“Loved,” I corrected.
“Okay, loved me. But I just didn’t know really how much. I hella apologize for making you feel the way that you do.”
He put my hand on his private part and leaned in for a kiss. We touched in the most passionate way. Our tongues greeted each other with warm expressions of I miss you.
I couldn’t deny what I was feeling.
I was giving him a hand job and he was rising to the occasion immediately. I wasn’t sure about this because, technically, we both belong to someone else. But this was a great way to close this chapter and begin our new one as punk ass friends.
I wasn’t worried about nothing or nobody at this very moment. I wanted to experience another taste of the lover’s pond, right in the rental car on the passenger’s side we entered the place that we both have been before.
I gave him my all and he gave me his all and it seemed so perfect. Together we danced that dance once again.
Jason ended up spending the night instead of checking into his hotel. We both knew this was our only chance and we both wanted it badly for different reasons. Honestly, Jason’s sex is good but he wasn’t as big as Jules. But who is? Jason knows how to work it and eat it.
I was laying in bed, eyes wide open because I had a nightmare.
I dreamt that I received a wedding invitation from Jason. The return address was Las Vegas, Nevada, and it was in a white envelope.
I looked over at him. He was sleeping just fine.
I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I wasn’t able to sleep.
What if he’s married? I thought.
No, maybe it had to do with Kalena getting married today.
What if he is married?
He wouldn’t tell me. He was a coward.
Plus, he would think he’d hurt my feelings if he did tell me, and he would be right.
Who was I kidding?
He was, and that was God’s way of showing it to me.
I wasn’t so confrontational, but if I was, I would have wakened him up and kicked his butt right out. But at the same time, I felt some kind of reward.
Like a payback to his girlfriend.
She stole him from me and he just cheated on her with me, which means you ain’t holding him down honey.
Wait a minute, that wasn’t who I was becoming right?
No, I was off my rocket.
Oh my stars.
I needed to repent to God and ask for my sins to be forgiven. This was not cool. I closed my eyes and prayed silently with Jason laying next to me and all. Then I fell back to sleep. It was 3:45 am. I had about 5 hours to sleep before the big day.
Chapter 32
HERE I STAND
The salon was lively already when I got there.
Jordyn was doing her thang with rollers in her hair. She said she was gonna have her locs curly and pinned, going to one side. My locs were still tightened. I just needed them braided and put up in a updo, and I just needed my makeup done.
I didn’t have to be here at the crack of dawn like everyone else.
They had ordered breakfast from Café of The Bay and they were listening to a nice jazz CD. No words, just easy calming music. I guess to keep Kalena from stressing and getting nervous.
Kalena was under the dryer going over a list with Ashley. It seemed like everything was done, except for the blue garter belt.
Ashley said she would run to Michaels and get two just in case.
Chelsea was getting her makeup done by Jordyn and Najah was in Jordyn’s chair and the assistant was prepping her hair for Jordyn. I was waiting for the assistant because she was gonna braid my hair for Jordyn so all she had to do was pin it up. The other two stylists were there too, with their clients.
They were giving Kalena their well wishes and sharing their stories about how it was when they got married. It was just another great time at Naturally Yours.
I jumped on Facebook to see that Kalena already updated her status to “today I will marry my best friend, my boo, my man.”
Najah’s status read, “I wanna give a big shout out to one of my BFFs and her new hubs!!!! Welcome to the family Todd!!!!”
Chelsea’s said, “I can’t believe Kalena’s wedding is finally here and I’m a pregnant bridesmaid! How sexy LOL!!!!!”
Ashley’s said, “I can’t wait til this bitch says I do and they hop on that damn boat tomorrow. I want my life back!!!!!”
I laughed so hard. I could only imagine the road that it took to get here.
I was thankful for Ashley, ’cause if it weren’t for her, I’d be the go-to girl.
I thought of a status as I read Jason’s status. It still said that he was back in Cali. Derrick’s still had his comedy show date on his.
I went to Jules’ page. He doesn’t post statuses too much, but he changed his relationship status from “In a relationship with Journee “Nee” Faith Bell” to “It’s complicated”.
That bastard!
I went to my status. It said “In a relationship with Jules Howard”. I thought to change it to “single” but I decided not to. I ain’t got time for that. Plus, I’ll be deleting him and blocking him soon anyway. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around being no stepmama to a newborn.
To scratch him off my mind, I updated my status with, “ya gotta kiss a lot of frogs to get the prince, congrats Kalena on you finding yours! Today you say I Do! Love you and Todd dearly!!!”
