“What the hell happened to you?” Brie said from the doorway. She looked out on the street at the Audi. “And who dat?”
“That’s my new ride,” said Nia. She looked at her friend, and relaxed her shoulders. Then she turned her head sideways and turned one side of her mouth down. “Jake.”
Brie stood peering at her. Then she ushered her in to the house. Brie lived in a small two bedroom in the northwest side of Houston.
“Boy, get back in there and finish yo’ work!” Brie yelled up at a young boy who was peering out through a bedroom door with a yellow pencil in his hand.
“Brought the goods?” She smiled at Nia.
Nia nodded, opening the brown paper bag. “It’s good to see you girl,” she said, pausing to give her a warm squeeze.
“Yesss. How you been?” Brie said, examining Nia’s wild hair and red
