A Heart Not Easily Broken
Page 42
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Cars jammed my parents’ driveway and the curb when we arrived.
“Whoa, what’s going on here?” I looked over at Ebony. “Do you know?”
She appeared surprised too. “Not a clue.”
We held hands as we walked to the door. Before I could ring the bell, Bridget pulled the door open and flung her arms around me.
“Baby brother!”
Ebony laughed as our fingers slipped apart from the force of the hug.
“Ow.” Man, love hurt.
“He’s here!” she yelled over her shoulder before turning back to face us. “Ebony, it’s good to see you.” Bridget hugged her as well. “Come on guys, everyone’s out back.”
Bridget’s enthusiasm was infectious as she dragged us through the house to the patio. When we entered, everyone cheered.
I glanced around the backyard before Bridgette pushed me to the receiving line. A ‘Welcome Home’ banner hung on the newly built gazebo. My father had fired up the grill again and the family had added folding tables to the yard. All the trimmings for a Young family barbeque sat in place, along with coolers filled with ice and drinks.
Hug after hug came from family and friends as I walked down the line of waiting arms. Everyone seemed to be there; aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and my sisters.
My mother and father waited at the end of the receiving line. I’d just finished hugging my mom and shaking my father’s hand when a voice I hadn’t heard in two years floated around over his shoulder.
“I knew you’d do it one day.”
My cousin, Brad, emerged from the crowd.
“No shit!” I laughed.
“Brian!” My mother swatted my shoulder.
We grabbed each other in a bear hug. “What are you doing here?” I punched him in the shoulder as we stepped back and appraised each other.
Brad gained weight since I’d seen him. We were thick as thieves as kids. He was two years older than me and had dark hair and blue eyes, yet girls often thought we were brothers. He’d gotten a good job offer and moved to Florida two years ago. The man was a graphic designer wiz.
“Aunt Laura told me you would be home this week. I came out to visit my mom. Imagine my surprise when I found out you’d been traveling doing concerts. That’s awesome, man.” It was my turn to take a punch.
“Thanks. It looks as though life’s been good for you.” I reached over and poked his midsection.
“It definitely has.” His chest poked out in pride.
“We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“Tell me about it. Let me start by introducing you to my wife.” Brad held out his hand and a dark colored hand connected with his.
I followed the arm to a green-eyed beauty with long curly hair. Brad married a black woman. It was hard to keep my mouth from dropping open. We always had similar taste in women.
“Brian, this is Tierra.”
I shut my mouth and grinned. “It’s nice to meet you.” I gestured Ebony over. “Baby, this is my crazy cousin, Brad, and his wife, Tierra. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Ebony.”
We stared at one other before sharing a laugh.
“It’s nice to finally meet you.” Tierra gave me a hug. “Brad has told me so many stories.” She repeated the gesture to Ebony. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“You have to share those stories,” Ebony said, her smile wide. Obvious surprise was all over her face.
“Let’s exchange numbers,” Tierra suggested.
Brad and I stood side-by-side and watched our ladies walk off. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what they had in common or what they’d want to talk about, interracial dating and marriage. I had plenty of questions for Brad.
Before the night ended, we were definitely making plans to double date while they were in town.