38. It’s Electric!
Chapter thirty-eight
It’s Electric!
Moni
The warmth of the evening wrapped around me. It was several soft breezes carrying the sounds of laughter and music through the backyard.
DJ Hendrix shifted to Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly and Maze and that was when Aunt Betty yelled and yanked Marcelo out of his chair.
No one was sitting anymore. The card games and little competitions had all been abandoned. While staff cleaned up dirty plates and utensils, the entire cookout had transformed into one giant dance party.
I laughed while dragging Lei to the center of the yard, packed with everyone dancing.
This is a great night. This is my life? God, I wish Mom were here.
Once I found a good spot for us to dance, I turned to Lei and to my surprise he was already bopping those shoulders and swaying from side to side.
A surge of excitement rippled through me.
“Okay, baby!” I met his groove.
His strong hands found my hips effortlessly, guiding me into the rhythm with a confidence that made my heart flutter.
Talking about how he can’t dance.
I chuckled.
And here he is dominating and leading.
Warmth filled my chest.
My Mountain Master.
Lei's muscular frame moved fluidly with the upbeat tempo. His long hair fluttered slightly with every sway.
The way he moved was mesmerizing.
Powerful yet tender.
Commanding yet gentle.
As we danced, his presence enveloped me, making everything else fade away. His gaze met mine, sparkling with this playful intensity that made me smile uncontrollably.
Damn, Lei.
He pulled me closer and his face was only inches from mine. We were so close I could see the way his chest rose and fell with each beat of his heart. Those muscles on his arms flexed as he wrapped them around me.
And his grip was soft and comforting, reminding me of the security he provided.
Plus, our connection was fucking electric.
Never had I experienced this with anyone else.
Lei slowly curved his lips into a smile and his gaze slid along my face as if he were taking in every detail for the first time.
As “Before I Let Go” continued to play, memories of weddings and birthday parties flooded my mind. I had always associated this song with joyous celebrations, with people coming together to honor love and milestones.
But. . .tonight and in Lei’s arms, the lyrics took on a deeper meaning. Up until now, I had always thought the song was about having fun with someone you love, enjoying the moment without a care in the world.
But as I stood here in Lei's arms, swaying to the music, I realized there was more to the lyrics. The words resonated differently now. It felt like an ode to someone struggling to let go of a love they deeply cherished—perhaps even hinting at an upcoming love lost. In fact, the bittersweet undertones of the song mirrored the complexities of love and the fear of losing someone irreplaceable.
I swallowed down a tiny bit of sadness and a wave of emotions washed over me.
I wasn’t sure when it had happened exactly—when I had fallen in love with Lei—but here I was, absolutely head over heels. Lei had come into my life like a storm, shaking everything up and now I couldn’t imagine my world without him.
I didn’t want to.
Without thinking, I raised my arms and wrapped them around Lei's neck, pulling him closer. I hoped that I would never have to experience the pain the song seemed to convey.
I needed our love to be forever.
As if he heard me, Lei responded with a passionate kiss, so intense it took my breath away and delivered delicious shivers down my body.
The party faded away.
The laughter and chatter of our friends and family was a distant hum.
The only thing that mattered was Lei.
Damn. If he keeps this up, I will be pregnant by the end of the year.
When we finally stopped kissing, the song reached its crescendo and I found myself lost in the moment.
Lei brushed his lips against mine. “I love you, Moni.”
Shivering, I whispered, “I love you too.”
Every worry and fear melted away under the warmth of his gaze.
I didn't want this night to end, didn't want the magic to fade.
The final notes of the song lingered in the air and we held each other, moving to the beat.
So perfect.
DJ Hendrix shifted to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” but with this reggaeton beat that had the crowd howling.
I pulled back slightly, still holding onto him and not wanting to break the spell.
God, I never want this night to end.
Lei locked his gaze on me and then to my shock, dipped me slightly.
Chuckling, I felt a delightful sense of vertigo.
He lifted me back up, moved his arms from my waist and grabbed my hand.
I quirked my brows. “You’ve got moves.”
“A few.” Without warning, Lei spun me around.
Oh shit.
The world blurred.
