Amara's day

THEREFORE Maya's ultimatum is still unanswered, Amara takes the Fort Greene couple Monday because they are plural and present and the rent is four days away. The brownstone is Imani and Sasha, prepping for a friend's anniversary party; both home, both making sweet tea before Amara has crossed the threshold. Sasha asks if she ever works with men; Amara says, "sometimes, always with a partner present," and Imani says, "that's the right answer." Imani slides a folded $180 onto the counter and says, "we want you back in August," the second repeat promise of the month. The decision crystallises: most of July rent is covered but not all, the wedding promise is lost, and she is going to send Mrs. Kessler one sentence tomorrow or she is going to lose September.