Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Josh chuckles. “Get ready. I’ll send him over, but you’re going to miss the spa day I had planned for you two.”
“Oh, um, nah. I’m fine here. Shawna needs me to pick her polish.”
Josh laughs and winks at her. “That’s what I thought. I’ll see you guys later. I love you both.”
“See you later, J,” Vernice sings and jumps up to dash out of the room.
“I think you just made her day.”
“I hope I can make yours too. I really am sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not.” He looks up as if someone grabs his attention. “Listen, I need to go. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Kelex
I’m happy I was able to do this for True. Recording in New York in The Cutting Room is a big deal for him. Rap legends have recorded within these walls.
However, now that I’ve made one of his dreams come true, I need to fix things with my wife. I didn’t mean to take my frustration out on her. She had no idea Achilles had called with news that had me ready to go back on my word to my grandfather.
Like I told my cousin Anthony, we all have decisions to make, but Pappoús may not get his mayor because my father is trying to make me kill him. If I weren’t in New York, he’d be a dead man. I look over at Cat and True.
I can’t go back on my word because of them.
I’ve been chanting those words to myself all night. I make myself focus on the task before me. I point to the picture on the device in my hand. I have a personal stylist showing me outfits for the date I have planned tonight.
“This one, she’ll look great in this and this hair and makeup. You’ll have to get the picture over to the spa ASAP. Make sure your team is done by eight. You can deliver my things to the front desk. I’ll pick them up from there,” I say.
“No problem, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No, that will be all. Thank you.”
“J, you ready?” True says expectantly.
“You and Cat head out with Helios. I have some things I need to take care of.”
“Okay, cool. You all right?”
“I’m good. It’s just time for me to let something go.”
He shrugs and goes to leave with his sister. I pull the band from my hair and allow it to fall around my shoulders. I run a hand through it to push it out of my face. I almost forgot what it’s like to have hair this long.
Holding the strands between my fingers, I look at the blond and purse my lips. It’s more than True snapping on me last night about my roots and the blond hair.
I’ve been growing it out for a while. Actually, I’ve been growing it out since Shawna said she loved it dark and when I used to wear my fauxhawk. If I want a change, I have to make it happen.
“It’s time,” I mutter to myself.
Chapter 61
Letting Go
Shawna
My husband doesn’t half-ass an apology date. A makeup team showed up after my day at the spa and brought a garment bag with a cute black jumper inside for me. It’s sort of an I Dream of Jeannie look.
Not something I would pick for myself, but it’s cute on me. I can see why Josh chose it. The legs are slit up the sides and the front has a deep V.
The sleek ponytail with the braid around it that they put my hair in at the salon in the spa is perfect. I like the diamonds they placed on my eyelids like eyeliner. I can’t help but smile in the mirror at my fresh, natural-looking makeup.
The strappy heels are sexy, but I don’t think they’re too high. I may come to eye level with Josh. It’s all enough to give my confidence a boost.
“Shawna, J said he’s on his way. We’re heading out. Have fun,” Cat calls into the room.
“Okay, thank you. You guys have fun too.”
I turn for my clutch and check my things as I move out into the common area. Music starts to play. Cian Ducrot’s vocal fills the room as “I’ll Be Waiting” plays, causing me to lift my head.
I stop in my tracks and clench my bag to my chest. Josh lifts his head from fixing his cuff as his black suit jacket hangs from his fingertips. However, that’s not what stops me and takes my breath away.
“You cut your hair,” I gasp.
He gives me a panty-melting smile and pushes his free hand through the longer side of his thick, dark locks. It’s almost exactly as I remember it used to be. I take in everything from his black suede loafers to his well-fitting black slacks to the black suspenders over his crisp black dress shirt with the top three buttons open.