by Nia Arthurs
Peyton gave us a weird look, “Do I even want to know?”
“Probably not.”
He kissed my cheek and said, “Yeah, okay. Where’s Spencer?” He glanced at Melody.
“He went downstairs to get the rest of my luggage,” Melody replied guilelessly.
“The rest…?” Peyton shook his head, “You girls understand the meaning of three days? It’s not that hard of a concept to grasp.”
Melody flung her hand in the air, “I need several clothing options, Peyton, because I never know what I might feel like wearing on any given day.”
“You always wear dresses,” Peyton pointed out.
“Exactly. What if I suddenly don’t feel like wearing dresses any more. I’m prepared for that.”
Peyton threw up his hands and walked out, muttering about crazy women.
“Don’t worry, honey,” Melody lay flat on her belly and kicked her legs up, “I’ll teach him our ways.”
I laughed and joined her on the bed, “You should knock before you come flying through our rooms, missy. You messed up a moment.”
“Geez, I think that’s why we got these rooms. You better come mess up my moments too before I get carried away.”
“What if we’re both,” I clear my throat, “otherwise occupied?”
Melody pursed her lips in thought, “I was deluding myself when I pictured you as my chaperone, wasn’t I.”
“That’s okay,” I flicked her on the shoulder, “You’re delusions are what make you so fun.”
She smiled and tilted her face to peer at me, “What do you think about Peyton’s parents. They’re nice right?”
“Yeah,” I agreed, glancing at the balcony, “They’re great.”
“Do you still feel weird about them being white?”
I hesitated before answering, “I still feel kind of weird about it. But the more time I spend with them the less important that will be.”
Melody nodded and sat upright, “I’m glad you came on this trip with me. It means a lot that you’ll be at my graduation ceremony tomorrow. I never would have done so well at the school without your help.”
I shook my head, “Stop talking nonsense, Melody Reyes. You are an amazingly capable person. You would have done it on your own.”
“Either way, I’m glad that I had you to support me.”
“Any time, Mel,” I pulled one of her curly locks, “You pushed me to follow my dreams and open Mia’s Designs. I’m glad I could return the favor.”
“So, have you had The Talk with Peyton yet?” Melody changed the topic.
“What talk?” I asked, watching her move to the closet and fling open the doors.
“You know the talk about your past? And his?” Melody poked her head into the vast expanse of the closet and sighed, “I wish I had closets like these.”
“No,” I shook my head and rose to join her, “He knows that I was… well-known in that area and I know that he was really flirty and irresponsible but we didn’t go into details.”
“Oh,” Melody quipped, closing the closet and directing her steps to the French doors. She flung them wide open and stepped unto the small balcony. “Hey,” she called, “We can see each other if I stand on the balcony in my room.”
I followed her small frame, “Melody,” I called her attention back to our previous conversation, “Why were you asking that?”
“Asking what?”
“About the talk.”
She frowned and shrugged her shoulders, “I was just asking.”
Narrowing my eyes at her, I insisted, “You said ‘oh’.”
Grinning widely, Melody tilted her head, “So…”
“You said ‘oh’ like I was completely clueless and you didn’t want to burst my bubble.”
“Forget I asked anything,” She said, gazing over at the beautiful lawn of the Lowry land.
“Spit it out, Mel. You’ve already got me hooked.”
She turned to me and then went back inside, closing the door properly. “I know you were more concerned about Peyton’s parents and how they’d see you. But tonight, all of their friends are coming. Some of them might be females that Peyton… uh, dated.”
Sweet stilettos
“I totally was not thinking about that.” I paced the room.
Melody groaned, “That’s exactly why I didn’t want to tell you. Look, Peyton loves you. And the people that you use to be have no bearing over who you’ve both become.”
“But what do I do if this perfect white girl with long silky hair that’s real comes up to us and Peyton starts to remember how he felt-”
Melody stood before me and held my arms, halting my frantic treading, “That is not going to happen. And even if it does, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Remember; don’t let your insecurities rule your life. You’re stronger than your fears, Mia.”