I asked Jordyn if she had the champagne and orange juice. It was mimosa time. She did and I went back to the kitchen area and popped the bottles and poured glassed for everyone in the salon that morning. It was a celebration!
We had to leave our cars at The Dunsmuir House where the reception was because we were being escorted by the limo. The limo picked us up to take us to the church to get dressed. Chelsea met us at the church because Greg was gonna be there with her, so she didn’t need to have her car there early.
Jason had the invitation extended to him by Kalena to come to the wedding and reception, but he wasn’t sure if he could make it. He was trying to make his rounds, since he was leaving on Monday morning.
We made it to the church by noon. We were scheduled to take pictures at 1 pm. The florist dropped off all the bouquets at 12:30 pm and the church was nicely decorated. Kalena’s family pitched in and decorated. It wasn’t too much but just enough. It was harmonious at the church, and it was such a perfect day. The weather was mild. The sky was clear and the temperature had to be in the low 70s.
After we got dressed we went into the sanctuary and the photographers took a zillion pictures of us. The guys had their photos taken before us and the limo took them for a ride. The photographers took our pictures outside. I noticed that the handsome black photographer looked like he was checkin’ out Najah.
She didn’t pay it no mind, but I just hoped that he would make a move on her. More poses to do and more pictures snapped. Kalena said now all she had to do was take pictures together with her new husband and with family at the reception. That was a good idea. Now we were back in the fellowship hall reapplying makeup and waiting. Guests had started to arrive and so did the groomsmen and the groom. We heard the organist playing love songs.
The first song was Usher’s Here I Stand. It was beautifully played.
The coordinator came to say hello and told us it was almost that time. The groomsmen were outside in their designated area and the best man and groom were ready. All the boutonnieres were in place.
Pastor Vernon Jones had just arrived and people were still coming in. The coordinator checked to make sure no one was chewing gum.
We all looked amazing in our chocolate brown dresses. All of our hair was whipped and our makeup was flawless. The beautiful bride was glowing and looking fabulous. Her dress was this amazing off-white princess g
own. It had the sweetheart cut and it fit her to a tee.
“How do you feel, girl?” I asked Kalena.
“I feel pretty good. I’m not nervous yet. I am excited though, and it sounds like everyone’s here.”
“Judging by all the parked cars out there, I’d say everyone is here,” Ashley remarked, looking out the window.
“Really? Kalena asked. “You know, I’m very blessed to have y’all as friends and I just want to say thank you for everything.”
Chelsea interrupted, “Yeah yeah, we got your mushy card in the mail. I cried for two hours and don’t make us cry and ruin our makeup.”
“Yeah, she trying to make us look crazy out there so she can shine more,” Najah added.
We laughed.
“Well, I just want to say you deserve this and I’m happy for you and Todd. Shoot, we all deserve it, and Jordyn I hope you find your someone special too,” Ashley said.
“Oh, thank you Ash. I have and she’s here too. You’ll get a chance to meet her at the reception,” Jordyn said.
“So you are really gay, girl?” Kalena asked as Jordyn finished touching her up.
“Yep, Kalena, I’m one of them now. There’s a high shortage of good men and I don’t like sharing.”
“So you’re choosing to be gay because you don’t want to be lonely?” Kalena asked.
“Let’s not go there,” I raised my hand. “This is not the time or place to discuss this. Kalena, that’s my sister and she’s gay, ok? Stop with the sarcasm and get married, would ya?”
“Ok ok ok, don’t fuss at me, it’s my wedding day. I want her to get married too.”
“I will, but it will be with a woman and it will be next December.” Jordyn said. “Next December?” we asked in unison.
“Yep,” she confirmed.
“I’m not walking down the aisle with a woman, Jordyn, so don’t try it.” I said. “Are you gonna wear a wedding dress, Jordyn?” Kalena asked.
Then she looked at me for my approval of her question.
“Yes I am, but nothing like this one. More like a slip dress, I’m thinking.”
Najah was mumbling under her breath. We all knew she was not ok with the gay lifestyle. I knew I had better say something before Najah blew a gasket.
“I don’t know how I feel about it, actually,” I said. I just know I love her, and yes, it is a sinful lifestyle and yes, she was raised in church and she knows better.”
Jordyn looked at me like, “oh no you didn’t.”
“Yes, I said it, and now that I’ve said my piece, let’s get back into wedding mode and have a good time.”
“Yeah, it’s not about me anyway.” Jordyn said. “I’m happy and I pray y’all will get over it soon.”
