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I’m not the little twig I was when I was last home. At thirty-eight, I’ve come into my grown-woman weight. Because of the label and the image they want me to keep, I do have a trainer.
My workouts have kept my breasts perky, but my hips haven’t gone anywhere, much to the label’s displeasure. I do a lot of photoshoots and video footage from the waist up these days.
I’m not willing to get lipo or anything else that will alter my natural body. Take me or leave me. My voice is my voice. I’ve been firm on that for years.
In my culture, I’m not even that big. I’m what you would consider slim, thick. I’m still not as tall as my sister was, but I’m fine with that.
“Damn,” Matthew says as he comes to knock on the door and pops his head in as I step into the heels.
“And I haven’t even touched her hair,” Maggie coos.
“You don’t think this is a bit much for a visit to the hospital?” I mumble.
“That’s what the duster sweater is for. I’ve got this. Now come on and let me tackle that hair.”
I shake my head at her but move to allow her to get me together. I sit and look at Matthew expectantly. He clears his throat.
“The car is downstairs waiting. The one you wanted me to rent for the team to use will be here this afternoon. All they had was a Mini Coop, and we all know I’m not fitting in that. They’re expecting an SUV back this morning.”
“Thanks, Matt. Let Wilson know we don’t need the entire team for this. I don’t want to draw too much attention.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve talked. I’ve got you covered.”
“Is there room for me? I’d like to see Moses,” Maggie says.
“I don’t see why not. Elise is coming,” Matt replies.
“Give us twenty and I’ll have her ready. We’ll be right out.”
“Do your thing, Mags,” he says.
I take a deep breath and allow my body to relax. I have my team, my friends around me, and things always come together when they’re near.
***
We pull up to the hospital, and my heart is racing. Matt’s phone rings right as we stop. Wilson gets out to usher us into the hospital. Matt murmurs he needs to take the call and will catch up. With a nod, I follow Wilson into the hospital.
Elise gets the information we need, and we head up to my father’s room. I’m fidgety as we ride up. My palms turn sweaty as we walk to his room.
“Oh, hey, Miss Galveston.”
“Hi, Jess, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was just grabbing my textbook I forgot. Pop-pop Moses is napping, and your mama stepped out to get something to eat.”
“You said you’re studying education, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m the oldest of four. I’ve always helped my daddy out with my siblings. I figured I’d make a good teacher.”
“But your heart wants to sing,” I say as a statement, not a question.
Her eyes light up just as I thought they would. I know that look—I used to have it when I was her age. She becomes completely animated.
“Yes, ma’am. I love music. I would love to sing. I’m not sure if I’m a strong songwriter, but I think I’m a decent singer and guitar player,” she says.
“You play?”
“Yes, ma’am. My daddy bought me my first guitar when I was about five. Your mama started my lessons.”
“Then I know you can play. Come by my room after your next shift. You can play and sing for me.”
“Really, ma’am? Are you sure? I don’t want to waste your time.” She covers her face with her hands and textbook. “Pop-pop said he would tell you about me. Or talk to your folks who helped you. I’m so shy, I told him not to.”
I chuckle. “Jess, it’s fine. Come by the room.”
“Oh my God. You’re so much nicer than I dreamed. Thank you, Miss Galveston.”
“Call me Lynn or Cakes like everyone else around here.”
Her eyes grow wide, and her lips form an O shape. Her cheeks turn crimson, and she begins to bounce on her toes. She’s so adorable.
“Can I call you Auntie Cakes? I’ve always dreamed of this moment. Of course, not like this.
“I mean, Pop-pop Moses was never in the hospital, but I dreamed you’d come back home, and you’d be like my cool aunt. Don’t tell Auntie Ann. She’d be so pissed. I just love you, ma’am.”
I can’t hold in my laugh. She really is sweet. Trevor did good. I give her a warm smile.
“Auntie Cakes has a nice ring, but that’s an honor I haven’t earned. We’ll get there,” I say and wink.
“Yes, ma’am, Miss Galveston. I mean, Miss Cakes. Can I give you a hug?”
“Yes, Jess.”
I open my arms and she rushes into them. She hugs me so tight, I can’t breathe for a moment. She releases me and takes a step back.
