Chapter 17 #2
After grabbing a pineapple from the cooler, she fills it then adds a thin slice of jalapeno and a lime wedge as a garnish.
I thank her and inform her that my sistas should be arriving in about fifteen or so minutes, then walk back inside to put the final touches on my gift baskets.
Each has the complete body wash set from the spa in Maui, my favorite giant candle from Light My Flame with a custom label, customized satin bonnets and eye masks, a handwritten note detailing how much I love and value their presence in my life, and a gift certificate for an Ultimate Beauty package at Sugar + Honey.
The theme, Relax, Relate, Release Because You’re My Favorite Bridesmaid, is inspired by my favorite show.
I temporarily remove my ring then place the completed baskets in the hall closet right on time, because as soon as I close the door, my doorbell chimes.
As usual, Reya is the first to arrive and she’s looking cute in a two-piece floral print skirt set.
As promised, her tiny belly is on full display.
I haven’t seen her since I’ve been back.
“Why are you the cutest pregnant lady ever?”
“Lucky genes I guess,” she says, then smirks. “But I don’t look as cute as you. Um…you’re glowing and I love these braids up like this,” she says, complementing my updo. “I don’t know if it’s Shiro or Hawaii but you look good, friend.”
“Thank you. It’s definitely Shiro,” I say as we embrace.
“Okay! I love that,” she says, then her hand grazes my ear. “And I love this. Do we all get flowers for our hair?”
“Yes, you do. They’re out on the lanai. We’re out there tonight.”
“The lanai? I love it out there. Is the food out there because whatever that is smells so good?” she asks.
“The appetizers should be.”
“Oh good. I’m hungry. My appetite has been crazy this week. My new fixation is mini sweet bell peppers and cream cheese with chives. I eat them every night and even have Niya eating it, but tonight, I want whatever I’m smelling.”
“Let’s go see if the appetizers are out there.”
“I’m ready. And guess who asked me to pin her next week?” she asks, grinning. “I knew it and I’m too excited. I need something to wear though.”
“They’re all excited and anxiously waiting for The Experience and probate,” I say, referring to the final stages of pledging DAZ.
“Oh, The Experience was the best. I still remember mine.”
“Me too,” I say and the doorbell chimes. “Go ahead. I’m sure that’s Giselle.” When Reya walks toward the living room, I open the door. To my surprise, it’s Alex not Giselle.
“Six-fifty-six,” she says with a smirk. “And I beat Giselle. She was behind me coming in.”
“Let me record this moment because you’re never early for FNF,” I tease as we embrace.
“On time and dressed in theme. Give me my credit,” she says as she walks in.
“Yes, bitch. Credit is due. You kept your word and this orange and turquoise is everything.”
“You like it? I picked it up yesterday. It’s thin though. My ass is a little cold.”
“We’re out on the lanai tonight but my fire pit has it warm enough. You can go. Reya, the bar, and appetizers are already out there. I’m going to wait for Giselle.”
“You had me at bar. I definitely need a drink.”
Giselle’s white Porsche pulls into my driveway behind Reya’s ride.
Typically, she’s in her Infiniti, but tonight, she’s in her favorite ride.
She steps out looking beautiful. The large purple flower tucked behind the left side of her signature bob matches the large flowers on her black mermaid-style dress.
All I can do is smile because she will always immerse herself in a theme and never comes to anyone’s home empty handed. A gold bottle is cradled in her hand.
“And before you curse me out, you know I have to bring something for the hostess,” she says as she passes the bottle to me. “It’s just champagne.”
“Expensive champagne,” I counter.
“Good champagne; the price is irrelevant to us.” We embrace and she touches one of the loose braids cascading on my right side. “These are cute.”
“Thanks, and this dress, did you have to try and show me up?” I tease.
“Girl, stop! You look amazing.”
We enter the house together and I direct her to the lanai while I travel to the kitchen. I inform Kiki that my guests are all here. The main courses will be served in fifteen minutes.
When I make it out to the lanai, Reya and Alex have found the flowers and fixed them to their hair and everyone has a pineapple in their hands. Alex and Giselle are sitting at the table and Reya is standing near the pit.
“Those poke spoons look too good. I wish I could have one,” Reya says while holding her stomach.
“You can have as many as you want. I had them sear the tuna so you could,” I tell her and she steps over and grabs one. When she sits at the table, I have the bartender refresh my pineapple then join them.
“So, how was Hawaii? It’s obvious you were truly inspired because this makes me feel like I’m there,” Giselle says and I grin from ear to ear. Coming from Miss Party Planner herself this is a huge ass compliment.
“Hawaii was truly amazing. The best vacation ever and I got y’all something from the trip,” I say as I try to hide my excitement.
“You didn’t have to bring us anything,” Alex says.
“Of course, I did. Hopefully, you will love it as much as I do, but let’s eat first,” I say as I see Kiki and a server coming onto the lanai.
“If the rest tastes as delicious as these,” Reya says as she grabs another poke spoon. “I’m so ready.”
“Ladies,” Kiki says. “I’m your chef with A La Carte.
Tonight, we have cultivated a Hawaiian inspired meal for you.
Those little cups you have been enjoying are our ahi tuna poke spoons with seared ahi, sesame oil, and onions on homemade wonton crisps.
What’s up next is equally delicious.” As she explains the main course, the servers place the beautiful plates in front of us then leave the small platters with extra servings in the middle of the table.
“Enjoy!” she says before they walk back inside.
“Mm. I can’t remember the last time I had ribs,” Alex says.
“And they look good too,” Giselle adds.
After saying grace, we dig in. While the food is truly amazing and more than I even imagined, I can barely eat. I’m anxious to put my ring on, reveal my news, and give them their baskets, but I hold it in and immerse myself in their conversation about their week.
“You’re not hungry? You’ve barely eaten anything,” Reya asks with concern.
“I’m eating; I’ve just been snacking since they have been here cooking,” I embellish. “Plus, I’m ready for dessert.”
“Dessert? You should have said that before I got some more of that chicken,” Giselle says.
“Just save room. We’re having pineapple cheesecake,” I tell them.
“Oh, you should have led with that, bitch,” Alex says, then dramatically pushes her empty plate away.