Shauna took a few snaps then took a seat on the sofa. “Make sure you hurry Tanya.”
She sensed anger brewing in the Matron of Honor’s voice, but it didn’t matter. Creating the dress of her dreams was a way to get pumped up about the wedding. The wedding she’d rather cancel to elope on an island instead.
“Thank you, Ms. Lucy!” Tanya said, placing the bagged gown on the counter.
“No problem. I’ll call you tonight to update you on my progress, but I can guarantee it’ll be ready for you to walk down the aisle.” She responded with a shaky voice.
Shauna could sense Ms. Lucy’s nervousness and decided to interject.
“Ms. Lucy, be honest. Are you SURE you can have this dress ready by tomorrow morning? The wedding starts at 2pm SHARP! We NEED to be at the venue no later than 10:30 which means we need the dress in hand at 9:30, not a minute later. CAN YOU DO THIS!?!”
“Shauna! Leave Ms. Lucy alone. She doesn’t need to concern herself with our schedule. She said that she’ll have it done so just drop it! PLEASE!” Tanya replied, angrily.
“Look, you need to be realistic. THE WEDDING IS TOMORROW!” She replied, equally annoyed.
“I KNOW THAT!”
Ms. Lucy remained silent; with a faint smile, listening to the bickering BFFs. Tanya gave a pleasant nod to her as a “thank you”, then pushed past her friend to head outside.
“Look, Ms. Lucy, think about what you’ve just agreed to do. If it looks like it’ll be too much, call me before you stitch one bead, and I’ll come to pick up the dress tonight!.” Shauna jotted her number down on the back of a business card. “Thanks for putting up with my friend.”
“Are you trying to cause problems for tomorrow Tanya?”
“Shauna, are you going to unlock the car or not?” She sighed.
"Fine.”
They headed off to Shauna’s childhood home to pick up shoes, and the ring Tanya was to hand off to Kenneth as they spoke their vows.
“Have you talked to the cake lady and the caterer?” Shauna inquired.
“Yes.” She replied in a dry tone.
“Are your parent’s flight on schedule for this afternoon?”
“To my knowledge, yes.”
“What about the flowers?”
“Done.”
“Is it CONFIRMED that the floral arrangements will be ready in the morning before we get dressed?”
“Yep. They emailed me while we were in the dress shop.”
“Oh wait! Who is picking up your parents from the airport? I don’t think we’ll have time!”
“Kenneth.”
“Are they getting dressed at his place or yours?”
“The hotel.”
“So what about the bartenders and the...”
“Shauna please.” Tanya replied, fed up. “Everything is handled girl. All I have to do is call the venue to unlock the doors, pick up my dress from Ms. Lucy, then show up, dress up, get liquored up, get married, and sex up my new husband for the rest of the night.”
In an attempt to empathize with her friend’s feelings, Shauna backed off.
“You know, this is funny.” She said, changing the subject.
“What?”
“You getting married.” She replied chuckling. “Never thought you’d do it before 37.”
“Shauna, I’m 33, only four years ahead of schedule.” Tanya laughed. “Where did you get the age 37 from anyway?”
“Remember, back in college said that you wouldn’t even consider the thought of marriage until 37. I guess when you met Ken that idea went out the window. When you were talking earlier about your dreams that got me to thinking, you WILL be giving up a piece of your world for him.” Shauna pried. She wanted to get more information out of her best friend to understand why she wasn’t taking things seriously.
“Well anyone who is choosing the share their life with someone they truly love does that in some way.”
“Umm, not me. I’ve never had to compromise. And Rod knew that from the start. We both promised to NOT compromise when it came to our life goals. We instead merged them together, and found ways to be husband and wife while building our dreams as one.”
“Shauna, your dream was to open a salon, in Birmingham. And Rod just wanted to be a district manager of any place. No disrespect, but you guys didn’t have goals that would be too farfetched for this area.”
