Fateful Renuion

by Haze, Joanna A.

  “Yeah, you know me…private.”

  “Go ahead and sign in. Put on your name tags, and you two love birds go right on and meet everyone.” Jessica pointed to a small table.

  “Thank you.” With Jessica out of earshot, he asked, “What was that about?”

  Mandy picked up the black Sharpie and wrote down their names on the badges. “That’s cheerleader captain Jessica. She’s married to football captain David and she is also the founder of the mean girls club.”

  “Gotcha.” He placed his hand on the small of her back as they made their way in the room. “I take it your school colors are blue and white?”

  Blue and white balloons sat on the ends of a light hors d’oeuvre table, and the color scheme flowed through the center pieces positioned on the round tables.

  She nodded as a group of women headed in their direction.

  “Mandy? It that you?” the shortest of the five asked.

  “Yes.”

  Dante remained silent as he watched the awkward exchange. The strained smile, which looked more like a grimace, Mandy wore told it all. She was out of her element. Ever so slightly, her shoulders slumped. She no longer stood up tall. The confidence she displayed earlier had fallen by the wayside. He felt for her. What had her high school years been like? It was obvious she wasn’t in the popular crowd by her behavior.

  “It’s me. Natalie.” A small belly poked out from the dress she wore.

  “Natalie Birdsong?”

  “Yes!” The woman grinned. “It’s Peters now. She flashed her ring. “We’ve been married three years, and now we have a little Peters on the way.” She patted her stomach for emphasis. “You remember Trisha, Stephanie, and Ashley, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Excuse me.” Natalie squinted at his name tag. “Dante, do you mind if we steal her for a moment?”

  Mandy’s eyes widened—pleading with him. Before he had a chance to intervene, they grabbed her arm and whisked her away. She cast a pleading look of help over her shoulder, but there was nothing he could do. He headed to the food buffet and watched on as the women dragged her around the room from group to group. A few times, he witnessed laughter escape her lips. It was a beautiful sight.

  “So, Dante.” Jessica stepped in front of him, blocking his view of Mandy. “How long have you two been together?”

  “We just made our year anniversary.”

  “Congratulations. I’m curious. How…where did you meet?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “In a café. She had a smile that lit up the room.” That part was true. He saw her smile the moment he walked in the building to meet her.

  “Oh is that right? It’s just… You know what never mind.”

  She had his interest now. “No, go ahead.”

  “You’re…” She waved her hands up and down the length of him. “And she’s black.”

  “I’m…male?” He toyed with her.

  Her smile faded. “No. White.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “No. I just didn’t see her as the type.”

  “How would you know her type? According to Mandy, she hasn’t had contact with any of you in years.” Mandy hadn’t given him any information, but from her behavior, he gambled on being right on the money. Paying for a date and her reaction to the people in the room were high indicators. “Obviously you wouldn’t know her type. She’s no longer a teen.” He popped a crab cracker in his mouth, signaling he was done talking.

  Jessica paused a moment, but he continued chewing and had another bite size snack ready to replace the one in his mouth. No wonder why Mandy didn’t want to come alone.

  She flipped her hair over her shoulders and walked off.

  “Hey. What was that about?” Mandy’s gaze searched his for answers. Trying to rid himself of Jessica, he hadn’t noticed her heading over.

  He instinctively reached out. Pulling her close, Dante planted a slight peck on her lips. The softness of her lips beckoned him for more. She didn’t resist, but he didn’t want to press his luck. He pulled away and just held her. Her cheeks turned a light rose color, replacing the look of concern with slight embarrassment. Slowly, a coy smile spread across her lips.

  “That, my darling, was a not-so-friendly visit from Jessica.”

  “I saw. What did she say?” The happy face she wore faded into a guarded blank slate.

  “Apparently she has an issue with us as a couple.”

  “What a bitch? I knew someone was going to bring it up, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon. As you can see my class, heck, my school wasn’t the most diverse.”

