Chapter 3 #2
“Man, hell nah, Kas act like you got some kind of sense and behave yo self, nigga.”
“Ugh, there he go with that behave shit. Kas, are you a puppy?”
“More like a dog, Yanna Boo.”
“You heard what I said though, both of y’all.”
“Both of y’all.” Kas mocked. Dodging the punch his brother attempted to land on his arm.
“Psst, Kas.” Quan tried to whisper but was doing an awful job.
“What?”
“Take this shit, it’s making me nervous.”
Kas glanced down to see Quan holding out Yanna’s phone to him. “Nigga, why the…” he hurriedly snatched the phone from Quan’s hand and hid it behind his back. “Why the fuck would you just pull the shit out when she less than 50 feet away?”
“I just fucking told you it was making me nervous. I don’t want no smoke with her lil’ ass. You still ain’t get her to take the video down?”
“I ain’t had no time to call her back yet without Yanna catching my ass. The video still up though because I just seen another fucking blog tag me in a post about it.”
“So you hiding her phone and shit for nothing. Even when ole’ girl take the video down, there’s still gone be people talking about it.”
“I know that. I’m just trying to at least enjoy the rest of this trip before she finds out. Y’all see we been getting along and I’m trying to hold on to that for a lil’ while longer.”
“You sound like you in an abusive relationship. Gone ‘head and face the music. Ain’t no doubt that she gone act a fool for a lil’ bit, but you already know she ain’t gone stop fucking with you.”
“I know that, but still… Kalil, hold the phone until we dip. I’ll get it from you when we land back in VA.”
“Hell nah, man, I ain’t trying to be into it with Yanna rowdy ass.”
“Stop acting like you scared and just put the shit in yo pocket,” Kas whispered harshly, shoving the phone into Kalil’s hand without waiting for him to respond. Kalil shoved the phone in his pocket just as Yanna turned and reached her handout for Kas to join her.
“Dead man walking.” Quan chuckled, soliciting a middle finger from Kas.
Onyx simply shook his head, speeding up to be by his fiancée’s side.
He knew the situation with Yasmine would blow up in his brother’s face soon, but he also knew that Quan was right.
When Yanna did find out, she and Kas would undoubtedly engage in a toxic back and forth where she’d undoubtedly want get back and Kas would react to that.
The inevitable circles they turned in usually came to a stop, and they’d be good for a bit, but Onyx knew it was only a matter of time before things spun out of control.
He loved his brother and loved Yanna like a little sister, but he wanted them to either get themselves together or leave each other alone.
Voicing such would be futile, so he tried to coach from a distance, only stepping in when things truly got out of hand.
The group finally made their way into the venue, and their breaths were immediately taken away.
The venue unfolded like a dream, an open-front reception nestled along the coastline of St. Michael, Barbados.
Polished wooden beams framed the airy space, blending seamlessly with the lush tropical surroundings.
Billowing white drapes fluttered gently in the ocean breeze, framing a panoramic view of turquoise waves lapping against the golden sands of Carlisle Bay.
Overhead, strings of warm fairy lights crisscrossed like a canopy of stars, casting a soft glow that mingled with the fiery hues of the setting sun.
The scent of saltwater intertwined with the fragrance of tropical blooms, creating an intoxicating aroma that seemed to envelop every guest in a warm, island embrace.
Tables adorned with crisp linens and vibrant centerpieces of native hibiscus and frangipani brought pops of color to the elegant, earthy tones of the décor.
The bar, crafted from driftwood and coral stone, showcased a selection of rum punches and island-inspired cocktails.
Beyond the venue's open front, the rhythmic sound of steel drums and the faint murmur of waves serenaded the gathering, inviting guests to sway in time with the heartbeat of the island. It was a place where the natural beauty of Barbados harmonized effortlessly with understated sophistication, promising an unforgettable evening under a starlit sky. Yanna and Troi couldn’t believe Maya had planned such opulence in such a short period of time.
The setting was intimate with only about forty-five people in attendance.
Aside from their immediate family, a few of Maya’s family members had flown out as well as friends from both sides.
