Chapter 32Every year, month, day, hour, and minute
Chapter Thirty-Two
EVERY YEAR, MONTH, DAY, HOUR, AND MINUTE
The family had gone months without any explosive revelations. Ivy was grateful their lives had returned to a semblance of normalcy. Well, new normal. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as her workload seemed to triple overnight. While Ivy was working on a lead for a genetic cell related to autism, she had stumbled across a gene linked to infertility. It was in the early stages of development and would involve extensive research and testing. Her hours were long. Some days, she barely saw Manny and Sage. However, they managed to carve out time for each other.
Ivy was so busy it took a while to notice Manny was behaving secretively. After everything they had just been through, she tried not to jump to conclusions. They were in a good place. He had assured her he didn’t hold her momentary doubt against her. So why did she feel like he was keeping something from her?
It couldn’t be related to Leonardo. She believed Manny was transparent about his feelings towards his brother. Especially how it initially bothered him that Grace had taken Leonardo under her wing. At first, he wasn’t eager to share his mom with his brother. However, once he learned how difficult it was for Leonardo to adjust to the mothering, he soon changed his tune.
Manny was even clearer about his feelings towards Larson. He was relentless in making Larson’s life a living hell. “I don’t get it. Why don’t you just pull out the big guns and be done with it?” Ivy inquired.
“What’s the point of me killing him quickly when I could slowly bleed him out with all these tiny cuts?”
Ivy hadn’t agreed with the sentiment. However, she stood by Manny and his decision. Her husband was hurt and angry. More so for the mother he didn’t know and the mom he adored. As far as he was concerned, he was doing his duty as a son, and even to some extent, a big brother.
As transparent as Manny was, he had no reason to be secretive. Ivy was about to confront him when she realised she was so focused on him she had missed similar signs from other people, namely her children and Grace, also being mysterious. It took longer to figure it all out than she would have liked to admit.
Ivy set the perfect trap. “ Yeah, Frank, don’t let Manny get too stressed out about the surprise he is planning.”
“See, and his ass won’t tell me all the details because Emmanuel thought I’d slip up. I knew it would be him. Like he could keep a secret from y… Wait! Girl, did you just play me?” He narrowed his gaze at her.
“Maybe.” She gave him an innocent smile. “You’re my favourite cousin. Tell me what you know.”
“My ass. I’m going to tell Karissa and Amber what you finally admitted to. Although they should already know the truth.”
“No, you won’t. You will already be in enough trouble when I tell Manny you told me.”
“He’s having a swanky dinner for your birthday and he’s going all out.”
While Ivy was happy to hear her marriage was rock solid. She wasn’t so excited to hear about the dinner. Ugh, she wasn’t a fan of being the centre of attention. Throw in swanky, and she didn’t want any part of it. Normally, she arranged a joint celebration with Kimberlin, Karissa, and herself.
Ivy had been so preoccupied she’d dropped the ball. Now Manny was going to make a thing of her birthday. Frank was now a tight-lipped vault, and she couldn’t get any more out of him.
Ivy hadn’t realised it, but she had taken to staring at Manny. Finally, one night, they slipped into bed. He addressed the elephant in the room.
“Okay Doc, tell me who spilled about your birthday.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t want to name names, because honestly, I don’t know very much about it.”
“Hm. Sounds like you tricked someone into slipping up.” He rested his hand on her thigh and squeezed.
Her smile appeared rueful, but Manny wasn’t buying it.
“I promise you’ll love it. It’ll be here at the house and won’t have too many people. Family and the closest of friends. I just want to celebrate you. Especially after everything we’ve been through this last year.”
When Manny said “celebrate,” Ivy had immediately become apprehensive. The feeling heightened when Etheline Farrow showed up to fit Ivy for an evening gown. The designer’s appearance was a sure sign that the ‘celebration’ was going to be over the top. Etheline tried to put her at ease. “Doh worry Darling. Not only will you be stunning in this dress. I promise it will be comfortable.”
Despite her apprehension about tomorrow, she was attending her birthday bash. Ivy was really trying to be grateful that Manny wanted to do something so special for her birthday. She just wished he remembered how much she didn’t like being in the limelight. Kimberlin and she were out for their regular spa day. Ivy had kept her misgivings to herself, but when Etheline had called and said she was waiting at her house for the last fitting, she broke her silence.
“Girl, I have no idea why Manny would arrange for an over-the-top birthday celebration. I hate being in the limelight. Why can’t I just slip into my last year of my forties quietly?”
Kimberlin had been thoughtful before she answered. “I don’t know what to tell you. He should know you better. Let’s go do your fitting and then we’ll go to lunch.”
It wasn’t ideal to drive all the way back to her home for the fitting, but Ivy tried to take it in stride.
“The upside is you have the week off after the party. Just get through it and then set firm boundaries for what you want in the future,” Kimberlin advised.
By the time they arrived at her home, she had resolved to take her friend’s advice.
