CHAPTER TWENTY Progress
VANYA
“HOW’S MARRIED LIFE going?”
I looked at Frankie as she was handing baby Skye a cracker. The woman didn’t even bother to hide the smile on her face as she asked the question.
“Are you really asking me about my s-e-x life?” The last thing I was going to do was be responsible for Skye learning that new word even if her daddy thought it was cute when she said bloody.
“Noooo.” She said it in the exaggerated sing-song way of somebody who was definitely lying as she took her son off her chest and put him down in his travel pack and play. She’d come to visit stating that she wanted to get out of Carolina Falls and come to the city. I was more than happy for her to visit because it’d been a few weeks since she’d been here. I’d made a few changes and added my touch to some of the rooms and I wanted her opinion. We were hanging out in the family room off of the kitchen and once she had Skye settled down with a snack, she came over and gave me her full attention.
I cackled cause she was full of shit. “I don’t believe you so…”
“Okay, so maybe?” Frankie didn’t bother to hide her smile and I knew she was happy for me.
“Just ask what you want to know. We don’t keep secrets. You can be coy all you want but we both know what you’re asking so spit it out.”
“I mean I’m not asking for specifics, but you seem…settled. Dare I say comfortable.” She waved her hand around the room with a grin on her face. “That’s not a word I would’ve ever thought to use about you in this situation.”
“I’m getting the hang of things I guess you could say.”
She rolled her eyes like she was so tired of my shit. “The hang of things? Vanya, this isn’t a new job.”
“Well, what do you want me to say? You seem to forget that you’re the same woman when I asked if I needed to help you escape your wedding you lied to me through your teeth. But now you want transparency? Where we do that at?”
“Look at you colloquialisms!” Frankie bounced her shoulders playfully and her pride was so clear.
“I’m trying my best. He makes me feel comfortable. Even when I get stuff wrong. Like you did. Like you do. He’s exactly who he said he was going to be.”
“And that is a…”
I pressed my lips together as I blushed thinking about how much I loved that man. “Very good thing.”
“Good! Told you.” She stuck her tongue out and I knew she had been holding that I told you so for the last year. I bet it felt like a colonic since she finally got the chance to say it.
“I wondered how long it would be before the I told you so popped out.”
“It’s not really an I told you so. More of a you should’ve believed in me . I’m your friend and I love you. Surely you would know I wouldn’t have you out here crazy.” She was getting too good at the Jada levels of rationalization.
“Yeah, but you gotta remember you were trying to set me up with a man who legitimately kills people, okay? Remember Fight Club ? I wasn’t supposed to know about Fight Club . Couldn’t ask about Fight Club . But you wanted me to entertain Fight Club .” I leaned back against the island waiting on her to combat that argument.
“Well, you’re right. But it’s different when you marry Fight Club. Then you can ask all the questions that you want. It’s before you make that commitment that it’s frowned upon. But now we can speak as freely as we want.” Frankie was grinning like we were about to compare mafia wife stories. Since the most I’d done she’d been witness to, it would’ve been a one-sided conversation.
“I highly doubt that.”
“Anyway, you live in a big, gorgeous house. You have a life that is the complete opposite of the one you used to live. It’s gotta feel like you won.”
Her words made me pause because I had never looked at it that way. I’d been so focused on joy and then ensuring the past didn’t mess me up in the future that I hadn’t thought of it as winning. “It feels like… it… they were all for a reason. If that makes sense. I’m sure I’m not doing a good job of expressing myself.”
She stretched before glancing over at Skye who was still happily snacking and watching her TV show. “No, I get that. I don’t know if it’s the indomitable way Black folks have to rationalize suffering, but I understand how you feel. I think back on the time Li and I were separated. It helped us grown. Helped us become the people we might not have had we stayed together. We were so closely tethered to one another that we didn’t want to do too much because we were worried about the other. I hated it. I still hate it for what he missed out on. For what we missed out on. But since we’ve reconciled, things have been beautiful. Life has been beautiful.”
“And you absolutely deserve all of that and more.” Her watery eyes didn’t surprise me, but she’d been so settled into her joy that she seemed to forget just how much she herself had overcome.
“And you don’t? If suffering were the key to happiness and wealth I would say that you were more than paid back. It’s not everyday that a girl gets a husband and a crown. Shit is kind of a big deal.” Frankie was always trying to hype me up and right now was no different.
“He doesn’t even use his title so I doubt I would. But that tiara though—” Had to say, that fucking tiara was top tier impressive. It’s why I wore that thing around the house. Xerxes told me he was already planning to get me a parure of turquoise because of their significance in Persian culture. He fully enjoyed watching me lounge around the house with every piece he’d given me and nothing else. And who was I to deprive my husband of the sights he enjoyed?
“Major deal. Part of me wants y’all to have the wedding spread put inside of Charlotte Brides Magazines and for the Kennedys to see it. Fucking weirdos.”
I sighed knowing she was about to get pissed off too. “They’ve seen it.”
“How do you know?”
“Because Johnathan said something about the wedding.”
Her brows rose like she was surprised my ex’s head wasn’t hanging on the front gate. “Does Xerxes know?”
“He does. He knows stuff before I can even tell him. It was just another black mark on the tally of why he wants them to die.”
Frankie’s smile was devilish like she’d happily welcomed me to the dark side. “I love how easily you say that. Such ease. Those fools are just mad they can’t keep you hidden away in damn Huntersville or Statesville trying to force you into being someone you’re not.”