Then, I was back in his arms.
I let out a joyful shriek.
“Alright! Alright!” DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Now you know that this ain’t a real party without the Electric Slide!”
I laughed, coming out of the heavenly cloud of Lei and our love. I almost forgot other people were around.
With that, I scanned the space and realized that damn near everybody was out there dancing. Even some of Lei’s top security men had their shirts off and was jamming with some of my Aunt Betty’s friends.
Wow. Okay then. The East knows how to party.
DJ Hendrix did some scratching and then chuckled. “Everybody who is still sitting, get your butts on the floor, because it’s time to slide!”
The crowd roared with excitement and I couldn’t help but grin.
I glanced back at Lei who had his eyes wide open in shock.
Yes, baby. Welcome to a Black family.
A few other Four Aces appeared unsure of what was happening.
This was the moment to truly join our cultures. No Black cookout, wedding, or family gathering was complete without someone declaring it was time for the Electric Slide.
I got out of Lei’s hold. “Do you know how to electric slide?”
“Romeo taught me, but I am really rusty. I haven’t done this in many years. Not since I was a teenager.”
“Well, you’re going to be doing it a lot from now on.”
He laughed. “Is that right?”
“Yes, Mountain Master.”
Shirtless, Banks came over wearing this green hat, his shades, and showing off his bulging muscles. “Go on over there and sit down, Lei. You don’t know nothing about this.”
Lei rolled his eyes.
I flipped Banks off. “My baby knows what to do.”
“If he doesn’t, I’m going to laugh at him.” Banks got on my side. “And Lei, you need to get your cousin, man. Chen thinks he’s at an Elvis Presley concert.”
Lei frowned. “What?”
“Check him out.” Banks pointed.
We turned to the left and caught Chen apparently listening to his own song. He was shaking his hips fast and moving his legs in this wild, jerky rhythm.
Fen danced around him, clearly hearing this special song too because she was matching his rhythm. She added her twists and turns here and there and they both laughed together oblivious to it being another party near them.
Well. . .uh. . .at least they’re having fun.
Duck was a few steps away, phone out and recording the entire thing, barely able to hold his own laughter in.
“Chen!” Banks yelled. “What are you doing?!”
I hit his arm. “Leave him alone. He’s having fun.”
“He’s having a fucking seizure.” Banks put this toothpick in his mouth.
“Boy, get that toothpick out of your mouth.” I held out my hands. “What are you doing? Cleaning your teeth on the dancefloor?”
“This is part of my swag.”
“Put that shit up.”
“Damn, Moni.” Frowning, Banks took the toothpick out of his mouth and placed it in his pocket. “Can’t never let a brother be.”
Lei laughed.
Banks glared at him. “What’s so funny?”
Lei winked at him. “I keep forgetting that Moni has been a Mountain Mistress long before she met me.”
Banks raised his eyebrows. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” I made sure to stay between them. “Let’s dance. And why are you over here hating? Where are your assistants at?”
“Man, Sweet, Savory, and Salty got swept off their feet by some Four Aces. But I told them that would happen.” Banks shrugged. “I never hate. Charge it to the game. I’ve got other flavors on the mental rolodex.”
The music came on and the first notes of the Electric Slide filled the air.
Everyone in the yard started sliding in sync—well, almost everyone.
Chen and Fen remained dancing to their own groove.
This is going to be a blast.
As I danced along, I checked behind me.
Lan and Thandie had paired up, dancing with Hu, who looked shockingly out of character. His jacket was off, his shirt halfway unbuttoned, and he was laughing—a real, genuine laugh.
Relaxed was not a word I usually associated with Hu, but right now, he was one of the happiest-looking people out here.
O-kay.
I blinked in surprise.
This was the most laid-back I had ever seen him. Lan was showing him the steps and for once, he wasn’t stiff and awkward.
I continued doing the steps and taking in everyone around us.
Across the yard, I spotted Chloe and Jo dancing with Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi.
Aww.
They were having an absolute blast and to my surprise, Jo didn’t seem to mind hanging with them. When she showed up earlier, Jo had been so resistant to everything East-related, but now, watching her laugh with the aunts, it hit me—Jo had softened.
