I say to Sabryna what she always says to me when I’ve come home tired and rattled and baggy-eyed from a tough birthing or long day at the hospital.

“You are looking sure enough spent, lady,” I say.

“You don’t zactly look like a festival queen yourself,” says Sabryna. Then she touches the baby’s cheek and says, “She’s finally nodded off. This baby fights sleep.”

“That’ll come in handy when she gets a little older and she’s studying for exams up at Harvard,” I say.

“No, Lucy. We all need our sleep time. Every one of us. I sure wish I had more of it.”

“Yes, ma’am. Like I said, you look sure enough spent.”

“I know I do, but I’m lovin’ it. Th’ only thing I miss is my time with you know who,” and she nods in the direction of Devan, who’s busy challenging Willie to a contest of who can eat a bag of potato chips the fastest.

Sabryna rocks Tyonna Anna in her arms. For a moment the two of them look like a couple slow dancing.

Sabryna lowers her voice. “Devan comes home sometimes, and I know he’s been smoking ganja. His eyes are bugging out, and he’s angry that he’s got to help out in the store.”

“Okay,” I say. “I’ve got an idea. I’m not going in to work tomorrow.”

“I wish I could steal your day off,” Sabryna says.

“I tell you what. I can’t give you the day off, but I can help you out. I’ll take the baby for most of the day tomorrow. That way you don’t have to be watching her and watching the cash register. I’ll take her. And I’ll leave Willie to help you and Devan. Maybe you can even get a few hours of sleep time.”

“I can’t say no,” says Sabryna. “It sounds too much like paradise.”

I begin humming, then singing. It’s one of the Bob Marley tunes Sabryna loves:

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet

Make you want to move your dancing feet.

Sabryna begins dancing gently, holding the baby against her cheek. Willie and Devan look up at us. They seem if not genuinely delighted at least a little amused.

As she dances, Sabryna smiles and speaks. “There are two things I need to say to you, Lucy girl.”

“Okay, say what you need to say.”

“Number one. Thank you. I so appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. And what’s the second thing?”

“Promise me this is the last time you ever try singing a Bob Marley song in public.”

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

IT WAS AT THE top of the closet in Willie’s room.