Cherise sat on the edge of Steven’s king-size bed, watching him pack a bag for his business trip. “I wish I could go with you, honey.”
“I wish you could, too, but you’d be bored to death. I’m going to be in meetings all day. Besides, you can’t just up and leave your mother like that. This is the last trip I have to make before our wedding.”
“You’re right. I’m just really going to miss you,” she murmured huskily. Out of respect for her mother, Steven had ceased spending the night at her house, and Cherise didn’t stay over with him either.
“Hmm, maybe you should join me in New York.”
Cherise eyed her nails. It was time for a manicure, she thought, and made a mental note to call tomorrow for an appointment. “I considered flying up on Friday night, after work, but I have to be fitted for my wedding gown on Saturday morning.”
Zipping up the garment bag, Steven stated, “Well, I’ll be home on Sunday. I have a meeting that morning, but I should be home by noon.”
Cherise wagged her finger at him. “You behave while you’re gone.”
Grinning, he nodded. “Always, baby. There’s no other woman out there for me.”
“You just remember that, Steven Chambers Jr.”
He pushed her down on the bed.
Steven’s mouth came down on hers in a hot, explosive kiss.
Cherise swore she’d die long before he got around to appeasing the maddening desires he had roused from her. Her body felt like clay in a sculptor’s hands as he mapped the contours of her trembling flesh. He covered her body with intimate kisses, causing her to crave more, to beg for all he could offer.
They were like two ravenous creatures that could not get enough of each other, could not bear for the splendorous moment to end, and yet frantic to abate the tormenting needs that consumed them.
Afterward, Cherise whispered, “How am I supposed to go home looking like this?”
“Just pull your hair back into a ponytail.”
She sat up in bed, hugging her knees. “I had curls earlier.”
“You really think your mother doesn’t know what we’ve been doing?” Steven asked with a chuckle.
“I don’t have to throw it in her face.”
“You’re going to be my wife in another month, so it’ll be okay.”
“You don’t have to face my mother,” Cherise said as she climbed out of bed. She walked into the bathroom and climbed into the shower.
Steven joined her a few minutes later.
Later, Cherise walked into the house with her hair in a bun. Arlene and Jazz took one look at her, then burst into laughter.
“You are so busted,” Jazz told her. “You had curls for days when you left here.”
Cherise felt her face flush in embarrassment. “Jazz, will you shut up!”
Arlene just shook her head. “I guess I’ll pick up some cards or a game so that you and Steven will have something special to do on your wedding night.”
Cherise’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Mom …”
“Well, y’all doing everything before the wedding, so what’s left?”
“Yeah,” Jazz intoned. “What’s left?”
Laughing, Cherise picked up a pillow from the sofa and tossed it at her sister.
Cherise grabbed the towel off her bed and wiped her face.
She was breathing heavily because of her aerobic workout and had to take several deep breaths before she could answer her ringing phone. “Hello.”
“Hi, Cherise, dear. You sound as if you had to run for the phone. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No, I just finished working out. How are you?” Cherise held her breath while she waited for Eula Mae to state her reason for calling.
“I’m fine. I’m calling to see what you’re doing tomorrow. I know Steven’s out of town, so I thought I’d invite you and your mother to go to church with me, and afterward, you and Arlene can have dinner with us.”
There was a pregnant pause before Cherise responded. She sat down on the edge of her bed. “Thank you for the invitation, Aunt Eula Mae, but we’re going out to Riverside to see my aunt. Maybe we can plan to do it next Sunday.”
“Sure, that’ll be fine. Let’s plan on that, okay?”
Rolling her eyes, Cherise murmured, “I’m putting it on my calendar now.”
She hung up the phone and dropped back down to the floor, preparing to resume her workout, when the phone rang again.
This time it was Steven.
“Honey, I won’t be back until eight tomorrow night.”
Cherise didn’t hide her disappointment. “What?”
“Something came up and my boss requested another meeting,” Steven explained. “I need to be here.”
