She turned her back to me. “Marisol!” I called out, prompting her to pause. “If you don’t let me back there, then don’t expect to be welcomed at my wedding.”
Slowly, she turned and looked at me with amusement before releasing a sinister laugh. “Your wedding. You mean the same weddingmy sonis footing the bill for? That wedding? Ohdarling, I promise this isn’t the game you want to play. I allowed my son to marry you even though I know he can do better.” She gave me an up and down look. “But if you want there to be a wedding, I advise you to stay in your lane and just continue looking pretty by my son’s side.” Spinning around, she hit the button then waited to be let back in.
I stood there motionless with my lips slightly parted. My blood boiled and my hands curled into tight fists. I bit down on my back molars as my heart pounded viciously inside of me. I always knew Marisol felt like I wasn’t good enough for Rome, but for her to admit it was a gut punch. Part of me wanted to cause a scene but if I did I knew it would only give her more leverage to keep me away. The Thorntons’ influence and money allowed them certain things I couldn’t get around.
Spinning on my heels, I stormed away, hastily pressing the button to call the elevator. My foot tapped impatiently as I waited. Fire rumbled in my belly. This was the final straw for me, the moment Rome opened his eyes and was back to feeling like himself, we would have a long talk about his mother and her lack of respect for me.
____
Pulling the door handle, I stepped into Sugar Bliss, instantly feeling calm as the smell of sugar hit my nose. I stepped closer to the counter where Summer was restocking one of the cases. SZA played overhead. The place was clear of any other customers.
“Summer,” I called out, gaining her attention.
She popped her head up and grinned. “Hey, cousin!” It didn’t take long for her smile to dwindle and concern to fill her face.
“What happened?”
I took a deep breath and stepped closer to the counter before my hands started flying. “Wait, wait!” she finally said when my hands moved faster the more I spoke.
Again I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, mentally counting to ten. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this angry. Popping my eyes open, I lifted my hands and started signing again, this time a little slower, but still quickly.
“Can you believe she said that!” I signed and spoke this time.
“First off, take this.” She slid a cupcake my way which I happily took and bit into instantly. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as the lemon treat filled my taste buds. “Second, fuck that old hag! How dare she talk down on you like you’re not shit. Her son is lucky as fuck to have you at his side.”
One corner of my mouth lifted as I swiped frosting from my lip with my thumb. “I know that. I deal with a lot of shit from Rome, but I also know I’m a catch. I just don’t get how she could talk to me like that. I’ve been nothing but nice and respectful to that lady.”
“She’s a bitter bitch.” Summer shrugged, rolling her eyes. “You know how these Black mamas are with their sons too. They be wanting them to be their man. It’s weird.” She shivered.
I choked out a laugh. “It’s not just Marisol though, Deacon’s like that too. I get that Rome is under a lot of pressure to take over the company or whatever, but as his future wife they should respect me enough to take my feelings into consideration.” I finished the cupcake and crumbled the wrapper. “Sometimes I wish it was them who got into the accident and not Rome.”
“Listen to me, Nakyra. You have been through so much shit in your life and you’ve overcome it all. You are not a hateful person; so don’t let those people turn you into one. They’re snobs and don’t know any better. Fuck them! When Rome wakes up and sees how they treated you, he’ll set them straight. Untilthen, just continue keeping your head up and don’t let them get to you.”
A half smile formed on my face. “Thanks.” I knew how Summer felt about Rome, so for her to say that meant a lot.
“You know I got you! I don’t play about you either and I don’t mind beating an old bitch up.” I couldn’t stop the laugh from leaving my mouth.
“Where’s your boss?” I looked around. “You the only one here?”
“Yayomi? She’s at the other location downtown today.” Sugar Bliss had two locations, one downtown and one in Ridge Valley, close to the hospital Rome was in, then she had a mobile cart that was usually on The Shore. “There’s a baker in the back and the other girl working isn’t here yet.”
I nodded and looked around the blue and white decorated building. “This place always calms me down.”
“That’s because you have a mean sweet tooth.”
I snickered and rubbed my right ear.
“You good?” Concern filled Summer’s face.
“Yeah, you know when I get upset and worked up it makes my head hurt then my ears start bothering me. I’m fine.” I waved her off.
She squinted at me. “I’m good. I need to get going though. Box me up a few things.” I looked at the cases, naming off what I wanted before going into my tote for my wallet.
“Are you good now?”
“Yeah, I just needed to vent real quick.” I handed her the cash and waved off the change when she tried to give it back.
I grabbed the light blue box. “I forgot to mention, I met someone through Creed. She’s cool and kind of reminds me of you. I think I’m going to do a girls’ night so I need you to play nice.”
