AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t! No one knows who I am here. If you show up, it won’t matter that we all hide behind heavy makeup, someone will recognize your distinctive voice and you’ll ruin whatever chance at peace I’m looking for.”
Silence fills the phone line for endless seconds. “Fine, I’ll stay put, for now. I won’t promise to keep away for the whole year.”
“Just make sure you keep Hanson and Rhys in line. People may not recognize them, but they will cause a stir and this town is too small for them to go unnoticed.”
“I’ll do my best,” she says before hanging up.
After securing some breathing room, I dress to leave the bungalow and explore my new town. At my door, two things stop me in my tracks. A package of blackout curtains and two grandmothers with a militant air about them.
“We’re glad we caught you before you left.” Today, the grandmother Kenya calls Glamma wears a stylishly curled mermaid wig that reaches her hips.
Khadijah could use some style tips from her.
“Onyx is glad we caught you. The jury’s still out on how I feel about you and your intentions regarding our Kiwi.” The other grandmother sporting a faux mohawk pushes inside my rental.
Somehow I know even if I assert myself, I’ll be on the losing end when it comes to these two women, especially the one called G-mama, Laila. She may be all woman, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she is a secret dominatrix, able to make the most taciturn individual yearn to be disciplined by her hands.
As she takes a seat, her presence vies for domination. Khadijah could benefit from her style as well. On tour, the standards are different for her than for the rest of us, and she has to make frequent costume changes. A few that show her as powerful as Laila would make our fans go wild.
As alluring as these women’s styles are, the only one that seems to excite me is Kenya’s. She somehow maintains an air of innocence despite her grandmothers’ influences and a body made for sin. Thick curves, perfect to hold onto. Lord help me, once I get my chance, I doubt I’ll ever let go again.
“I think we lost him.” Onyx nudges G-mama who makes space for her on the armrest of her chair.
“How much do I owe you?”
“One Benny.”
Laila hands a one-hundred-dollar bill over to Onyx. “This is one of the reasons I can’t stand your ass. Is there a man you haven’t been able to size up within moments of meeting?”
“Believe it or not, there is one, but we won’t talk about him.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt you ladies, but did you make a bet on me?”
“Did we offend your sensitive sensibilities?” Laila arches her brow in challenge.
“I’m not sure. What exactly was the bet?”
“That our work was cut in half because you’re already infatuated with our granddaughter. Anyone with taste would be. My baby girl is quality.”
“Your work?” I ask, vaguely remembering the conversation between the three women as they walked down the path yesterday.
“This conversation would be better over some sweet tea.” G-mama looks pointedly at me, then toward the kitchen.
“I think I saw a pitcher in the fridge.” Without thinking about it, I march into the kitchen and put together a tray. I haven’t gone shopping, yet everything I need to entertain guests is in the fridge and cupboards. As if they masterminded this meeting before I showed up.
A shiver runs down my spine. These women are actually quite terrifying. I serve them refreshments and sit while they partake of my offerings. When enough time passes, I remind them, “You mentioned work. Can you elaborate?”
“Oh, you know, Mission Marry Kenya Off, MMKO for short. Finding a man worthy of our baby girl is work after all.” Onyx studies me as if delving for my secrets.
“And I’m the one?”
The two women burst into laughter.
“Sweet, honey child, no. At least we haven’t determined that yet.” Laila bites into a cookie. “You’re still a prospect, a good one at this point because you’re obviously into our little Kiwi.”
“A lot,” Onyx emphasizes.
“And it’s always best to have a partner who wants you as much or more than you want them. You’re already there.”