“Hey Doc,” Manny greeted her when she walked in the door. “I wasn’t expecting you, but I’m glad to see you.” He engulfed her in a hug. “I’m working on something. Come with me for a second?”
“Sure.” she agreed as he took her hand. “Has Etheline arrived yet?”
“No, she isn’t around,” he answered as he led her towards the den.
“Surprise!!” The room erupted as she entered. The space was filled with her close friends and family. Everyone was dressed casually, much like she was in a blouse and jeans.
Manny slipped his hand around her waist drawing her close. “Cat got your tongue, Doc?” he pressed a kiss to her temple.
“Is this my party?” Ivy looked up at him, awestruck.
“More like party slash barbeque.” He winked at her.
“Oh, wow.” She managed to get out before her loved ones began to greet her.
Ivy overheard Sage handing out praise. “I think you did it, Daddy. You pulled off the surprise. High five, Aunty Kimberlin, good job. You kept Momma busy.”
Frank embraced her, “You didn’t see it coming, did you, Cuz?”
He laughed.
The only fair thing to do was to pinch his side.
“Ouch. What did I do?”
“We’ll talk later about how you set me up.” Ivy chided. Her cousin played her.
Ivy was mentally preparing herself for an elaborate bash, but what Manny gave her was so much better. The vibe was so chilled. Well, mostly chilled, her great aunt Flora was in attendance, and the woman didn’t have a filter. Like none.
“Hello Aunty Flora, it’s so good to see you.” And it was.
In truth, she was shocked to see her aunt. The woman never left Nova Scotia. Nevertheless, they invited her to every event, to which she always declined.
“I know you’re surprised to see me, Baby. One Sunday, the Preacher was talking about people not going nowhere in life. Now, I’m not saying he was throwing shade at me, but the next day I got the invitation to come see you all, so I thought two stones, one bird.”
Ivy knew better than to correct her aunt. Instead, she moved the conversation along. “Are you having a good time?”
“I’m enjoying myself. I was worried the food would be too hoity-toity for me, but your husband knows how to order a good spread. Now he should have let me make my shrimp salad with the dill… but I’m glad he didn’t put out no cucumber sandwich fingers. When I told him not to, I wasn’t sure he’d listen.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying the food.”
“I would enjoy it more if I could get a liqueur up in my glass, but it isn’t even five o’clock. Just wait.” Her aunt let out a boisterous laugh.
Suddenly her laughter died, and it looked like she had been sucking a lemon. “Karissa, Amber, and Sharon, come over here.” She summoned, and despite the fact that Ivy’s cousins were dispersed throughout the large house, they all heard her and came to her call.
“Look at my sisters’ grands. You are all pretty as pictures. Never lose your manners. Not like Marla’s daughter. I said, “Hello, Baby”. The little heifer looked at me like she didn’t know me. Gave me a ‘hey stranger smile and everything’ Just looked at me and said “Hello” then scurried away like a scared mouse. No mind, didn’t even address me properly or nothing.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment, but eventually Amber decided to be brave and speak up. “Aunty Flora, Chrissy isn’t here.”
“Now, I’m not that old. I know my people when I see them. Chrissy is walking about here in a navy dress.”
The cousins exchanged looks. This was going to be interesting.
They nudged Sharon forward. “That’s Jasmine. She isn’t related to us but bears a resemblance to the Burtons.”
“Humph. Jasmine, you say? If she isn’t kin, what’s she doing here, then?”
Sharon shook her head. “Nope, not it. Ivy, I think Aunty asked you a question.”
Ivy was going to get Sharon for this later. “Jasmine is the mother of Emmanuel’s brother’s son.”
Aunty Flora arched her eyebrow. “Oh, the twin. That is some soap opera mess, if I ever heard any.”
She pressed her hand to her chest and shook her head. “A secret twin. Not that I’m judging or anything. Being in this family is like being smack dab in the middle of one of my stories. I mean, just this circle is a hot mess.”
At least Aunty Flora lowered her voice as she continued. “Amber married her best friend’s husband, and Karissa divorced that poor boy right after he came out of a coma and all. Ivy’s father-in-law has secret babies and what not. The only one of you who doesn’t have any drama is Sharon. I bet it’s cause she ain’t got no man.” Aunty Flora wasn’t one to hold back. Even if she didn’t completely have her facts straight.
“That’s just in this room. My sister Pat had a life that could fill two soap?—”
“Excuse me, Aunt Flora,” Darren interrupted. Thank God, because the last thing they needed was for her Aunty Flora to start telling her sister Pat’s story. The women gathered collectively sent him a look of appreciation.
“Hey, Baby. You were looking for me.”
“Yes. Your steak is ready. I got them to do it extra well.”
“Thank you, Baby. That first steak was mooing. One thing I have to say for this family, man, or woman, we know how to pick good-looking men.” Aunt Flora squeezed Darren’s bicep.
“Take me to my steak.”
The cousins watched their aunt walked away, then burst into laughter.
“That could have gone way worse. We have to keep Jasmine away from her. She will still want to know who her people are,” Karissa finally spoke.