During their shopping trip that day, Yanna and Troi learned that both of Logan’s parents had passed several years ago, and Maya’s parents had attended the renewal ceremony but decided to sit the reception out so the younger crowd could let loose without worry.
They hired a local DJ for the event, and everyone in attendance cheered loudly as he announced the couple who’d renewed their vows after five years of marriage.
Their story was one for the books… a tale of deception but also unwavering loyalty.
Logan had met Maya about a year before he’d be gunned down by his own best friend.
Not only was Maya instrumental in saving his life, but she assisted him in faking his death and nursing him back to health.
Their vow renewal was his gift to her because when they first got married, he was technically dead and none of their family or friends could attend.
Everyone cooed as the bride and groom shared their first dance.
Just about all the closest family and friends stood to deliver beautiful toasts, attesting to the love and tenacity of the couple’s relationship.
Both Londyn and Jules mentioned a missing brother, who they all seemed to know of, but Yanna, Kas and their crew were a bit confused about, but still somehow felt the weight of his absence.
By the end of the toasts, guests were overwhelmed by the display of pure love being shown.
After all the customary reception activities, a dinner true to Barbados culture was served.
The group unapologetically gorged on appetizers of fish cakes and salted cod with breadfruit salad.
Then stuffed themselves with flying fish, cou cou, Bajan fried chicken, vegetable curry and macaroni pie.
As if the appetizers and main dishes weren’t enough, they all devoured dessert, which consisted of Bajan Rum cake, Sugar Cake and Sweet Potato pudding.
In addition to dinner, Rum punch and Mountain Gay rum were served in abundance, so by the time the DJ began to spin continuous music, they were all well beyond drunk.
After everyone was all danced out, too full of drinks and had retired to their hotels, the two groups remained, shooting the shit with each other.
It was crazy how they all connected in different ways but hadn’t linked together in Virginia.
It took them to travel out to the ocean to officially meet and connect.
The ladies huddled in a circle, talking about hanging out more once everyone was back in the States.
The guys were huddled as well, but the conversation had ventured to the additional ways their company FLMK Industries, could collaborate with Onyx on the record label and other ventures he wanted to explore in the future.
Logan was currently pitching points for why he thought their company should partner with Onyx exclusively.
Kas had tuned the conversation out about two minutes after they started talking business.
The politicking and business talk was more suited for his brother.
As far as the label was concerned, Kas was only worried with making beats and working with artists.
He’d always have his brother’s back, nevertheless, so he’d endure boring conversations if that’s what Onyx needed him for.
Still, he had about two minutes before he came up with a reason to follow Yanna toward the bathroom where he’d just seen her walk off to.
While Onyx and Logan droned on, Kas’ brows furrowed as he noticed Layla enter the venue.
She was as beautiful as always, draped in a black one-sleeved satin dress.
Her hair was pulled into a topknot bun, showcasing her high cheekbones and alluring good looks.
His mother’s radiance wasn’t what was giving Kas pause though.
The man walking alongside her, arm settled protectively around her waist, was what had him stuck.
Who the fuck is that nigga? As Kas eyed the man, he couldn’t help but notice a familiarity.
It was like he knew the man but couldn’t identify where he knew him from.
The more he stared, the shallower his breathing became.
It couldn’t be… could it? He had dark, curly and plentiful hair just like Kas’.
Smooth cocoa skin and facial features identical to Onyx’s.
Tired of scrutinizing by himself, Kas nudged Onyx in his side, nodding his head toward Layla and the man once he had his attention.
Kas watched as his brother’s calm face warped into an enraged grimace.
“What the fuck is she doing here with that muh’fucka?” Onyx questioned aloud, causing Maya, Logan and the others to look in the same direction.
“What the hell… daddy?”
Kas and Onyx’s necks nearly snapped as they turned to Maya.
“Daddy?” They asked in unison just as Layla and her surprise guest approached.
“Mumma…” Kas started.
“Maya, I’m so sorry,” Layla apologized because even though the reception was over, she knew her appearance would put a major damper on the night.