Center City has new life and new blood and with the guidance of Malcolm and Cinnamon BLACK... the future is now... Lasha walked into her own birthday party feeling melancholy. She was grateful for it and the room was filled with friends and family. Even her mom and stepfather, Horace had driven up, but she missed Rashad. Nine months earlier they started a relationship, but three months later Rashad received a paid, six-month teaching stint at Cambridge in London. Along with everyone else she was thrilled for him and proud, but she missed him. They called and FaceTime regularly and she was very busy but... there was nothing like talking to him, seeing his eyes crinkle when he smiled and feeling his lips on hers. “Happy Birthday!” Everyone yelled when she walked in and her face opened in a genuine smile. She knew she was blessed, and it was only three more weeks. She started giggling when her dad, Jeremy walked towards her with Gloria, her grandma, on his arm. She squealed with delight that Gloria had made it from the Dominican Republic for her twentieth birthday. She enfolded her elder in her arms and kissed all over her face. Gloria tightened her lips as if annoyed, but she loved it and her prodigy, only granddaughter. “Ooooo grandma, thank you.” Lasha exclaimed. “I’m so glad you came.” Gloria stepped back, assessing Lasha with a smile filled with pride. She often wondered what her life would have been if she had been raised to fly like Lasha. At twenty, she was married to the first man she kissed. “Twenty is a big deal, my child. You’re in your last year of university and are now so grownup, I wouldn’t have missed it.” Gloria said, slipping an envelope in Lasha’s hand. Lasha leaned in, kissing Gloria again. “Me either...” a deep voice said behind her, causing Lasha to twirl around and face... Rashad. She blinked as if not believing her eyes before leaping into his arms and wrapping her legs around him. “Oh, god, you’re here!” “Baby, I wouldn’t miss your day, but you might want to unwrap your legs before I embarrass us.” He whispered. Giggles poured from her as she slid from his arms, placing her face in his neck, sniffing the scent unique to him. His heart beat as rapidly as hers. He missed me.
I guess I did not realize we would have to share the story with Linda. Her situation was a huge surprise and I don't dislike her any longer. Now I get it. Rashad and Lasha made me love them even more. The new young power couple will be the ones to reckon with...
Mrs. Menchan's writings are healing. She writes in such a way that frees you to be honest with yourself and to forgive yourself for past mistakes. I love reading her books because her characters are people I would love to know and spend time with. It was a joy to read about young people doing great things and knowing what they wanted out of life. As always, the life nuggets that are shared throughout the book made me think, pause, and realize that you are never too old to turn your life around.
It seems that Rashad and Lasha are rising up to the challenges beset by their mentors, The Blacks and The Felipes! Young, Powerful Black Love! I so love everything Center City! Now I'm ready to go back and pick up where I left off with Cinnamon, Malcolm and all! You need to read the whole series from the beginning to really understand the relationships and the dynamics. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Mrs. Menchan weaves great life lessons in all her stories! Another 5 Star Read!! 💜
Words can not explain how Rashad and Lasha journey has touched my heart ♥️! Gems 💎 are dropped concerning relationships on how to properly love and support one another. Teaches no matter what or how you deserve better than settling in life! Another five star ⭐️ Mrs. Menchan!
Rashad and young Lashsa are on their way to great things, one community at a time! Their team of mentors are an excellent choice full of wisdom, love and experience. Passing the torch in grand style! Loved this and waiting for the next installment!