Page 1 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“Personally,I can’t be with a man who can’t handle all the finances on his own. I want my money to be used for recreational shit like vacations, road trips, and impromptu date nights. I don’t mind handling the groceries, but the real bills are a hell no for me. I’m not Yvette, and I damn sure don’t want a Jody ridin’ around in my whip cheating and scheming while I’m at work,” Kira stated with a chuckle as she swept the floor.

“I hear you, but you’re missing out,” Dominique countered.

Kira wrinkled her nose. “Missing out on what?”

“Listen, I agree with you on the cheating. I don’t want a cheater, especially with all the diseases in the world, but I don’t mind a scammer and schemer. What do the girls be saying? Where all the scamming-ass niggas at?” Dominique sang.

Kira and I burst into a fit of laughter at her shenanigans.

“No, but seriously. I want a roughneck nigga with a big dick and hustler mentality, if you will.” Dominique giggled. She wiped down the counter as I escorted the current client to the highchair to finish the service.

“Y’all are a mess,” I commented while opening the coconut oil. With firm fingers, I rubbed the large toe beans of the sixty-pound pit bull.

Otis was three years old with pretty brown eyes and a wet, pink nose. His coat was soft, healthy, and a beautiful grayish-white color. He was a loyal client of Floral Fur Pet Groomers. Floral Fur Pet Groomers was my pride and joy. I’d spent my whole life loving animals, big and small. When I graduated college, my grandfather gifted me the business and enough money to keep the dream afloat until I gained loyal customers to keep the cash flow coming. As the only grandchild, they spoiled me rotten.

“What’s your stance on the matter?” Kira questioned as she placed the broom against the wall and sat on the stool across from me.

“Nope. I’m not getting involved with y’all debate.” My head shook wildly as I rubbed Otis on the head while he wagged his tail happily.

“Aww, c’mon, Mali. You’ve been in a relationship longer than all of us. What works for y’all?” Dominique urged.

“Look, what works for me would make the next woman cover her mouth in disgust,” I admitted.

Truthfully, the things I accepted in my relationship were embarrassing. Although Juda and I were approaching ten years together, I wasn’t sure I saw a future with him. At nineteen, I was just happy to have a man on my arm. At twenty-eight, I was numb to love and went with the motions. My situation was nothing to brag about. I’d be damned if I opened myself up forthe scrutiny and judgment of my employees, of all people. I was a cool boss, but definitely notthatcool.

The doors to the building opened, and Eric, Otis’s father, walked in with a smile. He was an older gentleman. I think he was in his early forties. The dog was a gift from his wife who passed last year.

“Woof! Woof!”Otis wagged his tail and jumped on his front paws as Eric approached him.

“I hope my big guy didn’t give you a hard time,” Eric stated as he closed the distance between them and rubbed his dog’s head softly.

“Not at all. Otis is such a good boy. He didn’t fuss or fight. He loves being pampered,” I replied with a smile.

“He’s spoiled. Do you know he’ll only eat his food if I put it in the microwave for a few seconds? My wife spoiled him rotten.”

“He’s a true prince,” I added.

“Thank you again, Mali. You always go above and beyond for Otis. I appreciate you.”

“It’s no problem at all, Eric. I’ll see him back again next month.”

“Probably sooner. We’re going on vacation next week. He’ll need another grooming session when we get back.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be on the lookout for your appointment in the database.”

“Great. Y’all have a wonderful afternoon.” Eric waved goodbye as he grabbed Otis’s leash.

“Goodbye, Eric. Goodbye, Otis,” Kira, Dominique, and I said in unison.

Once he and Otis exited, Dominique fanned herself. “That is one fine-ass man. Mygawd!”

“Dominique, please. That man is at least twice your age.” I shook my head and went to clean my work area in the back. Otis was my last client of the day.

“Age ain’t nothing but a number, baby. I’m a grown, consenting adult.” Dominique shrugged as she followed me to the back to help clean.

Kira stayed in the front room to straighten up and shut down the office computers, TVs, and wax burners. One thing I prided myself on about my business was how much effort I put into making sure every area was comfortable, clean, and smelled good. I loved animals, but the smells they emitted could clear out a room, so I kept seasonal scents burning throughout the shop.

It took us about thirty minutes after closing to clean and lock up. We walked out together to the parking lot. The sun was still high in the sky and shining brightly. It was something about the Texas heat that made my skin flourish.