Chapter 4
CHAPTER
FOUR
Summer sat across from me; a smile covered her face while Ryder ordered their meals.
I glanced at my mom who sat between me and Summer.
My mom had her hand on Summer’s stomach, gently rubbing it while humming a song I couldn’t name but remembered hearing as a child.
Shiloh was on the other side of me looking over the menu, although she had already ordered her food.
My gaze moved to the rock she’d been wearing for almost a year now.
I was fortunate enough to host their wedding reception a few months back.
They felt it was only right to celebrate their love at the place where it all began.
Experiences like that reminded me how impactful Ray’s remained in the community.
I looked around My Place, a brunch spot where Summer and Ryder invited me, my mom, and Shiloh to meet them.
It was fairly busy as the servers weaved through the tables while carrying trays.
The mix of quiet chatter and easy-listening music bounced off the navy blue walls.
We were lucky enough to have a table near the window overlooking Winston Rose Park, recently renamed after Roseville’s first Black mayor.
The rose bushes were in bloom and the grassy knoll was freshly cut as the city prepped for the annual spring festival.
Once the waiter had our orders, Summer turned her attention to me; her grin endearing before she pushed out a breath.
“So, Nadir…” she said.
“Wassup?”
I noticed everyone at the table looking at me with heady anticipation.
With narrowed eyes, I hiked a brow, questioning her intentions behind this brunch.
If it weren’t for Shiloh being here, I’d think this was an intervention of some sort.
It wouldn’t have been the first time my mom and Summer approached me with concerns over my life decisions.
A few weeks back, she asked me to keep my Monday morning open for her but didn't say why. Summer and I went out to eat often, so this wasn’t unusual.
“Ry and I were hoping you’d do us the honor of being our son’s godfather.
I had this whole extravagant speech for you, but I knew you wouldn’t need all that.
” Summer waved her hand. “I trust you with my life, so it only makes sense that if something were to happen to me or Ry, you’d be one of the people we’d want to care for him.
You’re the brother I never asked for but always needed.
Your wisdom, honesty, and loyalty are all qualities I hope to instill in my son.
I have no doubt in my mind you’d be a great addition to our baby’s village. ”
Since childhood, Summer and her sister Samera had been my everything.
We’d gone through so much together, good and bad.
There wasn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for them.
I looked at Ryder and smiled at the approving nod he gave me.
Before he and Summer became an item, we were cool.
He and his friends were regulars at the lounge and always put on a show during open mic night.
Over the course of their relationship, we’d grown closer, so his blessing was an honor.
“So, what do you say?” she asked after a beat passed. “Shiloh is the godmother, and as you know, Mama is gladly taking on all grandma duties while Ry’s mom is in Chicago.”
My eyebrows wrinkled as I met my mom’s stare.
I couldn’t recall the last time she stayed in Roseville for longer than two days.
After my dad’s passing, she moved back to her hometown, High Point, North Carolina, where she lived with her husband Warren and his two children.
She came to town for special occasions and Summer’s pregnancy was enough to make her stay for months, if needed.
“I got you,” I replied, standing to hug her.
She welcomed my embrace, squeezing me tightly. Ryder and I bumped fists, silently acknowledging each other.
“I appreciate you always having my back over the years. You’ve been my brother and best friend. Our son will be so blessed to have you in his corner,” she told me, making sure no one else could hear her.
Her endearing words rendered me speechless, so I just nodded before returning to my seat. There was a lump in my throat that I forced down with a gulp of water. After taking a second to recover from the touching moment we just shared, I looked at my mom who seemed eager to speak.
“Now, can we talk about the baby shower?” she asked, nearly bursting at the seams with joy.
Summer laughed. “Yes, Mama. Shi, I told Robyn you’d be reaching out.”
“Great. I’ll text her now.” Shiloh pulled out her phone to text Robyn. “I narrowed down the venue options and found someone to make the centerpieces and balloon arches. I can barely wait!” She and Summer shrieked. Ryder and I shared a look then he shook his head.
While the ladies discussed the logistics of the baby shower, I checked my phone, expecting a text from Robyn.
We hadn’t really talked since Saturday night in my office.