“I understand,” she responded. “But I’m not at all happy about it.”
“I know you’re going out to Riverside, so don’t worry about picking me up tomorrow night. I’ll take a shuttle home. Enjoy yourself and tell everyone I said hello.”
“I can still pick you up.”
“Honey, you can’t just eat and run. Stay and have a good time with your family.”
After she hung up with Steven, Cherise decided to go upstairs and take a long, hot bath. She really missed him and couldn’t wait for him to come home.
She ended up spending the evening with Ivy and her daughters. Ivy was having an emotional moment after having a fight with her ex-husband, so Cherise went over to cheer her up.
“Have you talked to Michael since the wedding?”
Ivy shook her head. “Not really.”
“Why don’t you reach out to him?” Cherise suggested.
“I can’t do that,” Ivy responded. “I cheated on him in college, and when he forced me to choose—I chose Charles.”
“Michael doesn’t strike me as they type of man who holds a grudge.”
“He has my number,” Ivy stated. “He could’ve called me. He hasn’t, so I don’t think he’s interested.”
“Ivy, call the man,” Cherise urged. “He may not know that you’re interested in him.”
“It’s too late for us. I had my chance and I blew it.”
Cherise embraced Ivy. “Well, then, I guess I need to buy you a huge teddy bear or something, so that you’ll have something to keep you warm at night.”
“You know you are wrong, don’t you?” Ivy hit her on the arm with a throw pillow.
Sunday evening, Cherise came home expecting to find the house empty, but instead she found Steven stretched out on the couch sleeping.
Cherise shrieked with pleasure, waking him.
He stood up and embraced her.
“I’m so glad to see you,” Cherise told him. “I thought you weren’t going to be home for another couple of hours. You said your plane wouldn’t get in until eight.”
Sitting up, he grinned. “I lied. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Did my mother know about this?” Cherise asked. “Is that why she wanted to stay with Aunt Amanda?”
He nodded.
She gave him a light jab in the arm. “If I weren’t so happy to see you, I’d be mad at you.”
Steven threw back his head, laughing. “I missed you, too.”
Cherise handed him a plate that was laden with baked chicken, candied yams, corn on the cob and potato salad. “Aunt Amanda sent this for you. Eat it while it’s still hot.”
Standing up, he headed into the dining room with Cherise following. He asked, “How did it go? Did you have fun?”
“I had a wonderful time with my family. They are always special.” Cherise laughed. “Nyle and his wife are having a baby.”
“Really?” He pointed to the other plate she carried. “What’s that?”
She nodded and sat down across from him. “Oh, this is a piece of three-layer chocolate cake. Ivy made it.”
Steven raised an eyebrow. “I hope that’s for me.” He dove into the potato salad, eating with relish.
“It is,” Cherise confirmed with a laugh. “She knows how much yo
u like it.”
“Oh, Aunt Eula Mae wants you to go shopping with her next Saturday. She still hasn’t found a dress.”
Cherise’s smile disappeared. “I thought she and your mother went shopping already.” She pushed away from the table.
“Where are you going?” Steven asked, frowning.
“To get you something to drink,” she responded. “I don’t want you to end up choking from the way you’re shoving that food down your throat.”
Steven gave an embarrassed laugh. “I guess I was starving.”
“Why didn’t you make yourself a sandwich or something?”
“I knew you’d be bringing home a plate from your aunt’s house.”
Cherise shook her head in disbelief. “Men…”
Steven stood in the doorway, his hands folded across his chest. “Woman, what’s taking you so long? You don’t want to be late for your own bridal shower.”
Cherise sucked her teeth before replying, “Honey, I’m hurrying as fast as I can. I’m pretty sure they won’t start without me.”
She donned a black pants suit she’d purchased just for the occasion. Eyeing herself in the mirror, she knew she looked great.
In truth, Cherise felt really good. She walked across the hall to the guest room where her mother was staying.