“Really Tanya! Now look who you’re marrying. Ken the landscaper. Not Jon Paul the free-spirited successful artist who lives on the edge, not Carl the CEO with Swiss bank accounts and real estate in different cities...” Shauna ranted. “....Not even Vince Kort, the international A-list actor with the level of fame that would trickle down to you and...”
“What are you getting at Shauna?” Tanya inserted. “And why are you being so petty right now? Are you THAT mad about a dress that’s being made for ME on MY day!?!?”
“Wait, wait, wait! Not being petty. Just hear me out. You’ve always had a certain type of guy you wanted. Not in the physical aspect, but the spirit, the zest, the...see the world attitude. But you’re marrying a man who wants to settle down in Alabama. You gave up an opportunity to live in Paris and do what you love, for him. Man, you must REALLY love your fiancé’. But hey, I think it’s wonderful at the end of the day.” Shauna concluded, smiling.
Those words set in for Tanya. It was one thing for her to come to grips with the sacrifices made, but she didn’t think her BFF would be so bold to point them out. Although, Shauna WAS being petty. The Matron of Honor also thought it was poetic for a woman to give up her life for love, a man, and a family.
Growing up, Tanya didn’t have dreams of being a mom, wife, and career woman learning to balance PTA meetings, time with the husband, and managing a household. But that was the path in which she was headed.
Tanya and Shauna finally reach their destination. To their surprise, Kenneth sat in the driveway waiting for his fiancé.
“Hey baby!” He said, walking towards Tanya with open arms.
“Hi honey, um...why are you here?” She asked.
“I wanted to see you before the rehearsal dinner. Shauna, do you mind if I steal my wife for a while?” He asked, directing his attention to an impatient best friend.
“Look, Ken, we have a lot of stu...” Shauna tried to get out.
“Like what? You get the shoes and the ring. I’ll pick up the bow ties, call the caterer, and head back to my house to get ready. And my fiancé’ will be my ride.” She smirked.
Clearly, the two love birds wanted to be alone before meeting up with the family. Plus, Tanya was over Shauna’s warpath and pettiness.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to keep her on schedule, but my baby has it all handled. She’ll be on time tonight, and we’ll have everything ready for tomorrow.” Kenneth assured, watching the love of his life sashay on the porch and into the front door.
“Wait! Ken! What about Tanya’s parents!?!? You’re supposed to pick them up from the airport!” Shauna yelled in a panic.
“Car service.” He replied, staying focused on the front door. It was as if he counted every second it took for Tanya to come back into his arms.
“OMG Ken!! What tha hell?” She yelled.
“Shauna, are you getting married tomorrow?” He scoffed, breaking his concentration.
“You know what...I’m done! You two don’t care about the details of your wedding then why should I?” She stormed away.
“Its fine Shauna, I just talked to them before you pulled up. They don’t mind having a car service pick them up. I just want my baby all to myself for a minute. That’s all.” He yelled.
“Great. Now I’m about to spend some quality time with my mother until it’s time for me to get ready to pick up Rod’s tux, shoes, and get my hair done. I’ll see you two this evening. And be on time please!”
Kenneth laughed to keep from getting angry with Shauna.
A minute later, he watched his woman appear on the porch ready to spend quality
time. Her mocha skin glistened with the help of the midday sun.
“You ready honey?” Tanya asked.
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he took her by the waist and kissed her.
“Yes, I’m ready baby. Let’s go.”
Chapter II: Rose Colored-Glasses Removed
During the entire car ride, the two couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Being with Kenneth allowed Tanya to remember the love, and why she compromised for him. At that time, she was getting a chance to grow old with a good love, and not leaving it all to chance by traveling the world alone, in search of a fantasy that may never come.
“What do you wanna do when we get home?” Tanya asked, rubbing his hairy chin.
“You know.” Kenneth sneered.
“Do you have your clothes with you?”
“Nope. I’ll find something over there to wear.”
“Oh, so you’re going to wear something from my side of the closet? You know you’ve moved a lot of your stuff out.”