I called when I got home, but that conversation didn’t last long as we were too exhausted to talk.
Today she was in D.C. helping her friend who owned a food truck.
The rest of her day would probably be dedicated to studying.
Robyn was a busy woman and I admired her go-getter spirit.
However, sometimes I worried she was keeping herself busy for the wrong reasons.
I knew it because I was all too familiar with the sentiment.
After heavy contemplation, I decided to text her.
Nadir:
Call me when you get back.
Seconds later, her reply came.
Robyn:
You free later? I could use a drink.
Nadir:
I always have time for you.
Robyn:
I’ll call when I’m on my way home.
Her reply had several blushing face emojis attached. I imagined the redness filling her cheeks and smirked.
Nadir:
See you later.
“What do you need from me?” I asked when I was finally able to get a word in.
The waiter came over with our food, interrupting them long enough for me to speak. Summer looked at Shiloh, waiting for her to respond.
“I’ll send you the notes I have on my phone. Whatever you feel comfortable doing is fine with me.”
I nodded. “So basically, I can just swipe my card when needed?”
Shiloh laughed, then shrugged. “I have no problem with that.”
My mom wasn’t too pleased, slapping my shoulder then saying, “Boy, you will do more than pay for everything. Matter of fact, we’re going to look at the venues Shi sent us.”
“When?” I was annoyed but I’d never let her know.
“Today.” Her eyebrow hiked, daring me to say otherwise.
Summer snickered, earning a glare from me before my eyes went back to my mom who was still looking at me.
Her dark brown hair curls were pulled into a low bun, a style she wore frequently.
The stern expression on her adorable, round face made me smile.
In her ears were the pearl earrings my dad had given her many years ago.
They matched the necklace she wore; a birthday gift from me.
My dad always said he liked how pearls looked on her caramel-colored skin.
Whenever I was stumped on what to buy her, I always went back to what he said.
Over the years, I’d added to her collection with bracelets and necklaces.
“What if I had plans already?” I taunted her just because.
She smiled. “Well, I guess you’ll just have to cancel them.”
Everyone at the table laughed and I did too.
“Fine, Ma,” I conceded. “Ry, man. We gotta plan something for you too.”
He smiled. “Yeah, definitely. Me and the guys were talking about that. I’ll add you to the chat.”
“Anyway,” Summer sang, shooting Ryder a playful scowl that made him chuckle. “Mama, can you help me finish the registry while you’re here?”
My mom nodded, then grabbed Summer’s hands. “Whatever you need, My Sunny.”
Their interaction warmed my heart. Since Summer’s mom passed away, my mom and Mel’s mom, Ms. Heather Rose, had stepped up, helping however they could.
At the time of the tragic accident, Summer was living here with her dad.
I vividly remembered Mel’s call and the panic in his tone.
My heart ached whenever I relived that morning.
“Thanks, Mama,” Summer replied.
Her voice was thick with emotion, prompting my mom to pull her into a side hug.
Ryder rubbed Summer’s back dotingly. I wished there was something I could’ve done to make this less emotional for her, but the truth was, there wasn’t anything anyone could do.
After Summer’s sniffles subsided, we fell into a light conversation about baby names, their birthing plan, and the babymoon trip they were excited to take in a month.
I was happy for them, but I couldn’t shake my sadness as I listened to their plans.
It made me think of Vanessa and Avery, and all the plans we had for our future.
There was a point when all we talked about was buying a house in Roseville and raising Avery and her siblings in a close-knit, loving environment.
In an instant, everything changed for me.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I returned my attention to Summer and Ryder.
This was their moment and I couldn’t let my situation ruin the happiness I had for them.
“This space is perfect,” my mom mused as we walked through the last venue of the day. The event coordinator, Jordan, beamed from my mom’s praises. Since we set foot into the building, that was all she’d done. “Nadir, baby. What do you think?”
“It’s nice.” I shrugged a shoulder, uninterested in the task she’d given me this afternoon.
This venue reminded me of where Vanessa hosted Avery’s first party.
My thoughts from earlier returned, causing knots in my stomach.
Vanessa and I hadn’t been together that long when she invited me to the party.
The only reason I attended was because I was wholly enamored with her and the precious baby girl I’d met a few weeks earlier.
