“Come on! ‘Whatever the truth’? Thanks, Pops. Thanks a lot. You always know what to say to make me feel warm and cuddly.” He paused. “Why didn’t you tell me how much money we were burning through?”

“Duke, there is nothing here for you to worry about. Your new contract kicks in soon. Just go play ball. We’ll get on top again.”

“Oh, we will, will we?” Duke almost kicked the couch, remembering his ankle just in time. “You’re telling me I’m worthless and I better work harder and make more, while you jack around with the money.”

“If you think you can do this without me, fine, I’m done helping.”

His ability to dance around the truth continued to amaze Duke. “Let me make it easy for you. You’re fired.”

A vein throbbed in Willis’s neck. “You are making a big mistake.”

Duke walked out.

“You look like a movie star, Mama.” Jose spoke in a hushed whisper, peering at her shyly from behind Gabriela.

Her reflection in the mirror was shocking. She poked the glass. No, it’s me alright.

She did look like a movie star, her eyes sparkling, her skin glowing, her hair smooth and perfect. The dainty high heels elongated her legs, showing off heart-shaped calf muscles earned from running up and down the clinic halls or standing for hours behind the bar. The red dress glimmered and emphasized her curves and Spanx-flattened stomach, lifting and covering her breasts just enough to be sexy without being scandalous.

“How can I thank you, Gabriela? Latisha? All of you! I can’t believe it!”

“You can thank us by taking selfies with every hot, rich guy you meet. And then getting their number.”

Jose rounded on the stylist. “Auntie Latisha, that would be rude. You would never do that to the Duke, would you, Mama?” His face was pinched with concern.

“Honey, this isn’t a real date. You know that, right? We’re just going as … friends.”

“He’s kissed you. He likes you. Don’t you like him?”

“He doesn’t like me, Jose, not like you think.”

“I don’t kiss my friends that are girls like that.”

The ladies in the room erupted in laughter. Jose grumbled, “Not funny,” and stomped into the corner with the toys, turning his back on the women.

Gabriela grabbed Angel’s hand, pulled her to the side, and put her hands on her shoulders. Speaking quietly while the other women returned to work, her friend said, “He does have a point, Angel. What exactly is going on with you two?”

“Can I tell you something? Promise not to say a word.”

Gabriela cocked her head to the side. “Always.”

“Duke and his agent asked me to pretend to be dating him.”

“Why on earth—”