  Dante scanned the room. Until she said it, he hadn’t discerned she was the only black female. He reached up, smoothing out the frown lines on her forehead. “Diverse or not, you’re a beautiful woman and any man should be elated to have you on their arm.”

  Mandy bit her bottom lip and gazed up at him. Within the caverns of her iris, he saw hidden desire and felt it in his loins. He had to break the trance least he find himself lost in them.

  “So tell me about the people in the room? What do I need to know?”

  She blinked and looked away. The moment dissipated as she gave him the run down on her classmates.

  Chapter Seven

  Mandy opted out of room service and insisted they go down to the restaurant for breakfast before heading for a stroll to the many shops on Navy Pier.

  “When’s the last time you’ve been home?” Dante asked.

  “This isn’t home. My parents live in Arizona. It’s the perfect place for my dad’s asthma, and the cost of living is wonderful.” She finished off the last of her eggs benedict and sipped her grape juice. “I haven’t been here since the day I graduated.”

  “You didn’t want to visit any friends?”

  “I didn’t have very many. The ones I did graduated before me. I focused on my grades and going to college. My parents wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s why I was sent to a private school in the first place.” She paused as the waitress refilled her glass. “The city rezoned and put me in a low-ranked school. My parents pulled me out, and to Saint Paul I went.”

  “Oh, wow. My parents didn’t have the option. I was bused to another school, but I made the best of it.”

  “Have you lived in California all your life?”

  He nodded. “But I’m well-traveled. I was actually at a conference here last month.”

  “What is it you do?”

  “Financial consulting. Don’t you remember? You wrote it.” He smirked.

  “Point taken.” Her list was coming back to bite her. How could she predict she’d actually want to know more about her date? In fact, how’d she know he’d be so gorgeous, as in GQ man of the year fine? Aaron was handsome, but Dante’s exotic looks put his to shame. Her mouth watered at seeing him come out the bathroom with his shirt off and wet hair. Never in her life had she wanted to be next to a white man, let alone the urge to run her fingers through his damp curls.

  “I’m whatever you pay me to be.” He slid Mandy the bill.

  “You’re not going to let up are you?”

  “Not a chance.”

  Mandy paid the tab, and they headed out the hotel. Unlike California, they weren’t greeted with a warm breeze. They were assaulted by the thick humidity and heat of Chicago in July. She picked up the pace and gladly welcomed the air of the first shop they came to. The silver trinkets were cute, but nothing she’d get as a souvenir for Tasha. To her surprise, Dante was patient and even pointed out items as she dragged him from shop to shop.

  At noon, they decided to eat lunch on the pier before going back to the hotel. Dante was eager to test out the pool. Mandy didn’t want to ruin her freshly styled hair and decided against it. She was drained from the heat and opted for a nap. Dante closing the door was a faint whisper in the background as she fell into a deep sleep.

  She awoke with a start. The drawn curtains kept the daylight out, making the room dark. She sensed a presence in the ro
om. Dante leaned over and gave her a peck on the lips. Unlike earlier, there was nothing holding her back. She welcomed the soft touch and yearning. Wrapping her hand around his neck, she pulled him in closer, allowing the kiss to deepen. The towel he wore fell to the floor, and she was able to explore all of him. He was built to perfection. Mandy couldn’t help but run her gaze across his entire body, committing flat abs and the muscular cut on his hip bones to memory. The crease between her legs moistened.

  No words were spoken as he slid into the bed next to her. Dante removed the tank top and shorts she wore, and she offered no resistance. As he pressed his mouth to hers, their tongues danced. His hands explored the curves of her body. Finding her sweet spot, he brought fire to her already warmed nectar by gently rubbing his fingers across her bud.

  “Ah.” A moan escaped her lips.

  Mandy sat upright in the bed and realized she was alone, her body soaked in perspiration. Shaking it off, she closed her eyes and fell back to sleep.

  *****

  Dante returned from his swim to find Mandy sprawled out on the bed in the midst of her nap. His cock hardened at the sight of her open legs. Though she wore shorts, he didn’t miss the snugness at her crotch. His mouth watered. What would it be like to taste her? Shaking it off, he continued passed her and turned on the shower.