Then Derrick entered.
“Hey ladies. What’s good?”
We all said hello in one form or another.
“Well, all of you look amazing. Kalena, I just wanted to see you before you went out there and tell you you are my girl and I am happy for ya. I’ll see y’all in a minute,” he said and disappeared.
“Awwww, Derrick loves me,” Kalena said.
She had really turned into a girly girl.
This was amazing in itself. Todd had really cleaned them pipes out and got her smiling again, or should I say got to her heart and unlocked it.
“It’s showtime, girls,” the coordinator said as she entered into our quarters with a headset on and her clipboard in hand.
Kalena asked Ashley if she had the ring. Ashley showed it to her with an attitude. It was time to rock and roll.
The sanctuary was kinda small but the church was packed. I was the first bridesmaid to walk down the aisle and I was ready. My locs were in a nice braided bun with an orange flower in place, and I was fierce in my dress. I had popped two Tylenols thirty minutes before I put my shoes on so I could stand in them for a long period of time. I was ready, and I had my handsome godson on my arm walking with me. It helped that Brandon was happy for his mom too.
The coordinator gave us our cue and we marched in. I saw people smiling with joy in their eyes. They confirmed my feelings of happiness too, especially when I looked into Todd’s eyes.
He looked so happy. Nervous, but happy.
Brandon and I got to the front. He let my arm go and we walked to our posts, away from each other.
Todd gave me a thumbs up. I gave a pleasing smile with a jerk of my right shoulder.
Then, out came Najah, and Jordyn, and then the wobble-walking Chelsea.
There was a lot of surprised expressions that filled the air. Everyone was shocked.
How did y’all think we felt?
I spotted Greg and he winked at me. I gave him a quick, smiley smirk and went right back to my smile because we were on display for plenty of photography.
Next was Ashley. She walked so gracefully down the aisle by herself. So pretty. She was ten years younger but she had an old soul.
Pastor Jones told everyone to stand, please, and I reached in my bouquet for the tissue that I hid in there. I passed it down for the divas while everyone was looking behind them waiting on the bride.
The silence was killing me.
Then the doors opened again and she stood there as the violin player started playing Lovin’ You by Minnie Riperton. It was so beautifully played.
Kalena was so beautiful standing with her step-dad. She was smiling from ear to ear and she looked right into the eyes of Todd.
Camera flashes went off every second like the paparazzi. It was amazing to watch my girl walk down the aisle.
The vows were said, the Lord’s prayer was sang, we prayed, they kissed and then they jumped the broom. We danced up the aisle to Lovely Day and got in the limo and headed to The Dunsmuir House for the reception. It was time to party.
The evening was progressing well. As Kalena and Todd took their pictures on the property, there were finger foods for the guests when they arrived. The newlyweds were escorted to the reception by horse and carriage. That was a nice touch. We walked into the reception with our groomsman as the DJ introduced our names.
We immediately went to the dance floor and did the bridal party dance. We stepped to Step in the Name of Love by R. Kelly, and they did their first dance to Lady In My Life by Michael Jackson. One of Mama Len’s friends sang With You I’m Born Again a capella.
So beautiful.
It was a duet, but she did it her way and it was great.
Then it was the mama and son dance. They danced to Never Too Much by Luther Vandross because that was his mom’s favorite song and Kalena and her step-dad danced to Luther also, Dance with My Father.
It was beautiful.
My parents were sitting at the table with Najah’s parents and Chelsea’s mom and grandma and Derrick and Greg. Mama had a French roll with pin curls. That was so not her, but Jordyn said she asked for it. It looked cute on her though. Pop was looking dapper in his gray suit.
Everyone at the table really looked good. Derrick and Greg were talking and getting to know each other. I wondered what Derrick thought of Greg.
I had my eyes on Greg, I think we all did. If he even tries to pull anything, I thought, I’m gonna kill him myself. But I thought Chelsea would beat all of us to the punch.
After we ate, it was speech time. Ashley and Lawrence gave their speeches to the bride and groom. Both speeches were loving and touching.
Hugs and kisses came afterward and Kalena got up to do hers. She thanked everyone and gave Mama Len the best
“Mommy, I love you so much speech.” Then she gave all the divas our own shot out.
She thanked me for all my hard work helping her plan this day, putting the elegant touches where they fitted ’cause her personality is so black and white, and she described me as the colors s
he needs in her life. She thanked me for picking her songs with her and being genuinely happy for her when I could have easily become jealous and hateful.
Right Before My Eyes Page 24