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in denial because some of her freedom’s being taken away. Deep down she’s fighting to hold on to her independence,” Mercedes said, turning to watch the pair bond.
    Rashaad watched as well. “Star sure is good with her.”
    “Yes she is. That’s just her way. Star’s always been nurturing and patient and gentle. It’s very calming to your grandma. Maybe we need to take notes from Star.”
    They both peeked into the bedroom as Mercedes grabbed the doorknob. Star sat in between her grandma’s legs with her slender body, long face, big eyes, and button nose. She was facing the TV when she took the remote and turned to BET. Her grandma carefully brushed and parted her hair and began to cornrow like a pro. Braiding hair was one thing, among many others, that Mattie had never forgotten. Mercedes pulled the door shut.

Chapter 2
    The next afternoon, Mercedes and Colette Berry, who was Torino’s girlfriend and also a model with Mercedes’s agency, went shopping at the Fox Hills mall. Colette had to be five eleven with a typical lean and lanky model’s figure. She was the color of buttermilk. Her eyes were a lighter shade of brown and her lips were stingy thin. Her relaxed, butterscotch hair was the same color as her skin. She wore it cut just above her shoulders, all one length. She was younger than Mercedes by about eight years and they tended to differ on various subjects.
    They ran into Venus who was loaded down head to toe with bags from Foot Locker, Men’s Land, and Finishline.
    Mercedes’s jaw dropped. “Wow, girl, look at you. Who’s all that for?”
    Venus talked fast. “This is just some stuff for the guys. Claude needed some of the new Jordans so I got some for Cam, too. And then of course they needed the gear to match.”
    “That’s nice of you. Girl, my kids have to buy their own stuff. They wouldn’t trust me to pick out a toothbrush for them,” Mercedes admitted.
    Venus laughed. “Well, they don’t know. It’s a surprise.”
    Colette simply stood at Mercedes’s side, turning right to left to look at the passersby.
    “What’s the special occasion? Birthday, anniversary, pre-Christmas shopping?” Mercedes asked, still amazed by the number of large bags.
    Venus put a couple of them down to rest her right arm. “Anniversary. I just thought I’d give it to them both next week. Kind of a family anniversary. I want to include Cam.”
    “I know they’ll appreciate it. Are you done?”
    “No, just one more quick stop at the Silver Hut. There’s this silver charm Cam mentioned of a basketball hoop and his number twenty-three.”
    Mercedes commented. “That should make Claude happy, too. Last I heard Cam was thinking about anything but becoming a b-baller.”
    “Cam knows he can’t deny his skills now. At only sixteen, that boy is already six three and could probably handle a spot on a college team right now. I’m going to support him and his dad’s wishes for him.”
    “You’re one helluva lady, Venus. Maybe you should make a stop at your car to lighten your load. Do you need any help?”
    Colette cleared her throat.
    “I’m cool. I’m just headed straight upstairs and then I’m out the door. You two must have just gotten here, huh?” Venus asked, noticing their empty arms.
    “No, we just got through eating lunch. We’ve been looking for a dress for Mason’s big bash at the club in two weeks,” Mercedes told her.
    “Are both of you going?” Venus inquired, looking at both.
    Mercedes answered for them. “Yes. You should try to come out.”
    Venus replied, “Claude hates stuff like that. You know how he is. But we might.”
    Colette spoke up, “I can understand if you can’t make it. We’ll see you later.” Colette walked away to peruse the Bath & Body Works store window.
    Mercedes spoke right on the heels of Colette’s last word. “Anyway, you should try and stop by sometime other than only on Sundays for dinner, even though that’s nice, too. I think it would be nice