by Tiana Laveen
“I think you chose me because we had the same passions… a similar kind of pride. I think you let me stay in your home, but grew frustrated with me until Emerald arrived. My stubbornness wouldn’t allow you to get from me what you needed, but she was the key, a middleperson, if you will, between us. For obvious reasons, I take it she reminded you a bit of your lovely Sadie; both of them nurses, both black women with beautiful smiles… they even have a similar build.
“I imagine you and I both needed this, Peter. This wasn’t just a gift to you, but to me as well. This experience has answered a lot of questions for me, but also puzzled me, too. Some of the answers I may never receive, and I’ve got to be all right with that, because that’s how the real world works, you know? Shit isn’t always neatly packaged. We just…” He shrugged. “We just do the best we can, day by day. So, anyway, Peter, I finished your book and its going to press soon. In a short while, everyone will know about you and Sadie, and your son, Joseph. That’s what you wanted all along, a voice beyond the grave. The voice you were too afraid to use when you were alive, but now have the courage to scream the truth, through me…
“And I’m grateful for the opportunity, man… so grateful to have been your ghostwriter. I wish you well, and I hope you’re finally at peace. No more hungering for the truth to be told, no more starvation from love. No more denying of love. You’re well fed, Mr. Jones. This bounty is all for you…”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
~FOR SALE~
Emerald stood off to the side as the large, white moving truck was loaded up with Sloan’s belongings. His children and best friend Mike, along with a slew of others, including hired hands, helped load the thing up. It was a bittersweet day, one that had caught her by surprise. Just the prior week, Sloan stated his intention to peddle the place. Bewildered, she’d questioned why, after all he’d gone through to get it to his liking, make it inhabitable and peaceful…
“That’s the point,” Sloan had told her gravely. The house had served its purpose for him, and now, something told him it was time to move on, to leave it to someone else. He’d listened to his gut instinct when he’d first moved from New York City, and now, he was listening to it again.
They spent the next couple of days racing around Maxim, looking at homes for their new life together. She wished for a place that would give her enough room to do her restoration work, preferably a large garage or state of the art shed, and he needed an office with soundproof walls, tranquility, and a minibar. Maxim had a bit of everything—new constructions with contemporary design and old, historic areas chock full of stories and architectural delights.
Sloan didn’t wish to be in anything more than ten years old, and she understood why. Though Peter had proved to be gentler than he’d initially demonstrated, a one-time paranormal experience on that scale was quite enough… no need to invite more trouble.
“Please make him get rid of it!” Michelle marched up to her, arms crossed and brow furrowed as she stormed away from her father in a huff.
“Get rid of what?” Emerald looked over the young lady’s shoulder to see Sloan holding what appeared to be a vintage, cartoonish statue of a naked woman with gigantic breasts. “Oh…” She burst out laughing.
“He’s had it since we were kids. Mom tried to throw it away several times, but he always fished it out the trash. It gave me nightmares!” Michelle raved.
“But it gave me sweet dreams!” Joel yelled, causing a burst of laughter from Sloan and Mike.
Emerald tapped her shoulder sympathetically. “I’ll talk to him about it. It is hideous, isn’t it?” She stifled a laugh, knowing damn well she’d have to pry it out of his hands before he’d let the monstrosity go.
“Yes. Please throw it away when he isn’t looking, preferably in a river!” Michelle returned to work, still ranting and raving about the thing.
The smell of the freshly mowed grass tickled Emerald’s nostrils. Spring had definitely sprung, and brought with it a sense of renewal, of rebirth. She took one long look at the house and smiled.
“Peter, Sadie and Joseph… thank you for giving me Sloan…”
And that was that…
As a writer, people expect great, almost poetic words from me at the drop of a hat. Honestly, I don’t have much to say and want to keep this simple. I got the girl. It’s a done deal. I just want to get to the drinkin’, the partyin’, the eatin’, and the fuckin’…
Sloan stood in the large African Methodist Church on Sable Street, sporting a fixed grin. His muscles felt constricted in the classic black and white tuxedo, paired with a white fedora hat with black trim and a touch of baby blue. A dash of gangster made him proud. Still tasting his latest cigarette on his palate, he slid his hand slowly across the brim of his hat and checked his neat reflection in the men’s room wall-to-wall mirror. The three-stall bathroom was equipped with two urinals; from the overwhelming smell of bleach, a cleaning crew had just run through there, giving it the good ol’ disinfectant treatment.