“I’m stronger. I’m stronger,” I chanted to myself and breathed deeply. “But,” I added, “If that does happen, I can’t promise that I won’t do something crazy like string Peyton up from that flag pole in the front yard.”
Melody giggled, “I’ll help you if it comes to that.”
I laughed, “You’d help me bury his body too?”
Melody hesitated then nodded seriously, “If it comes to that.”
I gave her hug and then trekked downstairs to eat some lunch and get to know the people that had reared one of the most important men in my life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
I came down the stairs in my fancy getup feeling like a million bucks though I spent less than twenty dollars on the fabric for this dress. The hall was already occupied with at least twenty people. Jazz music played from the surround sound speakers hidden in the corners of the room. Light laughter and champagne glasses tinkling together formed a backdrop that almost caused queasiness in my stomach. What was I doing here? Parties in Belize, at least the kind I went to, had lots of beer, really loud dancehall music, dark lights, and a dance floor with a bunch of gyrating people. This world, where everyone kept the lights on was new to me and very unfamiliar. At least when we had get-togethers at The Gym, all the faces were familiar. Pastor Stanley and the Gym folks were like family. I knew them and they knew me.
I glanced around at the people lounging about in their expensive clothes and perfectly arranged hairstyles. I didn’t know any of them. My eyes sought out Peyton. He wasn’t anywhere in the throng. We hadn’t arranged to meet up simply because I assumed that we would eventually.
It wasn’t that big of a house.
I quickly came down the stairs under the awkward observance of few of the people in the living room. I’d decided to wear my little black dress with red stilettos. You could never go wrong in a little black dress. I tugged down at the hem as I noticed the males continue to stare. It wasn’t too tight and I wasn’t showing any cleavage. The old me would have found this style boring and prudish. I liked this design though. The dress was flattering but modest. I didn’t have to expose my skin to look pretty. It seemed, tonight, I was getting attention anyway. I tried to move away from the stairway and out of the men’s line of sight as soon as I could. Before I could make it very far an old man blocked my path. He had white hair, three gold chains around his neck and was wearing a brown three piece suit.
“Good night,” the old guy flashed his teeth at me, “I’ve never seen you before? I would have remembered legs like that.”
Ew, this guy was like seventy.
“Sir, you’re talking to the wrong chick.” I tried to politely make my way past but he stepped back before I could make my getaway.
This guy was nimble for an old geezer.
The man laughed or wheezed, I should say, and wiggled his eyebrows. He rasped, “Want to get out of here?”
I opened my mouth to put him in his place when Pamela swooped in from the kitchen, “Stewart, stop messing with the young girls.” She placed her arm around him and steered him away from me mouthing “I’m sorry”.
Steward the Ol
d Perv craned his neck to look back at me and blew me a kiss.
“He has good taste,” A voice said in my ear.
I grinned and turned around, “Hey, Peyton. Could you deck that old man for me.”
He held my waist loosely and kissed my cheek, “I would, but that’s my great-uncle so I gotta let this one slide.”
I laughed and gazed up at his face. The corners around his blue eyes crinkled when he gazed at me. He held my hand and stepped back, surveying me from head to toe. He placed his free hand on his heart.
“Mia, you’re a vision tonight. Have I seen you in my dreams before?”
“Really?” I smirked.
“No seriously. Can I follow you home? Because my mom always said to follow my dreams.”
I bent over and held my belly as I burst into laughter, “Peyton, that was… that was terrible.”
“You don’t like my lines?”
“No,” I wiped away a stray tear, “You made me mess up my makeup.”
He shook his head, “I have lyrics, babe. Check this one out. I thought happiness started with ‘h’ but mine started with ‘u’. Ah, hah?” Peyton raised his eyebrows twice.
I put a hand dramatically to my forehead and feigned weakness, “Oh, I’m blown away by how seductive that was.” I looked him over, smiling in approval. Despite his abominable pick up lines, I would still give him my number. He wore a pair of dark jeans with a black jacket over a white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar. His hair was actually brushed tonight (probably courtesy of Pamela’s influence) and he was wearing that cologne that I liked. My guy was scrumptious.
