Epilogue
Simone
If you would’ve told me at twenty-four I would be newly married to the man of my dreams living in our new house that he surprised me with, helped to design and renovate, working in my career field doing what I love while serving God and my community I just don’t know if I would’ve believed you.
I was always hopeful for a bright future but this…
this was more than I could ever have asked, thought, or imagined.
Not having my parents here to see and experience all of this with me was difficult at times, but I had GiGi, my cousins, Destiny, Samaj and his parents.
Not to mention we were crazy behind Kadeem who was now on Facetime as Samaj, and I was sitting down for lunch at Longhorn keeping the tradition of celebrating my parents wedding anniversary.
“Aye I need ya’ll to tell me how the heck to get out of IKEA. I swear I've been stuck in this store for almost two hours!”
“What business do you have at IKEA Kadeem?” Samaj asked. I giggled, shaking my head at Kadeem and his antics while looking at the menu.
“If you must know I was trying to get ya’ll some stuff for the new house.”
“Aww that is so sweet!” I beamed.
“I don’t believe that for a second.” Samaj countered. “Well technically everything I got so far is for the guest room that ya’ll supposed to have designated for me. Ya’ll have four bedrooms, so I know one of them got be for me right?”
Samaj shook his head while I laughed some more. “No, so you can put all the stuff back and leave the store.”
“I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. Pass the phone to Simone.”
“Kadeem you know you’re more than welcome to visit. I’ll set the room up for you, don't worry.” I chimed.
“I already know Gangsta boo got the room downstairs so that leaves two more. I’ll take the room furthest from ya’ll, I know how newlyweds like to get down.”
“Hang up the phone Simone.” Samaj said.
I paid him no mind. “Not you calling my GiGi Gangsta Boo.” I laughed.
“She’s a G like me. Real recognize real.”
“Anyway, are you still coming to our housewarming next weekend? You’re the only one who hasn’t RSVP’d.” I asked.
“People really do that? I thumbs up the message. I thought that was me confirming.”
“OMG Kadeem. Are you bringing a plus one?”
“Should I?”
Before I could respond Samaj jumped back into the conversation.
“You might as well bring someone. Simone got everyone bringing their significant other. She done turned our housewarming into a couple’s retreat.” I playfully threw my napkin at him.
“That is not true. I can’t help it that everyone seems to be boo’d up. And it’s not a formal housewarming. Don’t you think a couple’s game night would be fun?”
“It’s whatever you want, baby.” I smiled happily at his response.
“Who all gon be there?” Kadeem probed.
“Emon’s bringing Chanel, Emaree and Donovan are coming, so is Destiny and Marcus. Jaiden is even flying in with his girlfriend. You remember them, right?”
“You and I both know Kadeem only wants to know about one person.” Samaj said, smirking.
“Simone turn the phone to yo ugly husband.”
I turned the phone to face Samaj who was already laughing. I was sure Kadeem stuck up his middle finger.
I swear those two were like kids who couldn’t behave whenever they got together
“Samaj can care less who’s coming too. All he wants to do is throw something on that new BBQ grill he just bought.”
“Damn right.” He conceded just as the waiter brought our drinks.
“I don’t know Simone. I’m not really trying to bring anyone around the group like that. They may get the wrong impression.”
“What about Kira?” I asked bringing up the woman he had been seeing. “I thought ya’ll were getting serious.”
“Define serious.” He questioned.
I blew out my breath. “I’m not playing with you Kadeem. You’ve been hanging out with her for the last couple of months. I’ve never seen you keep anyone around that long. Samaj and I assume you may really like her.”
Samaj looked at me and sucked his teeth. “I don’t know why you’re putting me in this. Kadeem’s love life ain’t something I think about.”
“Simone, Kira, and I just kicking it. I’m not trying to marry the girl.”
“I hear you, but you never know. Things between you could really progress. I didn’t know Emaree and Donovan would be getting so serious.”
At the sound of Emaree’s name, I could hear Kadeem sigh like his mood had now shifted. Those two were still keeping each other in the friend zone so I couldn’t understand why it was an issue to hear about the other one and their relationship.
“I just want everyone to find love and be happy.” I confessed.
“I know you do, baby, but everybody has their own time and their own journey.” Samaj replied.
“Alright I’ll bring her.” Kadeem mumbled.
“Ok great! Does she have any food allergies?”
“You pushing it, Simone. I gotta go but I’ll see ya’ll next weekend.”
We hung up and Samaj gave me a look. “What’s that look supposed to mean?”
“This is going to be the first time Kadeem is meeting Donovan and Emaree will meet Kira. I don’t know how this is going to go. Let’s pray nothing crazy dad off.”
“How crazy could it possibly get? You can keep Kadeem in line, and I’ll keep Emaree in line. Problem solved.” I assured him although I was now kind of worried.
“Yeah alright.”
The waiter came back and set our plates in front of us.
“I’m so excited to host everyone.”
I smiled at the thought of my home being filled with the people I love and the opportunity to create new memories.
There’s a sense of peace that washes over me. I’ve lost a lot in my life, but I’ve gained a lot too. Self-discovery, boundaries, true love, community, a new church home, a rewarding career, and a deeper relationship with my heavenly father.
I am reminded that All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. That He is the Prince of Peace and He is a Promise keeper.