Zora had found a perfect spot in Brooklyn—an authentic brownstone built around the turn of the century and in pristine condition. She’d gone Dutch on the building with three other young professionals in the area. I’d looked over the mortgage contract and approved. They’d split up the four-level brownstone into four different apartment units, equally paid the mortgage, and took turns taking care of the tiny yard in the back.
This neighborhood in Brooklyn was called Park Slope. It was a hot section for young, upwardly mobile professionals. A true yuppie community full of fast trackers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers. Zora’s place was close to 7th Avenue to feed her shopping addiction. Monthly, new restaurants opened on parallel streets 5th and 6th Avenues. We met often on the weekends for lunch at some new eating spot she’d discovered.
I took in the balcony. It had been a while since I’d been over here.
You’ve done well for yourself, sis. Have I told you that enough?
These coronavirus days brought lots of regret and ponderings on life. With the idea of death around every corner, I wondered if I’d been the best brother or son I could have been.
And what about a good boyfriend?
I grimaced.
Fuck Amber.
I pushed her out of my head and went back to the balcony.
Private outdoor space symbolized a dream for most people in any part of this city. Even though it was tiny compared to mine, Zora had definitely made the most of it. She had a small table in the middle of two comfortable chairs, reminding me more of a café spot. She’d packed the space with lots of greenery. Lush plants and flowers filled beige ceramic pots giving the balcony a backyard feel. I inhaled one of the smaller plants.
Hmmm. Is that mint? She must’ve put herbs out here. I like it.
I looked up. A string of red lanterns hung along the space. It would provide a romantic mood for the evening.
Well. . .no romance for me, but Zora must like this.
Sighing, I dialed my friend, put the phone to my ear, and hoped he would answer.
Ross picked up after two rings. “Navi baby! What are you doing?”
“Calling you for a favor.”
“Well, I hope you don’t want toilet paper because I’m going to have to say no.”
I scrunched my face up in confusion. “What?”
“I’m not giving away any of my toilet paper.”
“Whatever.” I ignored the crazy comment. “Are you at T& T?”
“Yes. I’m closing everything up. Boxes and boxes.” A groan left him. “I have no idea what I’m going to do, Navi. I was just getting ready for the fashion show this summer. Sales had been going up. I thought I would be joining you in the condo ownership. And this damn bitch Miss Rona showed up! The slut is going around fucking everybody! Now, I may be on the street and homeless by this summer—”
“You’re not going to be homeless, not with me around.”
“You’re so sweet, Navi, but I could never take from you.”
“But you will, if necessary. Promise me that.”
He groaned again. “Maybe.”
“Not maybe. And we don’t know what people will be buying after lockdown.”
“There’s no way clothes are going to be a top priority once everyone gets out of this—”
“Relax and breathe.”
He let out a long sigh on the other side.
“Everything is going to be okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” I leaned on the balcony’s ledge. “By the way, I need to rent the shop for an hour.”
Silence hit the other line.
“Ross?”
“You want to rent out my store?”
“Yes. I need some clothes. I’m also bringing a good friend. She’ll need a few outfits too.” I kept my voice low. “Preferably, pajamas that will cover her body up.”
“O-kay. The state is going on lockdown and you want to go on a shopping spree in my store?”
“Is that a no?”
“That’s a hells to the yes! I’m just trying to make sure you’re not going crazy. Has Miss Rona visited you?”
“No. I’m not infected.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m not sick.”
“That doesn’t mean anything! People are not having any signs and still dying.”
“What?”
“I saw something on Twitter about it.”
“Ross, just open the shop. I’ll stay several feet away.”
The line went silent again.
I grinned.
After a few seconds, he spoke, “We can’t use cash. I don’t want to touch anybody’s money if I don’t have to.”
“I have my cards with me.”
“Even the pretty platinum one?”
“Yes. Miss Platinum will be with me.” I shook my head. “And don’t forget I’m bringing my friend too. You may remember her from my college graduation party. Zora’s bestie—”
“Jade?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Jade is so much fun. We got drunk at the reception last weekend. I think I kissed her.”
I blinked. “What?”
“I think. I don’t completely remember, but I did tell her that if I ever fuck a woman, she’ll be high on the list.”
I frowned. “Keep your hands and lips off her this visit.”