Quarantine and Chill (AMBW standalone Romance)

by Kenya Wright

  “Oh!” She rocked her pussy into me.

  Gripping her ass tighter, I gritted my teeth. “Fuck yes.”

  “Oh!”

  “Yes, baby. Come all over my cock.”

  Her pussy squeezed me harder.

  I lost my composure. “Damn it.”

  I orgasmed with her. My body shattered. My knees buckled. I put one hand against the wall to keep us up as I shoved my cock into her—balls deep.

  “Oh!”

  My cock jerked in her. Semen shot out. It was in that moment that I realized I never put a condom on. I should have known since her pussy felt even better than usual.

  Slowly, I pulled out of her and lowered us to the floor.

  She held onto me and landed sweet kisses on my face. “That was worth the damn wait.”

  I collapsed to the ground in pure exhaustion. “Best compliment I’ve ever heard all year.”

  She laughed and rested her head against my chest. “If you’re going to fuck me like that, you can come into my studio anytime.”

  “I like that.”

  “What?”

  “You saying your studio. For the last couple of weeks, you’d been saying the studio.”

  “That’s not too big of a difference.”

  “It is because it suggested that you didn’t feel at home yet.” I turned my gaze to her. “Do you feel at home?”

  She lifted her head. “I do. You’ve made me feel completely welcome. I couldn’t even imagine what I would be doing back in Los Angeles now. I believe this is the best way I could have spent a quarantine.”

  “I want you here after the quarantine is over.”

  “We’ve got time to discuss it. I don’t see California or New York lifting the lockdown anytime soon. So many people are dying. There’s still no vaccine.”

  “Which is why we have to live our lives even more. Which is why we have to take chances and make bold decisions.”

  She smiled. “And one bold decision is moving in with you?”

  “Yes.”

  She let out a long breath. “You’re not feeling—”

  “No.”

  “You didn’t let me finish.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Move in with me. Fuck Los Angeles. I want you here. I need you here.” My eyes watered, but I wouldn’t let one tear go. “Please. I’ll beg if I have to. Kidnap you if I must.”

  She blinked.

  “Fuck logic. Fuck taking our time. There’s a virus out there, destroying families and taking the young and old. Rich and poor. Black and white. Let’s be happy.”

  Her voice went low. “Okay.”

  Excited, I rose into a sitting position.

  She was forced to sit up too.

  I grinned. “Okay?”

  “Yes. I’ll move in.”

  “It’s official? You’re my live-in girlfriend?”

  “Yes, Mr. Patel. I believe that would be the official title.”

  I beamed. “I have you all to myself. I told you I wasn’t going to let you go.”

  She came over to me. “Good. I don’t think I can be without you now. For over a month now, we’ve been together so much.”

  I pulled her into my arms and glanced up at the table. “How did you get the sandwiches from the restaurant? They smell good, but even better. It’s been so long since I’ve gone over there. I thought they closed. Do they deliver?”

  “No. I made them.”

  “I didn’t think you left the condo.” I kissed the curve of her neck. “You’re an amazing cook. I can’t wait to bite into them.”

  “I hope I got them right.”

  “You did.”

  She chuckled. “You haven’t even tasted them.”

  “I’m so pussy whipped. I don’t give a damn. I’m going to love the sandwich. You can’t do any wrong with me.”

  She gave me a wicked smile. “Hmmm. Pussy whipped?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Good.” She frowned. “However, condoms must return. One slipup, but no more.”

  I groaned. “I assumed that after that electrifying moment.”

  “Just because we’ve moved in, doesn’t mean we need to start a family.”

  I shrugged. “We already have his cousin on the way. Why not?”

  “His cousin? I’m not pregnant.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Wow.” She left my hold and stood. “No he or she, Kamal. We are taking it slow after this. Let’s move in and then see what happens.”

  “Of course. And the wedding will be in a year. That gives us tons of time—”

  “I’m ignoring you.”