“I have a few clothes left. The rehearsal isn’t a formal occasion.” He grinned.
“Ok.”
“YOU should have moved most of your stuff out by now baby.”
“Honey...” She gawked.
“I’m serious. I talked to a realtor the other day, and she can help us put your townhome on the market. Can’t do that with your stuff all in the way. Gotta make it look neat and presentable.” He explained. “Her words not mine.”
“How does she know I have a lot of stuff? Honey did you tell her my home was a mess?!”
“No. She saw it for herself.” He said quickly.
“WHAT!?! Kenneth Jamal Thompson! You had another woman in my home without telling me!”
“She’s a realtor.” He replied innocently.
“You and a realtor snooping around my home, getting ready to sell it?! Technically that’s MY home. I’ll put it on the market when I’m ready!” Tanya fussed.
“Not snooping baby.” He replied calmly. “And I was just helping you out. She’s gay anyway. Well, she looks gay.”
Tanya’s mood changed from loving to livid. She didn’t want to give up her townhome in the first place. And then to have her fiancé’ go behind her back with a realtor was a “no-go” in her book. An uncomfortable silence fell between them at the final red light. No kisses or looks of passion exchanged between the two.
“How does someone ‘look’ gay Kenneth?!?! Who is this woman?” She asked, breaking the silence as the light turned green.
“Shelly Fowler. I have her card in the console over there. You can look her up.” Kenneth pointed to the console.
Tanya didn’t look for the card. She folded her arms making sighs of aggravation. Kenneth got the hint and pulled over to park at a nearby church. He turned off the ignition and unfolded her arms to hold her hand.
“Baby, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was just trying to help. I want you in OUR home. Not going back and forth between houses. I think you’re holding on to that place for some reason. You moving in is more than a simple address change. It’s a symbol that we are one.”
She wasn’t impressed by the speech nor the revelation of his worries about why she planned to keep the townhome after they married.
“I know you’re independent, and like having your own stuff. But, what’s mine is yours and vice versa. As soon as we’re married you can put your name on the deed baby. Is that what you’re worried about? Keeping your own home because you think I’d leave you with nowhere to go? What is it baby?” Kenneth asked in a sincere tone.
“I’m not afraid of that. I just need you to communicate with me.” Tanya said, softening demeanor.
She lied. Giving up Paris for love was one thing, but her townhome too? That was too much to give up too soon.
“Look, this wedding is getting me all crazy. Let’s worry about selling houses and deeds after I’m your wife, so we both can enjoy this moment.” Tanya moved closer to him.
Kenneth nodded, then kissed her fervidly. The fire reignited as he lifted her shirt to rub her breasts. Tanya stopped him.
“Wait honey.” She laughed. “We’re in a church parking lot. Let’s get home first.”
“Ok. Baby. But just know...” He said with sex in his eyes.
“I know honey.” She interrupted. “I already know.”
Kenneth couldn’t get the key in the door fast enough. As soon as they walked in, heavy kissing started, followed by ripping off clothes. He laid Tanya on the sofa, and she moaned while he ran his tongue over her stomach.
“That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear. Damn, I can’t wait to make you my wife!” He said, raising his eyes to meet hers.
“Well, I can’t wait to BE your wife. Now take me to the bedroom.” She requested. “It’ll be our last time making love in this house. I want it to be special.”
“You know what, you’re right.” Kenneth arose, looking around. “I’ll make it special for you baby.”
Making love in her townhome for the last time caused her mood to descend into a sentimental space. But, she didn’t want to destroy the deep passion. He led her upstairs and pushed a pile of clothes from the queen-sized bed on the floor.
“See baby, we have a king size at the other house. Not much room here.” He nitpicked.
That bed was her favorite. A chic bennet upholstered panel, fit just for her.
“Honey, just make love to me.” She rolled her eyes. “No more analyzing.”