When he wasn’t throwing the cheesiest lyrics my way.
He kissed my cheek and then the soft flesh of my ear, “I’m probably going to steal you away before the night is done. Consider yourself warned.” He whispered.
I slid my arm around his waist, “You could steal me away right now.” I offered.
He seemed to be considering it seriously, but before we could make our escape, Pamela approached us.
“Peyton, don’t just stand there, everyone wants to meet Mia.” She turned to me and smiled, “You look gorgeous, dear.”
I surveyed her tastefully crafted green wraparound dress which she’d paired with pearl drop earrings and a wide pearl necklace,
“So do you,” I said honestly.
Pamela twittered, “Thank you, Mia. Now go, Peyton. You’re aunt Linda has been waiting to see you both since she came.”
Peyton complied and led me around to meet his family. Most of them were nice. I got the vibe that a few of the Lowry’s would have preferred to see Peyton with a less ‘black’ woman but everyone was conscientious and polite. Not one of these white people ignored me or assumed that I was a prostitute because I was with Peyton. Though my father often associated white people with evil, corruption, and injustice, I was met with more consideration, kindness, and respect by this melanin-deficient group than Peyton had been by my insulting and disrespectful family. It felt good to be amongst Peyton’s friends and family and to be acknowledged as a human being, before I was acknowledged as a colored woman.
Not long after most of the sixty guests had arrived, Melody and Spencer bowed out.
“You’re leaving already?” I frowned at my friend.
“Yeah, we’re going to Spencer’s house.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. She laughed lightly, “It’s not what you think. I had no idea Pamela was planning this party. I set up a little dinner tonight for Susan and her boyfriend and Keisha and her husband like the last time I was here. I was hoping you would sneak out with me?” Her voice lilted hopefully.
I looked at Peyton who was busy playing with one of his friend’s little infant son. “I think I’ll stay with Peyton.”
“The man continues to steal my best friend.” Melody pouted.
“Join the club,” I glanced pointedly at Spencer who bent to kiss his girlfriend on the temple.
“You ready to go, babe?” The handsome business owner asked my sweet sister-in-everything-but-blood.
“Yeah,” She grinned up at him and then waved goodbye to me as they trekked out the door.
“Hey Spencer,” I called to him when Melody was out of ear shot. He turned around and I lifted my hand, twisting my palm and elevating my ring finger and then I tapped my wrist encased by a delicate silver watch.
He laughed, “Good night, Mia.” He said before closing the door. I returned to the party and stood beside Peyton who was holding his little god-brother and probably looking more sexy than I had ever thought possible. I peered over his shoulder at the little angel and fell in love.
“Oh, he’s so cute,” I said in baby talk, “You’re so preccciiiooous. Yeeesss you aaaare.”
Peyton smiled, “Want to hold him?”
I quirked an eyebrow as I accepted the baby, “Did you figure out the gender by yourself or did they have to tell you he was a boy.”
“Ha-ha,” Peyton said dryly.
I shook the baby up and down, bouncing him in my arms. “You are the most adorable baby I have ever seen,” I continued in baby talk.
“His name’s Scott.” Peyton informed me.
“Hello, Scott, hello.” Scott looked at me as if to say this lady is crazy. His downy brown hair and brown eyes were so cute. And his tiny little fingers had me aching for a baby of my own to hold. His mouth formed a little ‘o’ and he looked at me with such trust I wanted to cry. This child was white. Completely and totally Caucasian. But he didn’t care if I was dark and I didn’t care that he was pale. This was the kind of ignorance that I preferred.
“I’m gonna kidnap you and take you home with me, yes I am.” I whispered to little Scott.
Peyton cleared his throat, “And that’s my cue to take him back.” he said with a laugh.
I grudgingly released Scott into his god brother’s arms, “Don’t worry, Scott,” Peyton took the baby from me and started walking with him toward his mother, “I won’t let her kidnap you. I’ll give Mia her own little babies so your mama can have you.”