  I laughed and joined her at the table. “We’ll talk more about this later.”

  She sucked her teeth.

  The meal ended up being delicious. She not only matched Fernando’s sandwich, she perfected it. I yearned to lick my plate, but I had to preserve some sense of manners. I didn’t want to scare her off from her decision to stay with me by acting like a barbarian.

  And I had no doubt that her moving in was a great idea. I’d rushed it with Amber. Although we had a few years of a long-distance relationship, I didn’t know Amber like I thought I did. Meanwhile, I’d grown up with Jade. My family saw her as family. And this past month with her had been some of the best weeks of my life.

  That night, we lay in bed and made love again. Her lips represented the sweetest, softest delight. Her warmth comforted me. Her scent filled the space. And with each dip of my tongue and twist of hers, I knew that she would be mine forever.

  Chapter 21

  Jade

  One year later

  Post-Rona

  By the middle of the summer, America perfected the antibody tests. They screened for antibodies in our blood—cells that could fight off an infection, like COVID-19. When September hit, New York City went door to door testing everyone who answered. It was a quick finger prick of blood. The results showed within five minutes. The ones who had positive results showed that their body had built an immunity to a virus. To Kamal and my shock, we had the antibodies. Sometime during the pandemic, we’d been infected. Our immune system strengthened and fought the virus off.

  All those with positive antibody test results returned to their normal lives. Many who were unemployed had to bring their test results to job interviews.

  Vaccines appeared by September. Many of the population didn’t want to try them. The ones that did, returned to work too. A Chinese scientist came up with a cure by Christmas which gave everybody hope that 2021 would be a better year.

  It was. Although the cure was still in several trials, everyone returned to traveling, partying, and enjoying their lives. The whole world had their fingers crossed that new waves of the coronavirus would never return.

  Meanwhile, in 2021, a new president was elected and a normal persisted. Masks continued for some. While others trashed them. Restaurants and salons struggled to get back on their feet. While biotech corporations and companies like Amazon reported a multibillion-dollar gain in profits for last year. The economy looked beat-up. With a couple of band-aids from the government, it improved.

  And I had big plans to make for the rest of the year.

  In my living room, Ganesha lay at Zora’s feet. He’d healed fine last year, but he never had the same pep in his step. He loved walking. However, when it came to running, he went slower and with a little limp.

  “Jade, I’m so exhausted.” Zora held a sleeping Arya in her arms. “Do you mind taking her now?”

  “Why would you even ask?” Excitement hit me. “You know I love holding my goddaughter.”

  She handed the sweet baby girl over to me and then gestured to the huge engagement ring on my finger. “Well, she’s your niece now.”

  “Soon-to-be niece.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, Kamal and you are already married.”

  “With all this wedding planning, it doesn’t seem like it.” I gazed at the huge stack of books on my coffee table and then returned all my
attention to Arya. “I would rather not plan this massive event and just hold Arya all day.”

  “Good. We can trade this year.” Zora laughed and sipped her tea. “You get up in the middle of the night and attach that greedy little one to your breasts like you’re a cow, and I’ll spend all of Kamal’s money planning a breathtaking three-day event.”

  “Or,” Karen walked into the room with a bottle of wine. “We can just have Kamal and Jade fly off to Las Vegas and do a quick—”

  “No.” Zora frowned. “My mother would have a heart attack if they eloped. Kamal is her firstborn. Plus, I didn’t give her a traditional wedding.”

  Karen rolled her eyes. “That’s not Jade’s fault. Jade isn’t even Indian. I’m sure that’s some sort of violation.”

  “It’s not.” Zora scowled and returned her view to me. “It will be fine, Jade. I’ll help you with everything.”

  “Shit.” Karen jumped up and headed off to the kitchen. “I forgot the glasses.”

  Zora shook her head. “Why is she here again?”

  “Because Karen will be in the wedding too and she is also my best friend. I had to invite her to the betrothal ceremony tonight. Behave, Zora.”

