Free Cold As Ice by L. Divine Page A

about that,” she says, glancing at her Rolex, which matches Chance’s Christmas gift from last year. These two really are close. “Punctuality is a characteristic I hold in high esteem.” The doorbell rings, saving me from this conversation, and just in time, too. I was looking for an escape route. Finally, Nellie’s here, and she can take the night shift because I’m out. Chance races to the front door from the dining room and opens the door for our girl, but it’s not exactly the girl we were expecting.
    â€œI’m so sorry I’m late, baby,” Nellie says, walking in and shocking everyone by more than her tardiness. No, this trick didn’t go dye her hair blond. Mrs. Carmichael and I walk into the foyer to greet the guest we’ve all been waiting for.
    â€œOh my,” Chance’s mother says upon seeing Nellie’s new do. Oh my? Is she serious? What I know she really meant to say is the same thing that’s going through my head.
    â€œWhat the hell did you do to your hair?” I ask my girl. Has she completely lost her mind? Nellie’s bright smile folds into a scowl. She looks like she’s going to cry, and I immediately feel bad for my outburst. I didn’t mean to embarrass her, but she should’ve given me a little warning, for real. I just saw her at school a couple hours ago and wasn’t expecting this to walk through the door. Chance kisses Nellie on the cheek and closes the door behind her.
    â€œThis is for your husband,” Nellie says, stepping inside the dining room and allowing us all to get a better look at her. I can see it’s mostly a weave because I know what to look for, but she also dyed her real hair blond, too. What was she thinking?
    â€œSo you heard about my husband’s love for cognac. Nice gift,” Mrs. Carmichael says, eyeing the bottle of brown liquor like it’s a dirty pair of panties Nellie just threw in her husband’s face, who’s enjoying the show. Chance’s parents are faded and the jealousy is really starting to show from Mrs. Carmichael. Unfortunately, I can hear every word she’s not saying about Nellie, and it ain’t pretty. Damn, that’s some serious hating, and on Mr. Carmichael’s birthday, too. “I’m very interested to know how a sixteen-year-old was able to purchase such an elite bottle of liquor.”
    â€œMy dad likes cognac, too,” Nellie says, taking a seat next to Chance, but I remain standing so I can make it out the door that much faster once I say my good-byes. “He gave it to me to give to you, Mr. Carmichael. Happy birthday.” Chance’s father smiles at Nellie, taking a large cigar out of the gold box on the dining table and lighting it.
    â€œWell, it’s nice to meet you, girl, and thank you for the drink. It’ll go to good use,” he says, laughing at his wife’s obvious disdain for Nellie. “Let’s eat.”
    â€œI hate to leave before the actual dinner, but I’ve got a study group to attend,” I say, waving. “It was a pleasure, and thank you for having me.”
    â€œNo, the pleasure was all ours, dear,” Mrs. Carmichael says, walking from the minibar next to the entryway and giving me a hug and kiss on the cheek. Nellie’s anything but happy to see her boyfriend’s mother’s affection for me. Here we go again.
    â€œYeah, Jayd, thanks for coming,” Chance says, rising from the table to walk me out, but Nellie snatches his shirt, forcing him back down. So much for me being helpful to my friend.
    â€œYou come back and visit us soon, Jayd. I mean that.” Mrs. Carmichael looks sad as she closes the door behind me. I can hear her regret at my departure loud and clear in my mind. My mother’s gift of sight allowed her to do more than just see in people’s heads—she can also cool their thoughts and provide them comfort. What a beautiful gift to have.