From then on, I vowed to be by their side.
It sucked that the agreement wasn’t mutual.
The many sacrifices I made over the years were in vain.
My jaw clenched as I forced my attention to Jordan.
“Like I said, it’s a little over three-thousand square feet, outside catering is permitted, and we have space for a DJ booth as well.” Jordan motioned her hands around the space, emphasizing her points.
“I think this is enough space. The father-to-be has a big family,” my mom told Jordan. “I think the round tables would work best here. You said those tables can hold how many place settings?”
“Eight.” Jordan glanced down at her tablet. “Here’s a rendering of our last event. I like to show this to help with seating arrangements.”
“This is perfect.”
My mom took the tablet from Jordan and examined the screen.
While she continued raving about the hall, I walked to the front to get some fresh air. After brunch we visited three potential locations for Summer and Ryder’s baby shower. My mom did all of the talking because she knew what the parents-to-be wanted. I only listened when figures were mentioned.
As soon as I pushed the doors open, I heard, “Nadir Kadeem.”
My steps halted and a deep sigh fell from my lips. “I’m getting some air, Ma.”
“Can we have a minute?” she asked Jordan, who acceded to my mom's request after checking her watch. “I tried to give you space and time, but this,”—she paused and gestured toward me—“Has got to stop. You look pitiful.”
I whistled. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“Sunny told me how you’ve been moping around here like a puppy who doesn't know his way home.”
I chuckled. “Did she now?”
“Nadir, I’m not playing around with you. Talk to me.”
“I’m fine.”
“Sunny wouldn’t lie to me.”
“And I would?” She leveled a look at me that made me adjust my tone. “I’m better today, but I won’t lie and say this isn’t hard. I want to be there for her, but I have my own shit too.”
My mom placed her hand on my shoulder. “I know, baby. You’ve suffered tough losses over the years and I wish I could take this pain away for you. I know how much you loved that baby. I loved her too.”
I knew her words came from a genuine place but hearing that she was struggling with losing Avery too hit me like a ton of bricks.
“You’re not going through this alone,” she continued, giving my shoulder a gentle, affirming squeeze. “We’re resilient, baby, and we always find our way to the other side.”
A smile covered my lips.
“You remember?” Her question came out more as a statement, but still I nodded.
“Dad used to say that.”
“And all these years later, it remains true. I could say all the cliches we’ve heard about things happening for a reason, but it’s most important to remember that these feelings and situations don’t last forever.”
“I hear you, Ma.”
She smiled. “Don’t just hear me, show me. Pick up the phone when you’re in need of support and stop shutting Sunny out.”
“Okay,” I droned, feigning annoyance.
“You better not give her a hard time for coming to me either. She did it because she loves you.” After shooting me a scowl, she pulled me in for a hug. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you more.”
The sound of heels clacking our way stole my mom’s attention. Whomever it was must’ve been happy to see her because the cadence of their footsteps quickened.
“Mama,” Samera shrieked with outstretched arms.
When she leaned in to hug me, I said, “Finally.”
“Sorry,” she whined back. “I came as fast as I could.”
She didn’t make brunch today because of a delayed flight home from a work trip. Samera planned to meet us at this venue once she landed. I was thankful that she finally arrived as it gave me a reason to leave. Now that my mom had Samera, there was no need for me to stick around.
After my mom gave Samera a rundown of the places we toured today, I planned my exit.
“Y’all got it from here?” I asked my mom. She rolled her eyes.
“Where are you in such a rush to go?”
“I’m not in a rush to go anywhere,” I lied. Robyn would be home any minute now and I didn't want to keep her waiting too long. My mom didn’t need to know that though. “This is y’all’s thing, not mine. Let me know how much the deposit is and I'll take care of it,” I continued.
“Fine,” she conceded. “You’re free to go, baby.”
Samera met my gaze while smirking. “Come on, Ma. We don’t need him anyway.”
Hooking her arm around Samera’s, my mom turned her nose up at me before walking away. As they strolled away, she looked back. “I’ll be by the lounge tomorrow. I look forward to seeing the updates.”
“I know you’ll approve,” I replied before exiting.