21. Pressure Mensah
Trill-Land, Jungle Estate
T oday was my mama’s birthday and I wasn’t lettin’ the day slide without makin’ it special for her. I was posted in the foyer, the women lined up in front of me—Lola, Imani, Zaniyah, Chanel, Renae, Toni, Pluto, and Kashmere. They could feel somethin’ was comin’, and I wasn’t about to rush it.
I let my eyes travel down the line slow, meetin’ each gaze for a second before movin’ on.
“Today’s a big day,” I started, keepin’ my voice even but lettin’ them hear the weight behind it.
“It’s my mama’s birthday. I’m goin’ to see her, and I’m takin’ one of y’all with me.
Whoever I take is gon’ meet the most important people in my life. ”
That shifted the energy instantly. I could see it in the way a few of them straightened their shoulders and tried to keep their expressions cool. Meetin’ my mama wasn’t just a date— it was me openin’ a door I didn’t open for just anybody.
I scanned them again, lettin’ my gaze linger just enough to keep them guessin’.
Lola gave me that mysterious smile she always did, like she knew somethin’ nobody else did.
Imani had her arms crossed with her chin slightly lifted like she was darin’ me not to pick her.
Zaniyah was already smilin’ but it had that nervous edge to it, like she was tryin’ to speak confidence into existence.
Chanel stood there polished and ready, probably already imagining herself in whatever outfit she thought I’d approve of.
Renae kept her eyes on me without flinchin’.
Toni gave me that smirk like she was in on some private joke between us.
Pluto’s hands were clasped in front of her, her posture neat but her eyes alive.
And Kashmere… Kashmere was leanin’ back on one heel, watchin’ me with that unreadable expression she did so well, but I knew her enough to see the tension in it.
I took my time, lettin’ the silence stretch. They shifted under it, waitin’ for me to call a name. Finally, I said, “Pluto.”
Her eyes lit up instantly, that warm, genuine light that came from deep in her. She stepped forward before she caught herself, holdin’ back a smile that still showed through.
Behind her, I heard Imani let out a sharp sigh and mumble, “Why am I not surprised? That’s clearly his favorite.”
I didn’t even look her way. “Pluto, I got a stylist waitin’ on you down here,” I said, my focus locked on the woman I’d chosen. “Hair, makeup, everything. I want you lookin’ your best, because you about to meet my people.”
Pluto nodded, her excitement barely contained. “I’ll be ready,” she said, her voice calm, but her eyes givin’ her away.
Out the corner of my eye, I caught Kashmere.
She didn’t say a word, but I saw the way her gaze shifted before she turned and walked off without waitin’ to be dismissed.
I knew I’d hit her with that one, even if I hadn’t meant to.
She might not have wanted to admit it, but she felt somethin’ for me the same way I did for her.
I left them standin’ there and stepped into the elevator.
Back in my room, I took a shower, lettin’ the hot water roll over me until the steam filled the space. Today wasn’t just about showin’ my mama love, but was about lettin’ one of these women step into a part of my world that most people never touched.
When I got out, I went straight to my closet.
I pulled on a crisp black Tom Ford button-down, black tailored Amiri trousers, and a pair of fresh Christian Louboutin loafers.
My jewelry was clean—the diamond Cuban link, matchin’ bracelet, and my watch, a custom Patek Philippe iced just enough to catch the light without screamin’ for attention.
For scent, I went with Creed Aventus , that rich, smooth smell that lingered without being overpowering.
By the time I made it back down to the first floor, Pluto was there waitin’.
And for a second, it was like I was seein’ her for the first time.
Her hair was styled in soft waves that framed her face perfectly, the makeup subtle but flawless, givin’ her skin a glow like she’d been lit from within.
She was wearin’ a rich black dress that hugged her in all the right places, the color makin’ her brown skin look even richer. The heels were simple but elegant.
She stood there with her hands in front of her, but the way her chin was lifted, and her eyes was fixed on me told me she knew she looked good.
“Damn,” I said without meanin’ to, lettin’ my eyes travel from head to toe and back. “You ready?”
She smiled, her eyes were shining. “Ready.”
I stepped up and took her hand. It fit in mine like a glove.
We headed to the car, still holdin’ hands, and I could feel the weight of what today meant for her… and maybe for me too.