“Let me give you some marriage advice,” Mike began after clearing the phlegm out of his throat and rocking back on his Apt 9 black dress shoes. “You see, you have to just—”
“Shut tha hell up, Mike!” David barked from a few feet away. “Don’t even start. You’ve been married fifty times, now trying to give advice, phishhh! Who are you to tell anyone anything?”
“That’s just the reason. I’m qualified by experience and you’ve not been married one goddamn time ’cause no one wants cha, ya piece of shit. Now shut it!” He put his hand in the air as if to silence a large, rowdy crowd, while Sloan just shook his head. “The maestro is talkin’…”
“Yeah… right outta ya ass,” David mumbled, turning to the mirror and smoothing out his hair.
“Sloan.” Mike put his hand on his shoulder, seriousness all over his face. “Emerald is a good lady. And I—”
“Hey, is the rumor true? Are Black women better in bed, Sloan?” Owen interrupted, eliciting a bunch of curse words and heehawing. Sloan smirked and threw the idiot a ‘look’. “What?!” The buffoon shrugged. “It’s an honest question! I always wanted to know…might as well ask someone who knows, right?”
Ignoring him, Mike continued. “Like I was sayin’ before Dumb and Dumber rudely interrupted me, Emerald is a good lady, you know? I’ve had some chats with her, got to know her a bit…so, appreciate her.”
“You’ve seen that lady probably less than five times and now you’re the authority on his girl now, huh?” David piped in again, refusing to let Mike have his say in peace.
“I know a good broad from a bad one and besides, I didn’t pick bad women to marry. I just picked women that weren’t right for me. There’s a big fuckin’ difference.”
“Fair enough,” David agreed.
Sloan nodded in understanding, placing his hand on Mike’s shoulder, the two bonding more as mates, regarding each another with deep sincerity.
“Emerald is right for you. I just know it. I’m proud of ya man,” Mike pulled Sloan into a brotherly embrace, squeezed him tight. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Mike.” Sloan released him and returned his attention to the mirror to admire his shave. His mustache and beard were trimmed to perfection. “I appreciate that.” He then turned to the small gathering of men, some of whom he’d grown up with, and others he’d only met in the last few years. He clasped his hands together. “All right, it’s time to roll! Let’s get out there in our monkey suits, get me married, and party the fuckin’ night away!!!” he bellowed, causing an uproar of masculine yells, followed by high-fives.
He practically raced out of there into the sanctuary, not one bit surprised to find only standing room. Three women in pale blue gowns stood at the front holding microphones, their melodic voices bringing to mind ethereal angels.
A couple of members of the press were allowed to mingle and take photos. Standing straight, Sloan buttoned his suit jacket
and when summoned, he marched down the aisle with Mike close behind. When he got to the front, he took notice of Nikki sitting on the first pew, clasping her fiancée’s hand. He waved and smiled at his stepdaughter, and she returned the favor. He’d spoken to her several times on the phone, seen countless photos, but this was his first time looking her in the eye. He was thrilled she could make it, and knew it meant so much to Emerald, making her special day complete.
One of the women in blue began to sang Norah Jones’, ‘Come Away With Me.’ Everyone got to their feet as the minister came to stand front and center, his long black and red robe swaying against a snow white rug. Sloan’s heart picked up pace, the blood pumping faster when Emerald appeared in an impeccable, long, silky light blue dress with a matching train made of sky blue lace. In her hands she held a bouquet of roses in various shades of blue, and she had her arm wrapped around that of a short, stout woman wearing a cobalt blazer and skirt, along with a pair of orthopedic shoes. His eyes watered when he realized who it was—the surprise guest who Emerald said would be the cherry on top…
Aunt Sugar.
