Chapter 19 #2
While nodding, I looked around the room.
My heart swelled at all the love surrounding us.
Summer’s baby shower was everything she wanted, according to Shiloh.
Nude colored balloon arches covered the entrance and photobooth.
Hints of green and blue decorations complemented the shades of brown; the colors played on the baby’s gender and last name.
Teddy bears holding bookmarks were the centerpieces and party favors.
Summer and Ryder walked to each table, greeting their loved ones.
Ryder wore the official outfit for a baby shower.
His Burberry shirt was subtle; all white with the signature nova check on the collar.
Summer looked ethereal in a brown dress with a tulle waist. Her bump was on full display, earning her lots of belly rubs.
The two looked overjoyed and I couldn’t be happier.
My stomach knotted as I thought about how badly I wanted what they shared.
When I thought I was over everything, little reminders showed me that wasn’t the case.
“Alright, everyone.” Shiloh held the mic while surveying the room. “Now that we’re all fed, it’s time for the games.”
She went on to explain the four games planned for today.
First was a word scramble that Samera and her daughter Brianna passed out to each table.
It took less than two minutes for the winner to be announced.
I clapped from my spot at the back of the venue.
My mom walked over to me, smiling from ear to ear.
“Are you going to play any games?”
I shook my head. “I’m not interested in eating chocolate shit out of a diaper.”
“Boy,” she said, swatting my arm.
We laughed as they began the next game. Ryder’s sister, cousins, and Summer’s friend Lenika lined up to see who could change a baby’s diaper the fastest with one hand.
“Where did Shiloh find these games?” I mused.
“Pinterest,” my mom answered knowingly. “I like that girl. She’s been a great friend to Summer.”
I nodded. “She’s solid.”
“You know who else I like?”
“Who?”
“Robyn. She is so sweet and the food was delicious.”
I couldn’t help my smile at the mention of my Goldie. I’d introduced my mom and Robyn a little over a year ago. My mom was in town and had stopped by Ray’s where Robyn and I were coworking.
It was crazy to think about how much had changed since then.
Robyn was legitimately my friend. Us becoming more crossed my mind maybe once or twice, but I appreciated our friendship too much to fuck it up fresh out of a relationship.
Sometimes I wondered if we had taken that step sooner, if I would’ve wasted my time fucking around with other women.
I probably would’ve found a way to mess it up considering how scorned I was after Vanessa left.
“Is she still single?” my mom probed.
“Ma,” I scolded, ignoring the tightness in my stomach. Technically, yes, she was still single. But I was working overtime to change that in the near future.
“What? I'm just saying. She’s a catch is all. I mean, look at her.”
I followed my mom’s line of sight to Robyn as she refreshed the food.
The spread she prepared was immaculate. She made the obligatory baby shower meatballs, fried chicken wings, mashed potatoes, green beans, pasta salad, and chicken paella.
Adrienne was next to Robyn, helping two children get more food.
I smiled as Robyn looked my way. She returned a smile just as big and waved.
We hadn’t spoken since the food was served.
The moment Shiloh announced it was time to eat, folks rushed Robyn and Adrienne.
More than half of the guest list consisted of Ryder’s family.
They traveled down from Chicago caravan style.
His mom reserved a hotel block at the boutique hotel off Winston Boulevard.
Needless to say, she had her hands full.
The moment she was freed up, I’d make my move.
“You better get her while you can,” my mom said, humor lacing her voice.
When things were official, I'd tell my mom. I didn’t need the added pressure from her right now.
I smiled. “I’m working on it.”
“Nadir, we need you to the front,” Shiloh called out while looking for me.
My eyes widened as everyone who knew me looked my way. Hesitantly, I made my way to Shiloh, Samera, and Brianna who wore amused expressions.
“Next, I need Mel, Marq, Taj, and Ryder.”
Like me, the guys were skeptical. Once I saw the balloons on the chairs, I groaned.
“I’m not putting that under my shirt,” I protested while chuckling.
Summer was seated in her wicker chair, recording with a smile.
“The last game is the balloon belly bump. We want to see who can pick up this bottle of water up the quickest without popping or losing their balloons.”
“Aw, hell naw,” Mel said with his hands in the air.
Ryder looked at Summer, eyes filled with defiance. “Who signed me up for this?”
“I did!” Summer said, then giggled. The room erupted with howls of laughter.
