“She should be. I’ll walk you to her house.”
Bria followed Tori through the main level and out of the double French doors. They walked along a flagstone walkway to another home. Tori rang the doorbell and seconds passed by when Ada answered. She was dressed in a dazzling kimono with a honey blonde wig with baby hairs styled along her hair line.
“What the hell you want? I hope you came to get a number for a hair stylist so she can retwist those raggedy-ass locs.”
Bria stifled her laugh, trying to figure out if Ada was joking or being serious with Tori.
“I actually came to get the number to the zookeeper so they can take your ass back to the wild kingdom.” Tori smiled and batted her lashes. “Bria is here to see you.”
Ada looked to her right and grinned immediately. “Oh, hey! What a lovely surprise.”
She pulled her in for a warm hug that was accompanied by the smell of jasmine and sandalwood. Pulling back, Ada held her shoulders.
“Are you okay? Is everything alright?” Ada questioned with concern.
“Uh, yeah. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “Come on in.”
“Bria, be careful. You know when bears are hungry, they run amuck,” Tori warned.
Bria’s jaw dropped in disbelief. No way was Tori calling her mother-in-law an animal.
“Oh, why don’t you go play the piano with that long-ass nose of yours and make yourself useful. As a matter of fact, make a hit. Fake ass Patrice Rushen.”
Tori laughed as she walked back to the main house. As soon as Bria walked inside the home, she turned to Ada.
“You guys don’t like each other?”
“Hell no! She wanna be me so bad but she can’t ‘cause I’m the queen bee.” Ada smiled. “Besides, I got two daughters-in-law I adore, so two out of three ain’t bad.”
Bria shook her head, still in shock by them roasting each other.
“Let’s go in the backyard. It’s a beautiful day outside. Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink?”
“Oh, no, I’m fine.”
“Okay, let’s go out here.”
The backyard mirrored an oasis with an infinity pool, wet bar, and patio. Bria took a seat and prepped herself for thisconversation. She’d thought about what she’d say on the plane but being in front of Ada was different. She was vastly dissimilar to Maddy. Ada looked expensive. Her makeup was applied perfectly; she sat up straight with her shoulders back. Jewelry dazzled on her fingers, wrist, and neck. While Maddy possessed a more homely look. She opted out of heavy makeup while allowing her beautiful, unblemished skin to shine. She was the complete opposite of Ada despite them sharing the exact same features.
“I’m so happy you’re here. I like to connect with all my daughters-in-law, even Tori’s funky ass.” She playfully rolled her eyes. “I just didn’t know how to do it with you. And the last time you saw me; I was in rare form. I figured you damn sure wouldn’t want to connect with someone who was ready to set shit off.”
Ada chuckled at the haunting memory while Bria attempted to play it cool so she wouldn’t make her feel uncomfortable.
“I know my sister probably told you that I’m crazy and a deadbeat but I’m tired of her thinking she’s Lo’s mother.”
“She actually hasn’t spoken ill of you in front of me.”
Ada snorted. “You ain’t gotta cover for her.”
“No, I’m serious. I actually didn’t come over here to talk about the incident that happened. I actually…” She paused. “Me and Lo had a conversation, and he told me… what happened to him.”
Ada’s chest inflated before it slowly fell. The mention of that moment caused her physical reactions just like it did Lo.
“And you’re here to judge me?” Ada quipped with tears gathering in her eyes. “Is that why you came here. So, you can tell me how I’m a terrible mother, too.”
“No, no, no.” Bria quickly reached out and grabbed her hand. “I’m not here to shame you. I just… I don’t know why Icame here. Maybe I was hoping to hear your side. Not to judge you but to get the complete picture. Lo is so hurt. He operates in his pain but not in a good way. I just wanted to connect with you. That’s all.”
