Free Mr. Wright & Mr. Wrong: A BWWM Romance by Camilla Stevens Page A

to get you a gift,” Brooklyn pondered out loud teasingly.
    “Girl, you better get over here and give your grandma some sugar.” Lucille chided, giving her granddaughter a break.
    Brooklyn smiled and went over to hug her.
    “Now what’s this gift?” Lucille asked, getting excited.

    * * *
    “ Y ou don’t think it’s too much?”
    “It’s perfect,” Brooklyn said, leaning over her grandmother’s shoulder, looking at her in the mirror. “You need something to shake it up. And look, we sort of match!” she winked, grabbing one of her purple curls and waving it.
    Brooklyn looked at her grandma’s reflection as she tried on the latest wig that Brooklyn had bought for her as a present. Annie worked in a salon and got major discounts. This one was a dark, asymmetrical bob with highlights that revealed a lovely dark purple in full light.
    No one in the family had any idea what the woman’s real hair looked like these days. Much like her granddaughter, Lucille lived her life experimenting with a new hairdo each week, in the form of a wig.
    “Your father is going to have a fit,” Lucille pointed out, pressing her lips together with amusement.
    “Let’s hope so!” Brooklyn giggled.
    Lucille slapped her lightly on the hand and joined in. “Girl, you are so bad.”
    “It’s why you love me,” Brooklyn responded, kissing her on the cheek. “Now let’s go. I was instructed to take you to church in style,” she said before thinking.
    “So this friend knows all about your grandma? It’s like that, huh?” She gave Brooklyn a questioning look.
    “At least until tomorrow,” Brooklyn said cryptically.
    “I won’t ask what that means,” Lucille responded, giving her granddaughter an assessing look.
    “No more third degree!” Brooklyn protested as she thrust her arm through her grandmother’s and whisked her out before she could press any further.

Chapter Twelve
    “ Y ou know , you didn’t have to come to church today, London,” her mother said.
    “Of course she did!” her father protested. “What better way to get over this mess than by embracing the word of God?”
    London shot him an irritated look, knowing full well that he didn’t give two hoots about his daughter’s weekly dose of religion.
    As if to prove her suspicions right, he went on, more quietly. “Besides, we have to present a good public image with the community, especially now. With this mayoral campaign, big things are happening for our little family law firm.” He beamed over at Reverend Holt who offered an enthusiastic wave in response.
    “ Brooklyn only ever comes to church when she feels like walking grandma—which is once in a blue moon,” she pointed out, knowing any mention of her younger sister would irritate him. She felt a tiny, guilty pleasure watching his beaming face falter with an annoyed shake of the head.
    “What that girl gets up to on her Sundays is none of my concern. You are a partner at Jefferson, Jefferson, Jefferson & Associates , and as such, you have duties.”
    They were standing outside the Greater A.M.E church waiting for the rest of the Jefferson Clan to arrive. She could see her brother Cleveland making his way over to them with his wife, Dana and their two kids, Jack who was 4, and Maxwell who was 6. Even though her brother was two years older, it was still a bitter reminder of the sharp U-turn her own life had just taken.
    “Hey, everyone,” Cleveland said approaching them, giving Estelle a kiss on the cheek.
    “Hey, Cleve,” London said, using the familiar, shortened version of his name.
    “So, did anyone happen to catch our girl Brooklyn at the Knicks game Friday night?” Cleveland asked with a wicked grin.
    Frank took note of Cleveland’s grin and the tone in his voice and gave the trademark sigh, reserved specifically for news regarding his youngest daughter. “What did that girl get up to now?” he asked.
    “Not what. Who , ” he replied wriggling his eyes with eager delight.
    Now