One by one, we put the balloons under our shirts and sat in the chair. When Shiloh gave us the cue, we were to stand then lean down to get our designated water bottle. I already knew my ass wouldn’t win. Mel fell from his stool before the time started, causing another roar of laughter.
We looked like fools trying to get up from the low seats.
Ryder lost his belly first; Taj’s balloon popped because he leaned too far forward.
I scooted to the edge of the stool and braced myself with one hand.
Marquis did the same. Slowly, we rose to our feet.
We stood at the same time and I looked at him. “It’s me and you, bruh.”
We bumped fists then moved to the next phase of the game.
Marq did a sumo squat that I copied then reached for the bottle.
I didn’t realize how far the ground was before.
I cupped my balloon belly as my fingers grazed the water bottle.
Marquis dipped lower for the bottle. He accidentally pushed it forward.
As his bottle rolled, I took that as my chance to end the game.
With one final reach, I grabbed the top of the bottle with my index finger and thumb.
“We have a winner!” Shiloh announced.
Everyone applauded me as I snatched the balloon from under my shirt. My prize was a gift card to a local coffee shop that I ended up giving to Brianna. After the games ended, everyone mingled, took pictures, and ate some more.
I made my way to the food, in search of Robyn.
“Your plate is in the food warmer,” she said from behind me.
“I came to see you.”
“Oh.” She smiled then reached for a hug. “Congrats on winning the game.”
Robyn patted my stomach and laughed.
“Were you a part of that ambush?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe...maybe not.” Robyn yawned then eyed the remainder of the food. “Can you believe I thought there would be leftovers?”
“I don’t know why. You see how many plates Mel’s hungry ass had.”
“Yeah, I had to cut him off.”
“What are you doing after this?”
“Showering and sleeping for twelve hours minimum.”
I nodded, knowing how busy she’d been lately. Mondays were our days off. I’d hoped she would use that time to rest.
“I could use some cuddles too.”
“We’re closer to my place. Stay with me tonight. I have to help break down, but I shouldn’t be there too long after you leave,” I told her while reaching into my pocket for my parking pass.
Robyn accepted the card; skepticism filled her eyes. “Where are you going to park?”
“Don’t worry about that.”
She smiled then said, “Thanks, my darling. Can’t wait to cuddle later.”
“Neither can I.”
Two hours after the shower ended, Mel and I found ourselves at Buttercup Biscuit Co for an ice cream social Peaches hosted. Kenya was at the counter taking orders while Peaches fulfilled them.
“Kenya, when did you get here?” I asked once I reached the register.
“As soon as the shower ended. I had to come and help my girl.”
“Respect. Can I get two pints? One cookies and cream and the other blueberry crumble.”
Kenya punched in the order then sighed. “It’ll be a wait for the pints.”
I checked my watch. It was a quarter to ten and I was eager to get home.
“If you want, we can have it delivered. Peaches has her brother doing drop-offs. I know you’re not too far from here.”
“That works for me.”
After completing my order, I peeped that Mel was occupied with Peaches, so I made my exit.
He saw me walking toward the doors and threw up two fingers.
Peaches waved, then resumed scooping ice cream.
The scent of sugary goodness was soon replaced with the earthy smell of fresh rain.
I was even more eager to get home to Robyn.
Rain, my woman, and a nice playlist sounded like the perfect night.
Five minutes later, I was parking across the street from my place.
As I entered the lobby of my apartment building, I locked eyes with Deira.
A slow smile spread across her face while my expression remained deadpan.
I needed to nip this in the bud tonight.
She stood from her post and rounded the glass desk.
“Hey. I was wondering if you were in tonight.”
My strides slowed as I neared her. I didn’t know what to say, feeling a little guilty for not reaching out sooner.
“You free?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “I’m not. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
Deira licked her lips. Heat radiated off her and her eyes pierced into mine. “Can we talk upstairs?”
“We can’t see each other anymore.” I realized skirting the topic was useless. Deira had one thing on her mind and I needed to dead it.
“Oh,” she said, then looked away. “That explains why I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“I should’ve told you sooner.”
“It’s fine.”
The phone rang, prompting her to return to her post. I continued to my place, uneasiness and confusion filling my chest. Our conversation seemed unfinished, but I had nothing else to say. My stomach twisted. I pushed those feelings aside as I entered my apartment.