“But of course, you wouldn’t recognize good white folks if they walked up and spat in your face, would you, niggerlover?”“Ah.” My father sou...ded deeply unruffled by Mr. Sinclair, who had brought out that word as if he had expected it to strike my father like a Catholic being called a heretic. “So, you’re a distinctly Yankee kind of vil-”The harsh smack made me want to leap forward and begin shooting, but Tjen’s arms grabbed me and held me back. My father’s shadow hit the ground, and I could. During breakfast we talked about all kinds of things and I almost forgotthat I sat at a breakfast table in London, in lingerie, in full make up,with two pretty girls I was only just getting to know.Suddenly it all came back with a bang. I felt nauseous and nervous and Icouldn't eat another bite. The girls noticed and Debbie said, "Ok, let'sgo for it then."We went to Gabrielle's room and the girls made me stand in front of themirror."For starters; Gab left you something," Debbie said, "turn. "Brenda used to come up with bizarre ideas. Apparently, like mother likedaughter. Go ahead, I'll play along. But you'd better be careful."Fully admonished and warned, I followed Jen into the salon and toRachel's station."Rachel, this is Michael, a new customer. He's here for a hairappointment."I could hear the disdain in her voice as she greeted me and asked what Iwanted done. However, her eyes gave off a different vibe, one ofvulnerability. Also one of sadness. Up close, she was prettier than. I’d think it through. I’d listen to the advice of the experts. And if you ask me, you’ve got two pretty knowledgeable experts downstairs. Experts who just happen to have been your father’s best friends. But it’s up to you, Riss. It’s pretty much your company now, so...” I shrugged. “I’ll see you in the morning.”As I started to walk away again, she called out for me to wait. When I stopped, she said, “I love you.” There was a hint of sadness in her eyes that I couldn’t quite explain.I nodded..