  She sighed. “But, I’m the number one best friend?”

  “Wow. Are we really doing this?” I smoothed down the soft curl near Arya’s forehead. “I’m ignoring you to look at my niece. She is so precious.”

  “Because she looks like her mother?”

  I giggled. “Yes. Because she looks like her mother.”

  “Are you ready for the party tonight?”

  I let out a long breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  The betrothal ceremony would be our official engagement party. My parents and aunts flew in yesterday to attend. Ross made me an amazing dress. The ceremony involved the exchange of trays with fruits, flowers, sweets, clothes, and other gifts by each of our families.

  Tonight, we would also decide on an official wedding date. According to Hindu scriptures, a wedding could never be held on a Saturday and the time was particularly important. A Hindi priest would be a part of the ceremony to help us determine a proper date and time. Somehow he would use our dates of birth as well as calculate the position of planets and stars to reflect the best union for us.

  “Okay.” Zora grabbed a book. “How much did you read?”

  “All three damn books.”

  She pointed to the corner of the table. “What about these two over here?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I have the NY Times photoshoot for my Masked Sculpture Series coming up. I had to prepare for that. It’s a big deal.”

  “Your wedding is a big deal.”

  “Yes, but the photoshoot is announcing my art showing at the Metropolitan Museum which. . .is terrifying and awesome all at the same time. I had to focus on that.”

  Zora rolled her eyes. “Jade, you also have to—”

  “It’s the NY Times, Zora. Relax.”

  “I know, but—”

  “Would you just help me put this together and stop giving me homework?”

  “Fine.” She grinned. “I just don’t want you to be taken by surprise on those days or overwhelmed by any of it.”

  “I’ll have all books read by the wedding.”

  At least, I hope I will.

  When it came to traditional Indian weddings, there were multiple customs that were practiced during the three days of laughter, music, food, and dance. In India, marriage was not just a two-soul affair. It was the marriage of two families. Therefore, the Hindu wedding followed extensive rituals.

  First, we would hold a puja at each of our parents’ homes. It was a worship ritual performed in the morning full of prayer and devotion. Kamal’s family would pray to Lord Ganesha. My family would offer our prayers to the deity Goddess Lakshmi. My mother wasn’t pleased with this part but voiced no major complaints. Therefore, we would also have her people from her church there. Her pastor would then do a short sermon.

  Next came the haldi—a traditional cleansing ceremony. I’d heard Kamal’s mother also call this nallunge. I was still trying to figure out what were the differences in the names. Either way, during this ceremony a paste of turmeric, rose water, sandalwood, and milk would be applied on Kamal and me. Next, we would take a purifying bath. The entire ceremony was to be conducted by five or seven married women. Zora would be a part of the group. They would then present trays with betel nut leaf, betel nut, kumkum, manjal, bangles, and a saree on a tray. All the items represented a happily married woman and would be given with the hope that I would have a fulfilling life with my new husband.

  Once haldi was done, Kamal and I were not allowed to be alone together or leave the house unmonitored. Apparently, Hindu traditions believed that in the days leading to the wedding, the couple was emotionally vulnerable to negative forces.

  This is going to be a whole lot to prepare for.

  Karen returned with three glasses of wine. “Oh yeah, Jade, my mother wants to know what she should wear.”

  Zora turned to me as if this was a test.

  “For the actual wedding day, dress will be formal.” I winked at Zora.

  Karen poured her a glass of wine. “Well, she wants to wear those Indian outfits.”

  “Salwar kameez,” I corrected.

  Zora clapped. “You really did read the books.”

  “Yes, teacher. I did.”

  Zora added, “And Karen, it would be fine if your mother wore the outfits, but many sometimes wear those and then change into something else between the ceremony and the reception.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell her.” Karen nodded.

  Zora waved her glass away. “I won’t be drinking. I’m still breastfeeding.”