“I know things are going to have to change with that situation. I think I selfishly just wanted calm for a minute, you know? This has been an adjustment. A good one, but still changes. I didn’t want too much on us at once to the point where we forget to be us first.”
“You really like him.” The wonder was in her eyes and I had said the words, but I guess she was truly seeing it for the first time.
“I do. I always did. That was the problem. Most of the men that I went out with I didn’t like so there was no fear of attachment with them. It was the attachment part that gave me concern. Because if I liked them then I would want them around. I’d have to be vulnerable and honest and face down whatever judgment they may have. That’s a lot to ask of someone. To see the baggage I have and expect them to help me carry it.”
“And Xerx? Does he help?” She asked so eagerly, like she was riveted to the story.
“No.”
“NO?!” She looked so shocked and I had to smile at what he told me when I said the same thing.
“He tells me that my shoulders were not made for burdens and if there are any issues that need to be carried then they are his responsibility. That he would be doing the lifting that we needed because that was his job. To protect me from all aspects of my enemies: physically and mentally.”
Frankie gasped and I knew I was dramatic, but I wondered what her outburst was for. “Oh shit! You’ve crossed over.”
“What?”
“Oh no, baby. You didn’t see the look on your face just now. It got all wispy and soft and your voice went up a few octaves and got all breathy. So, yeah, you’re in deep. I’ll let you name it whatever you want. You can call it being a fucking Gummi Bear for all I care. But I know you’ll start being all weird if I say anything else so I’ll hush.” She pretended to zip her lips together while she sat there pleased as punch with herself.
“Reul, we are done early but Xerxes invited us to stay for dinner. Why donna yoo and Vanya go to the nail spa to relax?” I didn’t need to agree with anything she said because she was right and the men both walked in before I could.
“Because your son still thinks his food is on demand like he’s in the womb.” She rolls her eyes playfully as she bent her head back to accept his kiss.
“My boy is spoiled I will say. But yoo need a break. Especially with yoor maternity leave ending soon. I want yoo to relax a bit and treat yoorself. Yoo donna like the nail artists in Carolina Falls—”
“Because they’re the same jealous hoes who wanted you in high school and are pissed they can’t have you now. What I look like putting money in their pockets?”
Liam’s head dipped in embarrassment as Xerxes laughed at him. “All the same. Yoo are ‘ere now. Take advantage of it.”
“Are you okay with being with the kids alone?” I knew she trusted her husband but I could assume it was only a motherly inclination to hesitate being away from a baby fresh out the womb.
“I have had little practice but I have watched my cousin Mansa before. He is still alive to speak of it. Well, to babble of it. So he is not alone, Francesca. I am more than adequate help.” Xerxes had picked up Quad and was bouncing him playfully. He looked delicious with his hair up in a bun off his face and his goatee slightly thicker than normal.
Frankie stood up from the countertop and reached for her back. “Lord, give me my baby back.”
“I am teasing, Francesca. Zhey will be fine. Skye will have me buying her a new pony and we will find somezing equally decadent for Quad. So enjoy yourself, you boz more zhan deserve it.”
“I haven’t been balancing business and motherhood for the last few months like you have, Frankie. You know you want to go.” She knew she wanted to go, but she was nervous about looking like a bad mother for wanting to go. I had all the freedom in the world so I wasn’t sure why I deserved anything.
Xerxes’ eyes narrowed at me like I’d insulted him. “No, but you have been balancing me. And I promised you zhat you were to be treated like a princess every day for zhe rest of your life. Zhat does not change simply because you do not feel you have earned a treat. Being well taken care of is not somezing you earn from your partner. Your breazing air is worthy of praise and my everlasting gratitude. And besides, we are speaking of you furzer beautifying your hands, which I get zhe pleasure of seeing. I would never deny you such a simple pleasure as getting your hands done.”
“Oh, Gummi Bears for sure.” Frankie was snickering from her chair at the island and I wanted her to hush.
“ Reul , are yoo calling my friend sweet or a candy? I am not sure I like either and his bride might not either.” Liam went to Xerxes and picked up his son, bumping him in the shoulder like he was jealous.
“Although he is sweet, Vanya knows exactly what I’m talking about. And thank you. There is milk in the cooler and I just fed him. He should be more than good until we get back.”
Xerxes turned to me triumphantly, as though my going to spend money made his day. “Will you mind if Quentin accompanies you?”
I rolled my eyes because I don’t know why he was asking. Even if I said no, Quentin would still be hanging around. “I know that it’s better for your peace of mind.”
“It absolutely is. Zhank you for indulging me.”
“Thank you for ensuring I’m protected.” I tried not to be bashful especially with his friends around, but I couldn’t help it. The surprise on his face was clear. Instead of staying that way, it melted into something softer and the more sensual.
“May I send my wife off wiz a kiss?”
I had to remember that this was normal for him. For his friends, hell for everyone that wasn’t brought up in a cult. I simply nodded and he made his way over to me. Gently, he put his hands on both sides of my head before he pressed his lips to mine. The feeling from the wedding quickly took hold and I was opening my mouth to receive him without thinking.
I laced my fingers together around his back as he pulled me even closer to him.
“ Reul , I think we need to up our passion. It seems the newlyweds are attempting to steal the title of most amorous couple for us.”
“I thought that was Yacouba and Jasmine.”