’ll make the adjustment. I’ll make sure of it.”
“This shit is so nice,” I groaned, gazing out of the floor-to-ceiling window of one of the meditation rooms atCrystal K’s Spa. Outside, nestled in the dark air, was an alluring light show. Countless bulbs flashed on a timer, creating calming and fascinating designs and patterns as we sat in full view of it in robes and booties. “Really nice.”
Our bodies being fully massaged, hair finger-twisted and clipped close to the scalp while covered by mesh wraps protectively, fingers and toes manicured and colored, bellies full, and a mild buzz were all just what the doctor ordered.
“For sure nice.” Peach raised her champagne flute toward me in the air.
I met it on a clink, and simultaneously, we fell into giggling fits.
When I was able to stop, I shared, “I truly do love you.”
“What made you say that? I sense a strange motive.”
“You. You’re the motive. I love when you let your hair down with me.”
“Don’t I always?”
Peach didn’t drink much. She said she’d do it when the occasion called for her to acclimate to the moment. So, while I’d taken an edible upon check-in to enhance my relaxation, Peach requested a flute of champagne when the meditation room server took our order. I loved this full-service luxury spa and my company for being in the moment with me, too.
I nodded, tongue swiping over my glossed lips. “You do. You always have.”
