Angelica made her way to baggage claim, though she had none to claim. As she came down the escalator, she saw the uniformed chauffeur holding the sign with her name on it. She shook her head.
The ticket they’d sent to her phone had been first class. She’d never flown first class before. Jameka had said she was aboard a private jet. She’d certainly never been on a private jet before. She had ridden in a limo, of course, but she’d never had one waiting for her at baggage claim, with a driver who was better dressed than she. Keith was a truck driver! Where the hell did all this money come from? Had her Baby-Daddy played her for fourteen years? Should she have been asking and getting a lot more child support?
She approached the driver. “I’m Angelica Frost,” she stated.
“Yes, Ma’am. I was told you do not have any luggage. If that’s incorrect…”
“I don’t have any luggage. I’m chasin’ down my crazy daughter,” she said, waving her hand at him.
“Of course, then right this way, Ms. Frost.” He led the way to a large limo at the curb.
“The limo is fully stocked. Help yourself to anything you’d like. I’m afraid Mr. Bradley only arranged for one limo, so you’ll be sharing the ride. Mrs. Bradley is already inside, waiting for us.”
“Mrs. Bradley? He married?” she asked.
“No, Ma’am. He is engaged. This Mrs. Bradley is his stepmother.” He opened the door.
She paused, her breath seemingly taken away by the announcement of with whom she was sharing her ride. She smiled nervously. The chauffeur was a young man of color, even though he was ever so proper. Surely, he’d understand.
“Uh. Well, I guess we’ll try to keep Jerry Springer out of this. But you’re about to give me a ride with my Baby-Daddy’s wife.”
He grinned, and she saw she’d read him correctly, all the proper melting away and the swag seepin’ through. Then it was gone. The proper taking over again.
She climbed in.
Ava looked up and smiled, holding out a flute of champagne, “Angelica Frost! It’s so nice to finally meet you! I’m Ava Bradley.”
“Well, hey, Mrs. Bradley. Nice to meet ya, too,” Angelica replied, taking the glass.
“Just how much money does this man got?” She looked around at the opulence.
“More than God,” sighed Ava.
Despite herself, Angelica burst into laughter.
“No, I’m serious. Even as we speak, he’s having two brand-new Escalades dropped off at my house. You want one?”
“What? Nah. I need tuition money for Jameka, not a fancy SUV,” she laughed.
Ava shook her head no.
“Whatchu mean no?” Angelica laughed.
“That he already paid that for next year. Seriously. Red or Silver?”
Angelica just sat there with her mouth open. “He don’t even know Jameka,” she stammered when she found her voice.
“No. But he knows that she’s his father’s daughter. That’s all he needs to know.” Ava patted Angelica’s knee. “Let me tell you about Dan Bradley.”