The last thing I want is to be sucked into Persia’s contempt for her. To distract myself, I slide Marsha Ambrosius’ Late Nights, Early Mornings album into the CD player. I press the CD changer until I get to track 6. When “Lose Myself” starts playing, I sing along, turning off J.F. Kennedy Drive onto the Garden State Parkway. I bear off exit 140, pay the toll and head down Morris Avenue. I spot the diner on the right side, turning on my signal to turn into the parking lot.Once I find a parking spot and park, I take off my Versace shades, flipping down my visor. I slide open the mirror, making sure my hair is still in place. I run my fingers through my curls, deciding to pin it up. I rummage through my bag, pulling out a crystal encrusted hairpin, then flip my hair up into a twist ponytail. I slide my shades back over my eyes, then step out of my car, hoping my mother and I can get through our meal without incident.She’s already seated when I walk through the door. Lips pursed, her face tight, she glances at her watch the minute she sees me.