Manny walked up behind Ivy and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Ladies, can I borrow my beautiful wife?”
“Only if we can have her back later,” Amber told him. “We don’t all get to be together enough.”
Her husband agreed, then guided her away from the festivities to the kitchen. Pulling out a high-back bistro stool, he directed her to have a seat.
“What are we doing in here? When you said you were borrowing me, I was thinking of someplace more private.”
“Oh, you’ll thank me later,” he said, giving her a quick peck.
“I noticed you haven’t eaten yet. I thought you could take a moment and eat uninterrupted.” Just then, a member of the catering staff appeared from outside with a plate.
“Thank you,” Manny said as he took the plate from the young man and placed it in front of her.
Ivy looked down at the plate with some of her favourites, a filet mignon wrapped in bacon, four jumbo shrimps, a few spoonfuls of potato salad, and half an ear of corn. “Thank you, Baby. This was super thoughtful.”
“I wanted to make sure you ate before you and your cousins started drinking.”
“The food is sweet, but I meant for all of this.” Ivy gestured around her.
The music in the background was one of her favourite songs. He’d thought of everything. “I couldn’t have asked for a better celebration.” Manny had put a lot of thought and care into making sure it was a family affair. Not only were her cousins here, their spouses and children were in attendance. He’d made sure there were activities for everyone.
“I take my responsibility of giving you what you need seriously.”
Ivy leaned forward and gave Manny a sound kiss. She heard the gentle clearing of someone’s throat. Separating from Manny, she saw Jasmine standing with Tommy in front of her.
“Hey, you two. Are you having a good time?” Ivy asked.
Tommy shook off his Mom’s hold and came to stand in front of her. He tugged on her arm.
“Aunty Ivy, I got go now. Tank you for let me come to your party. Please send me some of you cake. Bye.”
Jasmine explained Tommy had an outing with her parents, which was pre-planned. She would walk him to the car and be right back. Ivy got wonderful toddler hugs and kisses before he headed out.
“Eat before we get interrupted again,” Manny instructed.
Ivy didn’t need to be told twice. Her stomach seemed to be in agreeance with him. Manny nibbled on some chips while she ate. She was halfway through her plate before she remembered something.
“I can’t believe you got Etheline to make me a dress just to throw me off.”
Manny shrugged. “Who told you that you won’t need it?”
Ivy waved her fork at him. “Spill.”
“I thought you could wear it to Restituire.”
“What is a Restituire?”
“It’s a small charity event.”
She searched her memory and came up with a blank. “That’s not one we normally attend. I don’t think I’ve heard of it. Is it new?”
“Nope, it has been around for thirty years.” He seemed content to eat his chips while she tried to figure this one out.
“It’s just come on your radar?”
“Yeah, I just heard of it when I was arranging our stay at Karissa and Nicco’s villa.”
Did I hear him right?
“It’s not a long trip. I know you only have a week, and then you have to get back to your hectic schedule. So, you, me and the kids will be there for five days. Sounds good?—”
She dropped her fork and launched herself at him. Manny wrapped her in his embrace.
“Consider it another one of your birthday gifts.” He pressed another kiss to her temple.
“Another one? How many should I be expecting?”
“I thought I’d give you one for every wonderful year you’ve graced the earth with your presence.”
“Yeah, but I’m turning forty-nine.”
“So? Nothing is too good for you, Doc. I love you more than words can say.”
After all this time, her stomach fluttered at his declaration. “I love you, Manny.”
He gave her an adoring look. “How is it you get more beautiful every year, month, day, hour, and minute?”
It never failed to make her feel cherished.
Just then, Frank waltzed into the room. “When you were going over the plans for her birthday, you didn’t mention a hefty dose of drama.”
“What are you talking about?” Manny looked bemused.
“I thought you invited Jasmine.” Frank questioned.
“I did.” Manny answered as he released her from his hold.
“Then why did you also invite Leonardo, genius?”
Grace joined them with an oh-oh expression plastered on her face. “That was me. I thought you had said Jasmine wasn’t coming.”
“Mom, when you saw her here, why didn’t you tell him not to come?”
“Honestly, I didn’t give it a thought. I’ve been playing with the babies. They are so cute.” Grace must have been in heaven. Amber and Karissa both had their children in attendance.
“Mom, can you call him and tell him not to bother to come?” Manny instructed.
“About that, dear. It seems he’s already arrived.”
Her husband looked worried as he looked from his Mom, Frank, and her. “Great. I wanted today to be perfect for Doc. Okay, fine, just keep them apart until I can get one of them to leave.”
“Manny,” Ivy touched his arm. “What is done is done. How about we do nothing? Let it play out. Maybe it’s time they face each other.”
After another look around, Manny shrugged. “Fine, but all of you stay out of it. No interference.”
Ivy made a promise and after all Manny had gone through to give her this wonderful celebration, she would do as promised. However, it didn’t stop her from smiling when they were cutting the cake. She glimpsed Jasmine slipping out of the room and Leonardo on the opposite side of the room, following.