In a fluid motion, Nikki got to her feet. The young woman was dressed in an indigo jacket, matching flared pants, and blue kitten heels. Her long, heavy, natural braids were pulled back away from her face, showing the world just how gorgeous she was… just like her mother. The tall, slender woman made her way over to her mother and looped her arm around hers, causing Emerald to burst out in tears. Sloan briefly lowered his head and smiled. Apparently his bride had been taken by surprise by the kind gesture of her child.
When he looked back up, he saw his ex-wife, Katie, sitting next to Joel and Michelle. Now, he was taken by surprise, too! Especially since Katie wasn’t sent an invitation…
He swallowed his concerns and concentrated on the moment at hand. His lips curled in an anticipatory grin when Emerald made her way down the aisle, her little hips swaying to the rhythm of the a cappella song. The crowd burst out laughing when Nikki ushered her mother away from Sugar and did a little two step dance with her in the middle of the aisle. Sloan clapped at the two women who moved about, staring at one another and laughing, clearly in their own little world… celebrating things that others around them had no notion of.
One of Sloan’s associates, a musician, walked up to the singers, who stopped singing on cue when he whispered something in the middle vocalist’s ear. Then, he took his seat at the piano and began to sing a cover of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, causing just about everyone to shout their approval and sing along, including Aunt Sugar who bobbed about to the beat, smacking her hands together. Suddenly, Emerald raced to the front of the church, grabbed a tambourine and handed it to Aunt Sugar, causing even more hysteria. By now, Mike, David, Owen, and the others were laughing so hard, they were practically choking.
Every now and again, Emerald glanced at Sloan and threw him a smile. When the song was over, Nikki casually took her seat. The minister urged everyone to settle down. Emerald had assumed a prim and poised stance, as if she hadn’t just been dancing all over the church. This tickled Sloan so.
They began to recite their vows, textbook style, nothing special, until he took both of her hands into his own and looked in her eyes.
“Emerald, you and Nikki have caused enough ruckus so I won’t delay this much longer.” Everyone burst out laughing, and she hung her head in faux shame. When she looked back up at him, she had a sweet smile on her face. She waited, listening intently. “I love you, and nothing I could write could ever express it properly. The moment I saw you that night in the grocery store, I knew you were special. I can’t explain it; I can’t tell you how I knew. If I tried, it would just sound stupid or cheesy, but I just did.” He took a deep breath.
“That’s one reason why I waited a few days before calling you. I knew once I took that step, there was no going back… You were the one for me but I needed to be sure I was strong enough to love again. Everything about my life in the past year has been about second chances, and you’re no different. I didn’t realize how badly I needed you until after our first date, and I felt so empty and alone when you went back home. That was a changing point for me. Once you connect with someone on the level that we have, there is no way to forget that… so I want to thank you for being my best friend.”
“Uh! Wait a minute now. I never agreed to be replaced!” Mike interrupted, his finger in the air. Another wave of laughter carried on the air.
Sloan grinned, gave him a shoulder nudge, and continued.
“And thank you for putting up with my stubborn ways and loving me anyway. For being encouraging, for settin’ me straight when I needed it, and letting me just… be… when I needed that, too. I couldn’t have made a more perfect person for me. God exceeded my expectations when he made you, placed you in front of me and said, ‘Sloan, here is my gift to you.’ I love you, Emerald.”
He kissed her forehead as tears streamed down her cheeks and applause broke out from their family and friends. Then, they both turned back to the minister and finished the ceremony.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife! Mr. Steele, you may kiss your bride!”
Sloan took Emerald into his arms but before he could press his lips against hers, the woman rose on her tippy toes, squeezing his cheeks and dragging him close. Her soft, plush lips pressed against his, practically knocking him off his feet. They lit each other’s fires, their hands roaming along each other’s backs in a frenzy of bursting passion. He savored the sweet taste of her kiss as she slowly pulled away from him, sporting a naughty twinkle in her eye. Everyone got to their feet and applauded them.
