Page 4 of Promised To A Menace

“See you when that daughter of yours turns twenty-five.”

My grip tightened around the handle.

I didn't say shit.

I opened the door, walked out, and headed downstairs, telling myself the same thing I'd been telling myself since I put that pen to paper.

I didn't have a daughter. And after tonight, I was going to make damn sure I never did.

Ifinished up with my last client of the day and started cleaning and sanitizing my station. As much as I loved being a dental hygienist, some days could be overwhelming, especially when I had to deal with people who acted like getting their teeth cleaned was the worst thing in the world.

Which was crazy as hell to me because some of them needed it bad. The amount of hot breath I’d encountered over the years should’ve been enough to qualify me for some type of hazard pay, but that was neither here nor there.

Once everything was cleaned and put away, I checked the time and gathered my things. I needed to get my ass home. Between showering, doing my hair and makeup, and getting dressed, I didn't have much time to play around if I wanted to make it to my birthday dinner on time.

My parents had rented out a small venue for the night. Nothing too big since it was only going to be the four of us, but my mama had already told me not to worry about anything and just show up.

Knowing her, she’d probably gone overboard anyway.

I said goodbye to a few people still in the office before heading outside. The second I got into my car, my phone lit up with a text from Lha’Kayla.

Lha’Kayla: Bitch don’t be late to your own dinner.

I rolled my eyes, but a smile pulled at my lips.

Me: Worry about yourself. I’m coming.

The three dots popped up almost immediately.

Lha’Kayla: That’s exactly what somebody who’s about to be late would say.

“Girl fuck you,” I mumbled, tossing my phone into the passenger seat.

That was my sister, though. Always getting on my damn nerves. Lha’Kayla was twenty-three, two years younger than me, and we’d always been close growing up.

She was my sister, but she was also my girl. There wasn’t shit going on in my life that she didn’t know about, and the same went with her.

I pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.

By the time I got home, I had just enough time to shower and get myself together without rushing. I turned on some music while I did my hair and makeup, singing along whenever one of my songs came on.

Once I was finished, I slipped into the dress I’d picked out for tonight.

The white knit mini dress hugged every curve the way it was supposed to, stopping high on my thighs. Tiny crystals were scattered throughout the material, catching the light every time I moved, while the deep, draped neckline showed just enough skin without doing too much.

I stepped in front of the mirror and slowly turned to the side.

“Okay, birthday girl.”

A smile spread across my face as I gave myself one more look.

Twenty-five looked damn good on me. I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs. Once I locked up and got into my car, I texted Lha’Kayla to let her know I was on my way.

Music filled the car as I drove across Corvessa, and for once, I wasn't thinking about work, bills, or the million things I still needed to do before I could get my business off the ground.

Tonight, I just wanted to enjoy my birthday.

When I finally pulled up to the venue, I parked and grabbed my purse before getting out. From the outside, the building didn’t give away much, but the second I stepped through the doors, my feet slowed.