He looked back at me and winked before continuing into the kitchen.
Sweet sweet stilettos, what did I do to deserve him?
“He’s great, right?” A voice said from behind me. I turned and faced a stunning woman holding a dainty champagne glass between her tapered fingers. She had long, blonde hair, green eyes and striking cheekbones. She was tall and willowy, her frame encompassed in a little black dress that was ten times tighter and more revealing than mine. Basically, she was wearing what I would be wearing if I wasn’t trying to be more modest in my clothing styles.
Plus, she was rocking it.
“Yeah, he’s awesome. I love your dress.”
She tipped her head to the side and said, “Thank you.”
I was getting a weird vibe from her but I was still riding on my baby-high so I didn’t get upset or offended. I moved to walk away but she stopped me.
“Hey, you’re Peyton’s girlfriend, right. The girl he met in the islands?”
“Actually, Belize is a country, not an island. We’re the only Caribbean nation on the mainland of the Americas.”
“Fascinating.” She said, taking a swig from her drink and I got the distinct impression that she was being sarcastic.
At that moment, Peyton came up behind me, “Hey babe, my mom wants to know if you want ca-” His voice trailed off when he saw the model that I’d just been talking to. “Caitlyn?”
Caitlyn The Model sidled up to Peyton and gave him a hug which he returned, but the shock had not left his face.
“Hello, Peyton. It’s been a while. I haven’t seen you since the wedding and that was four years ago.”
“Yeah, I know. I thought you and Devin were in Utah.”
She sighed and cast her green gaze down, “Devin and I are getting a divorce. We just… grew apart.”
Peyton frowned, “That’s terrible.”
“Yes, well,” She peered into his eyes, her voice a knowing hush, �
�I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I don’t plan on making the same ones again.”
What was that supposed to mean? What’s going on here?
“Peyton?” I returned his attention to me. He shook his head and said rather sheepishly, “Mia, this is Caitlyn. She’s the girl…” he paused, “She’s the girl my best friend married.”
“Yes, but I dated Peyton for a long time before that.” Caitlyn smiled at me sweetly, “We used to have a lot of fun together, didn’t we Peyton?”
“You used to have a lot of fun with many people, Caitlyn.”
She chuckled lightly, “It was nice to meet you,” She said to me and then moved to pass us, stopping at Peyton’s shoulder she whispered loud enough so that I could hear, “I’m not making the same mistakes again.” And then she was gone, absorbed in the celebratory atmosphere of the room and enveloped by the horde of fancy people in their fancy dresses.
She was everything I’d imagined a girl fit for Peyton to be. She was beautiful, well-spoken and from all the diamonds in her earrings, she was rich. Clearly, she still had feelings for Peyton. And Peyton probably still had feelings for her.
I needed some air.
“That was strange,” Peyton quipped, while I tried not to hyperventilate.
“Yeah, could you excuse me for a minute?”
I didn’t wait around for an answer. I politely bolted to the back door and let myself out. I wandered the path in the garden for a while. The sounds of crickets and toads reminded me of home. The night sky was peppered with stars and the full moon illuminated my course. I wandered until I got tired and took my seat at a wooden bench nestled in the rose bushes.
Every rose has its thorns.
That statement was so very true.
I wasn’t jealous.
Okay, maybe I was… just a teeny little bit.
But I wasn’t mad at Peyton. I wasn’t even mad with Caitlyn though that was mad disrespect to be flirting with my boyfriend right to my face. I was more concerned with myself, with my initial response to seeing Peyton’s old flame. I felt myself morphing right back into that insecure woman whose self-esteem was validated by the opinion of others. I deserved a good man who loved me and cared for me and cherished me. I knew that Peyton was that man. Yet, I couldn’t quite seem to get over how much Caitlyn and Peyton suited each other. How much easier life would be if the two beautiful, white, wealthy people stayed in their American mansions and left me to my little apartment in the Caribbean. Maybe this was it for Peyton and me. Sometimes, people come into our lives to teach us lessons and then they leave. Peyton had taught me so much about agape love and what it means to be honored and cherished.