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over him.
    â€œLook, I’ve got to get back to work now before I get fired,” I said.
    â€œBy the way, what happened with Dr. Harding? Did you get that raise?”
    â€œNo, actually I was offered a promotion.”
    â€œA promotion?”
    â€œHarding wants me to be the school’s public relations liaison.”
    â€œThat sounds so exciting.” Marisol’s eyes widened.
    â€œIt’s a good opportunity, but I’m just not sure I want it.”
    â€œAre you loco, chica?” I shrugged my shoulders. “No, I’m not crazy. I’m just tired of living someone else’s life. I’m thirty years old, and I’ve got to find my own.”
    â€œSo find your life, but don’t give up that job. First you get engaged and now this. You’re on a real lucky streak, I’m telling ya.”
    â€œI’m blessed, and luck has nothing to do with it.” I said it more to convince myself than to convince her.
    At the end of the day, I punched my time card, said good-bye to my fellow employees, received a congratulatory high five from Marisol, and started the short journey to the gym where Taylor worked. As I walked through the concrete Brooklyn neighborhood to get to the train station, I noticed all the women walking along the sidewalk, either sporting swollen bellies or pushing baby strollers. Even some who weren’t women at all, who didn’t look old enough to raise any child. How in the world did they do it? Unwillingly, my mind went back to Michelle, who was now a mother. Another punch to my soul. When I finally arrived at the gym, Taylor greeted me at the door.
    â€œWhat’s up, sis? I see you decided to work out today.”
    â€œYes, I need to relieve some stress.”
    â€œGood choice.” Taylor led me to an empty treadmill. I told her briefly about my encounter with Michelle in the pharmacy.
    â€œI hope she ain’t pregnant for her sake. She’s too young for that mess.” Taylor set the timer and walked away.
    â€œYes, she is too young.” I began to walk, and then within seconds, I began to run, shifting my weight back and forth on each leg, huffing and puffing as if I were trying to blow one of the houses of the three little pigs down.
    A few minutes later I noticed Shayla McConell walk in, and instantly I knew there would be trouble.
    â€œOh no, she didn’t bring her raggedy tail up in here today,” Taylor said. “She’s not gonna bust my groove.”
    â€œPay her no attention.” I wasn’t in the mood for another one of my sister’s showdowns.
    â€œWho in the world does she think she is coming in here, flaunting her platinum wedding ring and new workout gear?” Taylor whispered to me, “She is such a pain.”
    â€œGood to see you, Taylor,” Shayla said.
    â€œWhat’s up, Shayla?” Taylor threw her long, braided weave out of her face. “Just swinging by because I heard that this business will soon be for sale.” Shayla was so tall, and she had the nerve to stick her silicone implanted breasts in Taylor’s face.
    â€œWhat? What do you mean for sale?” She had Taylor’s attention.
    â€œOops, I guess nobody told you, huh? Well, good news travels fast. I heard that Ms. Arlene will be looking for a buyer before you know it.” Shayla looked through her Gucci purse.
    â€œNo time soon, Shayla. That’s not gonna happen.” Taylor’s eyes were bulging.
    â€œYou’d be surprised how fast time can fly by. Maybe I’ll buy this place, fix it up, and then you can work for me.” Shayla touched Taylor’s shoulder with her long fake nails.
    I prayed that Taylor would hold herself back.
    â€œNot in your wildest dreams.” Taylor pushed her hand off of her.
    â€œWe’ll see about that. Let Ms. Arlene know I stopped by.” Shayla twisted herphony self to the front door, hopefully on her way back to that dungeon of hers