“My stomach is growlin’ like a wolf at the moon! I’m famished!” he whispered in her ear over all the noise and commotion.
“We have to first shake everyone’s hands, Sloan, and take some photos,” she reminded as people began to line up.
“Awww, man! We’ve done all of this before!” His brows furrowed in annoyance. “Can’t we just have ’em meet us at the reception hall?”
“Sloan, do you have any home training whatsoever? Were you at the wedding rehearsal or was that just your stunt double?”
“Well, yes, I was there, but I—”
“Ya or Na?” Her brow rose in frustration.
“…Ya…” He grimaced.
“Well then, relax. This won’t take long and there are some snacks in the limo, actually.”
“Like what?” Like a robot moving on cue, he began to shake people’s hands as they marched up one by one, offering congratulatory words.
“All of your favorites: cold beer, beef jerky, peanut butter and cheese crackers, fried Twinkies and—”
“Fried Twinkies?! You got the fried Twinkies?! I know for sure now that I married the right girl! I was second guessing it when you gave Sugar the tambourine, but you redeemed yourself.”
His excitement sent him through the roof, but Emerald simply rolled her eyes and continued to act her typical gracious self with the guests. He was filled with such happiness, believing his excitement was earned and would never end. That is, until someone he’d forgotten about just seeing made her way through the line.
“Hello, Sloan… you look so handsome. Congratulations.” He looked down at the all too familiar porcelain fingers of the woman, noting a slight coldness in her silky touch.
“Thank you.” He didn’t smile. Didn’t blink.
“Hello.” Emerald leaned forward, her shoulder brushing against him. He wasn’t convinced it was an accident. “You must be Katherine, but you go by Katie, right?” Emerald took the woman’s hand into her own and shook it…all while wearing a big, beautiful smile on her face. Worst of all, it appeared sincere.
“Yes, yes I am!” Katie’s blue eyes sparkled right before she took Emerald in a tight embrace.
What tha hell is going on here?!
“You’re such a beautiful bride!”
“Thank you!”
“I’m so happy for you and Sloan. Our daughter Mich
elle has spoken so highly of you, and I look forward to getting to know you, Emerald.”
Before his wife could respond to the madness playing out before him, he interrupted their little sorority meet-and-greet. “Why would you need to get to know my wife, Katie? She’s not your friend and neither am I. Our kids are grown. Can you leave, please? Nobody wants you here.” He said the shit so rudely, and meant every damn word of it.
“Sloan!” Emerald stomped her foot. “That’s no way to talk to somebody!”
“She’s not somebody…”
Emerald rolled her eyes. “Katie, you stay, okay? Join us at the reception. I insist.”
His ex-wife tossed him a hateful glance, threw on a big award-winning Botox smile, and marched away.
“Boy, that was ridiculous! Embarrassing me like that! What the hell is the matter with you?!” Emerald nudged him in the shoulder, her face all twisted and tight like a wadded up newspaper.
“Ridiculous? What’s ridiculous is that she is here at our wedding in the first damn place, uninvited I might add! You just summoned a demon to come and play! I hope you’re happy!”
“I thought you didn’t believe in demons?” She smirked before turning away and giving someone he didn’t know a big hug.
“How could I not after being married to her?! The better question is, how would you like it if your ex husband was here and I did that, huh?!” He shoved an accusatory finger in her direction. He couldn’t believe they were having an argument on their wedding day, and worse yet, in front of all of their guests, despite people trying to pretend they weren’t witnessing the tiff. He was certain the press was going to have a field day.
Leave it to Katie to stir up some shit! At least she’s consistent.
“My ex husband could have come if he wanted but we rarely talk. As you know, we’re not on bad terms. We’re not on any terms actually unless it pertains to Nikki.” She shrugged. “And we’re both fine with that. Anyway, whether you like it or not, we’re a blended family now. I’m going to be courteous to her because she is the mother of your children! Disrespecting her would also be disrespecting them!” Her voice drew lower, the tone more stern.