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    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad:

    These Walls Can Talk

    By Najya Yasirah


    Chapter 24 : Buffalo Wings




    “Everyone at Giovanni’s was asking about you, Reyjah dear,” said Ms. Holden.  “They asked ‘Where did that exquisite young lady come from?’”
    Reyjah smiled. “Would you sing a song, for me?  A  Celine Dion one?” Ms. Holden asked. “Okay…’When I was young, I didn’t need anyone…making love was just for fun, now all is said and done….” Reyjah sang as she brushed out Ms. Holden’s hair. “All by myself…don’t wanna be, all by myself…anymore…” When she was done with Ms. Holden’s hair, she was pleased. “This is remarkable, I don’t even feel , 35,” said Nancy Holden. “You don’t look 35, Ms. Holden. You are a sexy-ass woman.” Reyjah had such a charming personality. And she was such a meticulous hairdresser. Ms. Holden felt guilty for sleeping with Antoine even though he said that they were ‘best friends’.  “So have you seen Antoine lately?” she asked as Reyjah took off the styling cape. “Yes..he stopped by last night and he seemed a little upset. His eyes were all red like he had been crying,” she recalled. “I can tell he likes you dear, I have known him for a long time,” said Ms. Holden. “How can you tell?” “Let’s just say, he looks at you in a way that he doesn’t look at others.” “And what way is that?” asked Reyjah as she took her little Prada bag from her station. Ms. Holden was taking her out for lunch. They walked to the front reception area. Nancy Holden paid Midori the salon fee, and gave Reyjah $50 for a tip. She kissed Reyjah on the cheek. “You are such a lovely girl, Reyjah dear, always remember that.”

    Ms, Holden chuckled. Reyjah was throwing down on her buffalo wings. Ms.Holden had chosen to take Reyjah to Applebee’s. “Antoine was right about you and those hot wings!” she said. Reyjah wiped her mouth. “Ms, H, these go down easy; they don’t  come up rough! I probably got grease and sauce all over my damn lips!” Ms. Holden burst out laughing. That was as real as anyone could get. “You remind me of a Disney character,” said Nancy, before biting into her grilled chicken salad. Reyjah’s blue eyes grew wide. “Which one?” “I think you are more Princess Jasmine than anything,” said Nancy. “Cuz my attitude is funky? That girl had a mouth worse than mine! And her clothes were the hell of a lot skimpier! I’m mad at Disney for that!” Nancy could not contain her laughter. People began to look. Reyjah was annoyed. “What the hell y’all staring at my mama for?” she said in a menacing tone. Ms. Holden laughed again. Reyjah sipped her water. “You are crazy, Rey!” said Ms. Holden. “Okay, back to Princess Jasmine,” she said catching her breath. “You look a little bit like her, especially the shape of your eyes, but yes, you both have rather ‘strong’ personalities.” “Thank you, Ms. H!” said Reyjah. “ ‘Strong’ is a lot nicer than ‘bitch’.” “Your welcome!” said Ms. H. “So I guess you want to talk about Antoine, huh, Ms. H?” Reyjah hinted. Ms. H almost choked on her soda. “How did you know?” she asked. Reyjah looked up. “Call me Miss Cleo?” said Reyjah.  “I just met you two days ago, what else do we have in common?” “You have a point, my dear.” “So, talk.” “We’ll you’re aware of Antoine’s ‘career’ right?” “Yep.” “And that I’m one of his most faithful customers?” “Figured that out at Gio’s.” “And that he’s falling in love with you?” “psssshhht! Whatever!” “Whatever?” “Antoine likes my company. I keep him from feeling lonely ; I make him laugh, and I keep his hair looking good. ”Ms. Holden turned her eyes down.  “Has he ever tried to kiss you?” “Twice.” “What did you feel?” “Nothing. Because that’s what I expect, Ms. H. Nothing.” “Sometimes, Rey, we get things that we don’t expect.” “You sound like a public service announcement for teen pregnancy.” Ms. Holden became a slave to laughter.


    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad: These Walls Can Talk - Chapter 25