Knocking on the door, Cherise called out, “Mama, are you ready? We’re leaving in a few minutes.” Her mother had flown in the night before, and they’d been up late talking.
“I’m just about,” Arlene responded. “Come in and help me with this zipper, will you?”
Opening the door, Cherise eased into the room. She eyed the burgundy dress Arlene wore. “Wow, Mama. You look so pretty.”
“Why, thank you, baby. You look pretty snazzy yourself.”
Cherise wrapped her arms around Arlene. “I can’t tell you enough how glad I am that you’re here. This year has been my happiest in a very long time.”
“I can tell you’re feeling better about Eula Mae.”
She glanced over her shoulder and then nodded. “I’ve finally put the past to rest. I’m only looking forward to the future.”
Steven rapped on the open door. “You beautiful ladies ready to leave?”
“We’re ready,” they chorused.
The trio headed downstairs.
Steven opened the front door and stepped into the chilly breeze. Thirty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of La Maison, the restaurant owned by Kaitlin’s husband, Matt.
After helping Arlene out of the car, he assisted Cherise.
“You all made it,” Kaitlin said when they entered the private dining room. “I was just about to call to find out if something happened.”
“It was your cousin’s fault,” Steven said.
He was rewarded with a punch in the arm.
The room had been transformed into a Mediterranean paradise. The brilliant blue colors of Greece were draped throughout the room, while brightly colored sunflowers and wine-colored candles represented Italy and Spain.
“It looks nice, doesn’t it?” Rebecca said as she and Eula Mae joined them. Steven spoke to his mom and aunt before giving Cherise a kiss goodbye. He and Matt were meeting up with the Ransom men for a game of basketball.
Guests were arriving, so Cherise went to greet them.
Shower guests were served an antipasto platter representing the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Buffet tables were laden with various hot entrées representing the different countries.
Hostesses served them while they talked and laughed.
Elle walked over and gave Cherise a hug. “How’s it going?” she whispered.
“Fine,” she whispered back. “I think I can finally move on.”
“Did you…”
Cherise shook her head. “I decided to take it to my grave.” For the moment, she felt safe and happy.
The turbulent emotions she’d felt earlier had dissipated. In a sense she felt reborn, felt as if she had been given another chance. Cherise looked forward to her wedding day. It would be the finest moment of her life.
Every now and then she would catch Eula Mae watching her, but Cherise made sure to keep her expression blank. She didn’t want to make the woman suspicious.
After they finished eating, they settled down to play the traditional bridal-shower games.
Cherise had never laughed so hard. It pleased her that everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Elle handed the winner of bridal bingo a prize, then announced, “Okay, that’s the last game. It’s now time for Cherise to open her gifts.”
“Jazz, dear, where on earth did you find that skimpy nightie?” Rebecca asked after Cherise opened her gift from her sister. “It leaves nothing to the imagination.”
“Mrs. Chambers, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
Cherise broke into embarrassed laughter. “I don’t know, Jazz. This is a bit much.” She held up the matching panties with one finger. “Crouchless panties? I don’t think so.”
“Aw, don’t be trying to act like a prude around your soon-to-be mother-in-law.” Kaitlin said. “There was a time…”
She glanced over at her mother, who said, “Me, too.”
Gasps of surprise went around the room while Amanda gave her daughter an innocent smile.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Cherise,” Eula Mae stated. “You do whatever you have to do to keep Steven in your bed and not someone else’s. Have a pole installed if you have to.”
“Eula Mae!” Rebecca tried to look shocked.
“Come on now, Rebecca. Now, I know you are still wearing those little sexy outfits that Steven Sr. likes…”
“We’re not talking about me,” Rebecca quickly interjected. “We’re here for Cherise.”
Everyone burst into another round of laughter.
Rebecca cleared her throat and handed Cherise another gift-wrapped package. “Why don’t you open this one? It should be safe—it’s from your mother.”