Thank God. She’s going to end up staying with us. I know it.
“Alright, everybody ready?” DJ Hendrix called out. “You all look like you know the moves!”
I checked Lei and he was keeping up with us for sure, although his gaze kept going to my hips.
My baby stays horny.
DJ Hendrix yelled on the microphone. “Everybody say, ‘Hell yeah!’”
The crowd roared back, “Hell yeah!”
“Everybody let me know where you’re from!”
People were yelling the East over and over. Many were screaming the South.
And far off, I heard Chloe and Jo laugh and roar, “Go Glory! Go Glory!”
And then our dancing crowd was one, pulsing and swaying together, under the stars, dancing like there was no tomorrow.
Banks began clapping as we stepped to the side. “That’s right, cuz. You’re going to have to bring soul to the East!”
Laughing, I checked around and a tiny pang of disappointment hit me.
I didn’t see Dima, Rose, or the cat joining us or anywhere else in the yard.
Did they slip out without saying goodbye? Or are they on the carousel?
Dima and Rose were such a unique pair and Barbara Whiskers had stolen everyone’s hearts, including mine. I hoped they hadn’t left yet I want to see them one more time and say goodbye.
“Alright, everyone!” DJ Hendrix shouted. “Let’s finish strong! Slide it out!”
The entire yard moved together, swaying to the beat, laughing and sliding in unison—well, almost unison.
Chen was still out there, doing his best Elvis impression, but somehow, that made everything even more perfect.
I raised my arms high, caught up in the energy of the night letting myself be swept away by the music, the laughter, and the people I loved.
My sisters were happy.
The cookout was a success.
Banks was still basking in his win and here I was, with Lei by my side.
Life didn’t get much better than this.
Just as the last notes of the "Electric Slide” faded away, a sudden whoosh broke through the laughter and chatter, making me pause mid-laugh.
What was that?
I glanced up in surprise as the sky above us exploded into a brilliant burst of blue light, shimmering in the night air like magic.
“Whoa!” someone shouted.
Everyone’s heads turned upward in awe.
More blue fireworks lit up the sky. They arced and danced among the stars, leaving behind trails of shimmering light that twirled and spun in mid-air.
Jesus! This may be the best cookout I’ve ever been to.
And right with the blue fireworks, others exploded into brilliant bursts of green.
Banks bobbed his head, took that toothpick back out and placed it in his mouth. “Alright then. Brother can never stay mad with the East for too long. Real classy.”
Blue and green fireworks dazzled and burst.
We all stood there, mesmerized.
DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Shout out to Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi for the light show! We’re ending this night with a bang baby and that’s due to them!”
The crowd stopped dancing and erupted into cheers and clapping.
I glanced at Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi who were proudly beaming. They looked so happy, surrounded by my sisters.
I looked over at Lei and the soft glow of the fireworks danced across his face. His long hair caught the light and for a moment, he looked even more like the protector I had come to love.
He caught me staring and flashed me that smile that made my knees weak. Then he pulled me closer to him with one strong arm wrapped around my waist.
Fireworks continued to explode above us, lighting up the sky.
Damn. I wish TT could see this.
It was in that moment when I glanced over my shoulder in the direction of Lotus Blossom, hoping she ran to a window to see the fireworks too. She loved them. Last Fourth of July, I made it a point to take her to downtown Glory to see the free fireworks show.
I need to go up and check on TT.
Still gazing over my shoulder, I moved my view to the second level’s windows and the air shifted. For some reason, it thickened, tension creeping into my lungs. It was odd, but I felt the shocking problem before I saw anything. It was just this sense that something wasn’t right.
And then. . .when my gaze fell upon it. . .
What?
I stiffened.
TT was in the window for sure, enjoying the fireworks. It looked like she was in the library’s window. A huge smile spread across her face and she even pointed at one of the fireworks as she spoke to her two new friends.
And that was what horrified me.
No. No. No.
I slipped out of Lei’s hold and headed off, still gazing up at the window.
TT currently stood right in the middle of Uncle Song and Leo who were both holding plates and happily shoveling food in their mouths.
When the fuck did they come? And how long have they been around TT?