  He’d thought of nothing but her as he did laps in the pool. It was the very reason why he cut his swim short. Seeing her on the bed only served his desire more. Aaron had been a fool for only seeing her as a paycheck.

  *****

  Why is he looking at me like that? It was the third time Mandy had caught Dante’s eyes on her. She was sure the blush she donned when he saw her in her evening dress was still on her cheeks, and now his blue eyes were on her again. It was if he could see right through her. Turning her head, she watched the lake come into view as they got closer.

  As Mandy stepped out the cab, her gaze focused on their destination. “This yacht is amazing.” The Odyssey towered over the smaller vessels on the lake. Its white with gold trim design sparkled against the water, taking her breath away.

  “They went all out.” He held out his arm for her to take and guided them up the small ramp onto the vessel.

  Warming smiles of crew members greeted them. “Welcome aboard. Please take the stairs or elevator to the top level,” one of them said.

  Upstairs, the décor resembled an upscale lounge. Numerous black leather outdoor chairs and couches with yellow throw pillows covered the deck. Strategically placed next to them were silver round end tables and coffee tables. In the back area housed a small bar.

  “Mandy and Dante, it’s great to see you again. Come on in. Make sure you take your picture first.” Jessica was all smiles. The Cinderella green gown she wore made her eyes look like jade daggers. Not quite prom attire, but over the top for a reunion. It was perfect for her personality—an evil step-sister.

  “Hi, Jes.” Mandy was more relaxed than the night before. The sideways grin she returned came with ease.

  “Happy ten and enjoy the evening. I have a lot in store.” With more classmates boarding the yacht, Jessica’s attention went to the people behind them.

  “Shall we?” Dante nodded toward the picture area off to the right.

  “Of course.” Mandy followed him on the red carpet and posed in front of the backdrop. It was definitely an upscale affair. A slight reminder of the few events she attended in Hollywood.

  “Lean in closer to him,” the photographer said. “Tilt your chin up.”

  His instructions pressed her backside into Dante. He wrapped his arm around her, covering her in a blanket of warmth.

  “Sir, please put your face next to hers.”

  The bristles of Dante’s beard brushed against the back of her neck. Her senses went on high alert. Everywhere he touched sent a flame and lighted an inferno within her.

  “Relax and smile,” he whispered.

  How could she relax? And she thought she was smiling. Her body went haywire. His touch awakened a yearning she’d pushed deep down within. She resisted the urge to turn to those lips so close to hers and devour them.

  “Thank you.” He held out the camera for them to see the picture.

  The black evening dress with the high slit she wore complimented his black suit with blue top. The photographer captured a moment of intimacy. Her eyes were lowered and a seductive smile spread across her lips as Dante whispered to her. They could have been an ad for all things Hallmark. It was one of the best pictures she’d ever taken.

  “I love it,” she said.

  “Okay, love birds, can everyone else have a chance?” a tall well-endowed redhead said. Her two-caret diamond ring dazzled on her French manicured hand.

  “Heather?” Mandy asked.

  “In the flesh.”

  “Oh my God!” Mandy screamed. “You look amazing.” The last time she’d laid eyes on Heather, she suffered from a bad case of acne and carried about fifty more pounds. She was also one of the few good memories Mandy had about high school. They’d been study buddies.

  “Yes, I finally made it through puberty.” She laughed. “Who’s this hunk?”

  “Heather, this is Dante. Dante…Heather.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Dante shook her hand.

  “Go ahead and take your picture.” She pulled Dante out the way. Even without her husband present, Heather’s ring mocked her. Was she the only one who missed the holy matrimony train?

  They didn’t wait around for Heather to finish her glamour shots. Instead, they pushed farther on the deck and mingled with the rest of her class. The more she spoke, the better she felt about coming. For the most part, many had changed from the clueless teens who didn’t care about how they made others feel when they overlooked inviting them to parties.