Cherise winked at Arlene. “I don’t know. Mama has a weird sense of humor at times.” She untied the ribbon and removed the paper quickly. “Ooh, this is exquisite.” She fingered the delicate ivory lace. “Mama, it’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it. I thought it would be perfect for your wedding night.”
Cherise crossed the room and planted a kiss on her mother’s cheek. “Thank you.”
“Open mine next,” Eula Mae pleaded.
Cherise gasped. “Oh my goodness! Pearls?”
“Yes,” Eula Mae responded. “I bought those pearls for my own wedding day, and I’d like for you to wear them on yours. I know this is a lingerie shower, but I also figured you could wear these to bed, too, and nothing else.”
“Mmm,” the women in the room chorused.
“They’re beautiful, Aunt Eula Mae. I promise I’ll give them back right after the wedding …” Cherise grinned. “I mean after the wedding night.”
“Oh, you don’t have to return them,” she told Cherise. “I’m giving them to you. They would have gone to my daughter, had she lived…I want you to have them because you’ve become like a daughter to me.”
Cherise’s bottom lip trembled.
Guilt filled her to the core, making her feel sick inside. Not knowing what else to do, she handed the pearls back to Eula Mae. “I-I’m sorry, but I can’t t-take these.”
Fighting her tears, she rose to her feet and ran out of the room.
“Cherise, please tell me what happened back there?” Elle asked. “What is going on with you?”
“I can’t take it, Elle. I just can’t take it.” Cherise burst into fresh tears.
“What?” Elle embraced her. “What is it?”
“I can’t take her being so nice to me like this. Not after what happened.”
Cherise ran her hand across her face to wipe away her tears. “I feel like such a hypocrite. I really thought I could get past this until she handed me those pearls. This guilt’s tearing me apart. I don’t k
now if I can take much more of this.”
Elle gave her cousin a hug. “I’m so sorry, Cherise.”
Cherise hugged her back, and then just stared off in space. “I’m so afraid she’s going to remember one day. I really like her and I don’t want…” She couldn’t finish the thought. It was just too painful.
“Maybe she didn’t get a good look at any of you. You said it was dark.” Elle tried to reassure her. “You’ve got to pull yourself together and stop tripping like this or she’s going to start suspecting something.”
She met Elle’s worried gaze. “I know.”
The front door opened and Eula Mae Stewart was standing there.
“Will someone please tell what is going on?”
Elle and Cherise exchanged nervous glances.
Eula Mae repeated her question.
Swallowing hard, Cherise rushed to Eula Mae. “I’m so sorry for running out like that.”
She glanced back at Elle. “This wedding has got me so emotional and when you said what you said—”
Eula Mae cut her off. “Shh, baby. I understand. This is an emotional time for a bride. Child, every little thing made me cry when Jerome and I were engaged.”
Cherise smiled, feeling a little more relaxed. “I feel like such an idiot.”
“You shouldn’t feel that way. We all understand.” Elle took her by the hand. “Why don’t we return so that you can finished opening your gifts? I’m sure Mama and everyone is getting worried.”
Eula Mae hugged her tightly. “I meant what I said earlier, and I won’t take no for an answer. I want you to have those pearls.”
“Thank you,” Cherise murmured. Deep down she felt like a horrible hypocrite, but she managed to make it through her shower.
That evening Cherise took solace on her porch, still troubled by the gift from Eula Mae.
She abandoned her seat on the wooden rocking chair and walked to the railing, staring out with unfocused eyes.
Eula Mae had gifted her with a beautiful pearl necklace that was meant for her daughter. Weariness sliced through her, regret and guilt sapping her energy.
She yearned for Steven’s comfort and his strength. She didn’t really know what to do with the sentimental gift. How could she wear it, knowing what she’d done to Eula Mae?
Emotionally drained and her eyes heavy with fatigue, she stepped away from the window and made her way upstairs. Completely dressed, Cherise lay down on top of the comforter, turning on her side. She was too confused and exhausted to make a decision she might regret later.
You and I Page 13