“So Brix, tell me about yourself. You look young for one,” Nicole said, laughing.
With a smile Brix replied, “Yes, young with an old soul. I’m twenty-four. I work part time at the bank. I have my own baking business I do on the side, plus this. I’m all about my money and I stay to myself majority of the time.”
“Wait, your own baking business? Now that I think about it, are you the one who made my daughter’s desserts for her party?” Nicole asked.
“Um maybe,” Brix giggled. “I make cakes for a lot of birthday parties. You’ll have to refresh my memory.”
“It was a Princess and the Frog themed party last weekend.”
Brix smiled, remembering how excited she felt about putting Princess Tiana rings on the cupcakes. She actually had some left over and would definitely be using them for other projects.
“Oh yes, I remember. Did you guys enjoy them?” she asked, smiling.
“Girl, did we? Them kids were getting on my damn nerves, running around everywhere. Never again will I be hosting a sleepover,” Nicole said, but knew she’d do it again in a heartbeat for her babies. The worst one was Laron’s son, LJ. She was so happy she didn’t have any boys yet. That little boy was out of control.
“That’s so cute,” Brix grinned.
“Mhm, cute until you have to clean up everything. Then, my little brother Mel had them up playing karaoke Sunday. I could’ve shot his ass for that,” she said, shaking her head.
Brix’s eyes bucked out of her head, finally realizing who she was. This is who Shemel was picking the cupcakes up for, she thought to herself. She didn’t know how she didn’t put two and two together when she first said her name. It was a dead giveaway, only she was just now catching on.
“Are you alright?” Nicole asked her.
“Are you Shemel's sister?” she had to ask.
Chuckling, Nicole replied, “Yes, his sister-in-law. I’m married to his oldest brother.”
“Oh, wow. That’s crazy. He’s the one who picked the cakes up.”
“Yeah, I was running behind so someone had to do it. Plus, my daughter, his favorite niece, would have had a fit,” she replied, shaking her head. Yes, Amani was indeed spoiled.
“He’s quite the charmer,” Brix blushed.
“Oh Lord, not you too. Mel must have you under his spell already.”
Brix shook her head no. “I’ve bumped into him a few times. Definitely not under his spell though.”
“He tends to have that effect on females. You know, being a rapper and all. It’s okay if you’re crushing on him. You’d be the prettiest one,” Nicole said while smiling. She had immediately taken a liking to Brix and her chill, but happy personality. Nicole didn't hang with many females besides her two best friends. For her to click with Brix right away was surprising to her, especially with her being four years younger than she was.
She wasn't big on making new friends, due to the business her husband was in. You can't trust everyone who comes across as nice or approachable, and she learned that the hard way over the years. She’d end a conversation quick if she felt a bad vibe from someone.
Brix smiled at her comment, “Thank you. I don't really think we would get along though. I mean, I’m not into all what he’s into and vice versa.”
“Girl, hush. You are just what he needs to calm his ass down. You have your head on straight, you're about your money, and you are super sweet. I’m sick of these no life hoes coming after my baby bro. All they see is dollar signs and a meal ticket,” Nicole said, rolling her eyes. She was speaking from experience for both Shemel and Omar.
When they first got heavy in the streets, she was somewhat like Brix; a lot less naïve though. She adored the dope boys and hood niggas. It was just something about them she couldn't live without. Not ever being considered a gold digger, Omar wifed her up because she too was innocent. Nicole had gone to college, started making her own money by training people, and Omar had been in love since. She brought him stability and peace, and at the time with the way he was living, that was exactly what he needed.
“Eh, I don't know. He’s fine and all, but I’d rather just stay to myself,” Brix replied.
“Fine by me honey. Whatever floats your boat. Thank you for meeting up with me. I plan to get some things in order. Before you know it, I’ll be writing my own budgeting book,” Nicole said, laughing. Brix smiled back because deep down she had been thinking about that as well. She told herself she’d give herself until the end of the year to have something out and published with her name on it, like the go-getter she was.