Page 8 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“Mali . . .”

I snickered. “Girl, I came home from work the other day, and Juda was on his drunken bullshit again. He kept accusing me of cheating, and I was just tired of the same bullshit. He got in my face, but I realized I pay all the fuckin’ bills, and no man is going to stress me out anymore.So, I told him we were done.”

Joylei let out a cackle. “Good fuckin’ riddance to that leech. He didn’t deserve you, girl. I want the next man to give you the world. I can’t wait to see you loved properly. I can’t wait for you to have real peace in your life, baby.”

I smiled softly. “I appreciate you, sis. I know you don’t like to be left out of the loop, but I really needed a couple days to sit in my decision.”

“How do you feel? Do we need a waiting to exhale moment and burn his shit or what?”

“Honestly? I’ve never felt freer. My heart is lighter, my soul is happier, and I’m overall in better spirits. It was long overdue.”

“Amen! We obviously have to go out this weekend to celebrate.”

A hum fell from my lips. “I don’t know if I’ll be in a party mood, but a bestie date can definitely get locked in.”

“Sounds good with me. I’m in dire need of a seafood boil anyway.”

“Ooo! It’s been a minute since I had some crawfish. Let’s do crawfish and daiquiris.”

“Now you’re talking my language. Lock me in after your shift on Saturday, or we can do Sunday Funday.”

“I’m down for a Sunday Funday so I can go out, have a good time, and make it home in time to get some sleep for work in the morning.”

Joylei laughed. “It’s a date. I can’t wait to see the newly single Mali in action.”

“Give her some grace,” I pleaded. “It’s been almost a decade since I’ve been single for real. It’s a learning curve.”

“You’ll be a natural.”

“You think so?” I asked.

“Definitely. Plus, you’ve got the life of the party as your best friend. You’re in good hands.”

A giggle filled the air. “You’re right. I’ve got you locked in for Sunday. I need to get up and get ready for work now, though.”

“Alright, I love you, boo.”

“I love you too.”

We hung up shortly after. As I stood up from the couch, a soft sigh slid from my lips.

“Everything is going to work out in my favor. This is the start of something beautiful.”

The shift went by in a blur of wet nose kisses, waggling butts, and gentle eyes. I didn’t have any clients on the schedule, but I helped with walk-ins. When I first arrived, I wanted to stay as busy as possible to keep my mind off of Juda. The flow of customers helped suppress the fear of the thought that Juda would come and cause a scene. The feeling lasted most of the shift, but now, with only thirty minutes left on the clock, I had relaxed completely.

“I just don’t get how people get upset at what someone else is doing. What I eat won’t make the next person shit, so why do folks get so animated when I tell them I put sugar on my grits? God forbid I want something sweet with my eggs and sausage.” Clareese crossed her arms over her chest.

Diego shook his head. “Honey, I’m not even from the South, and I know they don’t play about their grits.”

“And I don’t get it. Me and my sugary grits ain’t hurting nobody.”

I let out a chuckle as I tied the black-and-white bandana around Lucy’s neck. The fifteen-pound Chihuahua was a force to be reckoned with. She loved to have her nails painted and accessories added after her grooming.

“What do you put on your grits, Mali?” Clareese quizzed.

“It depends on what it’s paired with,” I replied.

“Now I’m intrigued.” Kira pulled the stool over and sat beside me. “Please elaborate.”