  Arya stirred in my arms. I rocked her a little and she went back to sleeping peacefully.

  Karen placed a glass of wine beside me. “So, this raga thing?”

  “Raas-garba,” I nod.

  Zora gave me a thumbs up.

  “Yes. Rasta fest whatever.” Karen poured herself a glass. “Do I have to go to that or is it optional?”

  Zora turned to me.

  “You don’t have to come. But I think you’ll love it. There will be lots of dancing.”

  “Yes.” Zora’s face brightened. “Raas and Garba are typical Gujarati folk dances that everyone participates in.”

  “Hold up now.” Karen looked worried. “If it’s not the electric slide, I might fuck it up.”

  Zora laughed. “I'll teach you the basics. It is easy to learn even if you’re bad at dancing.”

  “Hmmm.” Karen put the bottle on the table. “I guess I’ll come, but then there’s a sangeet thing too.”

  “It’s all the same event.”

  “Why do you both keep saying different names?” Karen asked.

  “Just wear something comfortable. It’s not that formal.” Zora opened one of the many books that she’d bought me. “Most women wear mid-length dresses or skirts.”

  “And the guys?” Karen asked. “I have a man now, so I’m going to be showing him all over the place.”

  I chuckled.

  “Slacks and a shirt is fine.”

  Karen turned to me. “Are you still sure about doing this in Los Angeles?”

  “Yeah. Although the elephant may become a problem.”

  Zora waved that comment away. “It’ll work out. Mother is on it. She’ll get Kamal his elephant for sure.”

  Karen opened her mouth in shock. “Elephant?”

  “Before the ceremony, the groom's guests and family members will make their way to the wedding venue in a grand fashion.” I shrugged. “That’s where the elephant comes in.”

  Zora sighed. “Kamal could just do a fancy car or horse, but he must have his elephant.”

  “It’s a lot, but he’s so excited. I’m leaving him alone to his dreams.”

  “I want to ride an elephant too.” Karen took another sip.

 
I shook my head. “We won’t be riding elephants.”

  “Why can’t we ride elephants since Kamal will be riding one?”

  “Girl, I am not even thinking about getting on an elephant right now. There’s all types of other things involved.” I let out a long breath. “We just found a mandap this week. It’s this big canopy-like structure. That’s where the ceremony will be.”

  My head throbbed. The more we talked about wedding planning the more the headaches came.

  Zora looked up from the book. “Have Kamal and you decided on a Christian or Hindu priest?”

  “No. We’re still back and forth. Neither of us are fully committed to either religion. However, we have a deep respect for both.” I gazed at Arya. “I think since we’re going with tradition we should just go fully in. Whereas Kamal wants me to have my culture and traditions involved too. Which is why we’ll be jumping the broom.”

  Zora raised her hand. “And since you’ve been researching our culture. I looked that up.”

  Impressed, I said, “Oh really, Mrs. Zora. And what did you find?”

  “Jumping the broom is big in black communities in America. It symbolizes sweeping away the old and making way for a new beginning.” Zora beamed.

  “Good job.” I smiled. “I would clap, but I’m holding my sweet angel.”

  “And. . .” Zora raised her finger.

  “Oh lord.” Karen shook her head. “You may want to stop while your ahead, Zora.”

  She continued, “Well, slave marriages weren’t legal so slaveowners would get a broom and—”

  “See.” Karen waved her hand. “You just have to leave it at sweeping away old memories. We don’t need the slavery history lesson.”

  Zora widened her eyes. “I meant it as no disrespect. I was just—”

  “It’s fine, Zora and Karen. Let’s move on.”

  Karen sucked her teeth. “Instead of jumping the broom, you should ride the elephants in with your wedding party.”

  I leaned my head to the side. “Would you get over riding an elephant?”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Are you both exchanging rings?” Zora asked.

  “Yes. It’s not a traditional part of the Indian ceremony, but we picked out some beautiful ones.”