He snickered, resuming kisses down to her thighs. With all the stress of Shauna’s wedding talk, she desired sensuous intimacy with the husband-to-be. A reminder of what she’ll be gaining by getting married, and a chance to release frustrations.
As Kenneth thrust his hips in between her legs, she closed her eyes and imagined getting that treatment every morning. They woke up next to each other most mornings, an everyday regimen of making love to him before they started the day was something to look forward to. Although highly independent, Tanya loved that Kenneth took pride in taking care of her in all areas of their relationship.
They made love, took a break, and made love again. Both exhausted, he laid on top of her with his head on her chest. Their breaths were in sync however, Tanya noticed that their heartbeats weren’t. The informal beats troubled her. She’d always imagined that at some point their heartbeats would be on the same page.
Her mind then drifted to walking on the streets of Paris. Being a huge “Sex in the City” fan, her favorite episode was Carrie moving to France to be with her lover. As Kenneth spoke of how good it felt being inside of her that vision of strolling through the City of Lights drowned out his commentary.
“Honey, what was wrong with moving to Paris?” She asked, interrupting the love-making recap. “What’s wrong with us picking up and entering a new life? Together. In a new location.”
“Baby, we already talked about this. We can’t be too far away from our family and friends. How are we going to raise the kids in a foreign country? We don’t know how growing up in Paris will affect them.” He replied, keeping his head on her chest.
“Honey, it’ll be a while before we have kids. Why not live in Paris for about two years then come back and start a family. It’s possible you know.” Tanya suggested.
“That’s too much moving. What are we going to do with the house?”
“Rent it out. Sell it. We may not even want to be in Alabama after coming back. Honey, the possibilities for us are endless.” She replied, hopeful.
“Rent it out.” Kenneth scoffed, lifting his head. “Hell no, we can’t be landlords to Alabama tenants living in Paris.”
“Well, baby we can sell it. Take the money, move to Paris. You can start your own landscaping business there. We’ll be able to travel to see our family during the holidays. And they can visit us. Give them a little taste of new surroundings.” She rubbed his face.
“My parents and friends won’t go for that.” He said.
“Do you even think about ho
w...” She stopped and sat up in bed.
“How what? How I don’t wanna move to Paris? We have a life here. We are starting a new life together, here in Birmingham. Let’s not pretend like we need a big change.”
Tanya gave up on trying to convince him. She looked away to channel the imagination of the Paris stroll. It was a lost cause to get him to agree. He laid down next to her, eventually falling asleep. Those amazing thoughts helped her relax, eventually falling asleep next to him.
A few hours later, Kenneth’s phone alarm went off.
Tanya jolted, shaking his back. “Honey we have to get into the shower. Quick! Shauna will be calling soon. I just know it.”
“Mmmmm I don’t want to move.” He groaned.
“My parents sent me a text. They’re all checked in at the hotel, and will meet us at the rehearsal.”
“That’s good. I feel like everything will work out fine today and tomorrow.”
“Me too honey.” She replied, pushing out a smile.
The thoughts of him shutting down her idea loomed. Tanya began to see a side of Kenneth that she wasn’t expecting. His unwillingness to listen and compromise when it came to planning their lives together. They’ve had those conversations before, however, she pushed aside what she wanted all in the name of love. As the wedding was less than 24 hours away, a culmination happened, and it didn’t look pretty.
Luckily, they were able to finish the remaining errands, in a rush, before heading to the wedding rehearsal.
While there, her bridal mood toggled between mediocre to “I’m happy to be a bride”. Practicing for the big day added more pressure due to Shauna’s micromanagement over the coordinator. However, a quick liquor session with her friend Keena aided in mellowing out to deal with Sgt. Shauna.
Standing at the altar with her cousin taking the place of Kenneth, gave a new vision of her life. Paris-living wasn’t an option, but being with the man who adored her every breath, signaled that she’d made the right decision. Justifying that their out of sync heartbeats, and the annoyance of Kenneth’s uncompromising ways was just a case of cold feet.
Devastation or Destiny??? Page 2