  More classmates spilled onto the upper deck, making for a sizable crowd. Shortly after, the engine started and the yacht pulled off, pulling them away from the pier and into the depths of Lake Michigan. As the sun set, it gave them an amazing view of the Chicago skyline. Mandy took a break from chatting with everyone and took in the moment.

  “Te ves increíble. I can’t get over how incredible you look.” Dante’s arms found their way around her waist again.

  “I’m so glad you came.” For a split second, she allowed herself to take it all in. Sinking into the folds of his arms gave her a glimpse into what it felt to be happy. What she wouldn’t give to have someone hold her like this and truly be hers.

  Heather, all smiles, made her way over to them. “Hi, Dante. Do you mind if I steal Mandy from you? We’re taking group pictures, and I don’t want her left out.”

  He gave Mandy a wink. “Have fun.”

  “Don’t think you’re going to leave me all alone with Jessica,” Heather whispered as she whisked Mandy away.

  She felt Heather’s pain but would have rather done without. A group of women waited for them. Cell phones were passed around, and one found its way into Mandy’s hands. Interracial children flashed toothy grins on the display.

  Mandy grimaced. She didn’t even have a pet to show.

  “So Mandy.” Jessica moved in closer. “Do you have any children?”

  It wasn’t the question so much as the mouth the words spewed from.

  “No husband, thus no children.” She returned Jessica’s faux smile.

  Jessica waved her arm as if thwarting off an unwanted demon. “That hasn’t stopped many. Times are changing.”

  “They are, but I’d prefer the old fashion way.” She paused and smiled as Heather steered her camera in their direction. Recovering from the flash, she resumed, “You know, the way of the ring prior to the wedding.”

  Jessica’s smile turned into a glare. The words hit their intended mark. The age of the children notated on the picture left no doubt in Mandy’s mind that the son was conceived before their wedding date. Jessica and David were married six months after high school, which was proudly volunteered by Jessica to anyone withi
n ear shot. Mandy wasn’t a parent, but she did know it took nine months to produce a child.

  Another realization hit her. Jessica was pregnant before she’d been dumped by David as well.

  “Danny’s already the star of his little league team. He takes right after his dad.” The boyfriend stealer had found her comeback.

  Mandy spotted Dante replenishing his drink at the bar. “Pardon me, ladies.” Thoughts of knocking Jessica in the water swirled around her head. People fell overboard all the time, right? She motioned for Dante to fill her up and walked away.

  He handed her a glass upon her approach. “Is it everything you expected?”

  “And then some. Bottoms up.” The sting of the alcohol going down was a welcomed treat. The wetness cooled the embers simmering in the pit of her stomach. Why did she let Jessica get to her?

  “You okay?” Their relationship pretend or not, the concern on his face didn’t lie. It was real.

  She nodded. “You know how it is when you see people you haven’t spoken to in years? They tend to bring up memories you’d rather not think about when you’re trying to enjoy yourself.”

  “I can imagine everyone has a few moments from high school they’d rather not relive. I know I do.” He winked and sipped his drink.

  “Excuse me, everyone.” Jessica’s voice came across the speaker. “Please make your way downstairs for dinner. You’ll find your name listed on the table settings.”

  Mandy and Dante joined up with the group and made their way downstairs. Not to be outdone by the deck, the dining hall was set to an elegant finish, complete with alternating blue and white napkins and blue flowers in clear rectangular vases.

  “Wow, Jessica went all out.” Mandy scanned the room for their seats at the round tables. Their seat was directly in the center of the room. Even though the other two black women in her graduating class didn’t show up at the meet and greet, she’d hoped they’d show for the reunion itself. As the boat pulled off, she concluded it was not to be. Being stationed in the center of the room gave off the feeling of being on display. They could be seen from all angles.

  Dante held out her chair. Reluctantly, she sat down. They were joined by Heather, Jonathan and his wife, and Christa and her husband. One seat went abandoned. Idle chatter filled the room during their meal of baked chicken, roast beef, mash potatoes, asparagus, and Caesar salad.