Chapter 3 #2
I glanced over at the line for the omelets and shook my head. After she set her plate down, she got in line to get that raggedy man of hers some food. He would have been hungry, much like Kalvin’s ass.
“She’s over there.” I nodded to the right.
“Interesting. She looks like she barely has any toner herself. Yeah, let me go and fix my plate. I’m gonna see if they have any champagne in the back for mimosas, or maybe they can make me one at the bar. I need something a little stronger this morning.”
China walked away, and a few minutes after I took my seat, the boys’ mother finally made it back to the table.
“I couldn’t find my husband anywhere, so I guess he’ll get his food whenever.”
I could tell she wanted to say more but was cautious because of her sons. Kids were nosy and messy as hell.
“You need to worry about feeding yourself. He’s a grown man.
I’m sure he’ll manage,” I replied with my brow raised.
I wanted to say fuck him and his omelet, but he wasn’t my man, and I also didn’t want to negatively influence someone else.
If nothing else, I was certain this wasn’t his first time treating her with no regard.
“Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do what you did. Lord knows I was ready to say fuck it and just come back later. Where are my manners? You helped me, and I never even got your name.” She held her hand out across the table.
“It’s Laikyn.”
“Well, Laikyn, aka my cruise ship angel, I’m Roxanne. And before you say it, I know I look too young to have a name like Roxanne, but my mother was obsessed with the show and running low on names,” Roxanne joked.
“There’s no judgment here. My mother named me after a male character in a movie she loved. She decided to put her own little spin on it, and here we are.”
“You’re really beautiful. Please forgive my randomness, but you have a glow to you. Meanwhile, I’m over here looking like I crawled out of a dark alley. I didn’t have time to get myself together after making sure they all looked presentable.”
Her boys all looked neat and clean. Well, they weren’t clean now with their faces covered in syrup, but it was obvious they were well taken care of. They were quiet as they devoured their food. China came back in record time with a plate of food and a mimosa flute in hand.
“It’s okay. It’s early, so there’s no need to dress up.
Besides, as someone who judges random strangers in public, I would much rather see a mother looking rough and her kids well-groomed than a mother dressed up and her kids looking like she picked them up from a nearby shelter.
I’m not a mother, but from what I’ve heard, it’s ghetto as hell. ”
We both giggled, and I could see her relaxing more and more.
“Being a mother is my greatest blessing, but I won’t pretend there aren’t moments where I want to lock myself in the bathroom for hours and scream.
I’ve been asking my husband for a nanny, but he doesn’t think it’s appropriate because I’m a stay-at-home mother.
I try to explain to him that being a momma 24/7 is a job too, but he doesn’t agree. ”
“Girl, tell him to go to hell. If I were you, I would hire a part-time nanny so she’s gone before he gets home.
You’ll at least be able to get a few hours of peace or at least be able to fix yourself up.
I’m sure you’re a pretty lady under the messy hair and spit up all over you,” China stated boldly.
“Oh, shit. I’m sorry about that. I sat down and added my two cents without even introducing myself. I’m China, Laikyn’s cousin.”
“I’m Roxanne.”
“Yeah, I’m gonna call you Roxy. Roxanne sounds like an overweight lady who wears those loose booty pants but still manages to have a permanent wedgie.”
I covered my mouth as I giggled. The sad part was that I knew exactly what kind of pants she was referring to.
“China, please. It’s too early for me to be laughing. Leave her alone. She doesn’t know how crazy you are.”
“Well, she’d better catch up fast. If you’re gonna hang with us, you’ve got to be ready for whatever.” China flipped her ponytail over her shoulder for dramatics.
“Oh, I don’t mind. My favorite aunt nicknamed me Roxy when I was younger, but when I got married, Aaron said it was trashy.”
The more she talked about her husband, the more annoyed I became. He was the Caucasian version of Kalvin, and if her life was a mirror of my future, I wanted no parts of it.
“Well, Aaron’s uptight ass isn’t here, and I’m not calling you no damn Roxanne.” China huffed, then began to eat her food. The three of us laughed and ate our breakfast together. Once the boys finished eating, Roxy took them to the bathroom to wash their hands and use the bathroom.
“How are you feeling since last night? You were awfully quiet the rest of the night.” China probed. She was right. After my run-in with Kyon, I completely shut down. I hadn’t expected so many emotions to rise to the surface, but it was a whirlwind of feelings brewing within my heart and mind.
“I’m still working through things. I tossed and turned last night until I finally broke down and popped a sleeping pill.
My stomach was in knots most of the night, but I feel better this morning,” I admitted.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face.
His perfectly handsome face. I hated the way his presence sent me into a freeze after so much time had passed.
He didn’t deserve any reaction from me, but I couldn’t control my body, mind, or heart.
“I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m your cousin, and we don’t sugarcoat things for each other.
You need to talk to him, Lai. Aht, aht, before you come for my head, hear me out.
When you first left, I minded my business and let you heal before you dealt with what happened.
You had every right to make whatever decision you thought was necessary for you, and I stood by you wholeheartedly.
Personally, I would have set the house on fire, but you’re much nicer than me.
“The point I’m trying to make is, it’s been three years.
Even if you don’t think you need closure, based on your reaction to seeing him last night, I would have to disagree.
There are emotions there, and I think you owe it to yourself to at least look him in the eyes and tell him how much his actions hurt you.
Whatever happens afterward will be up to you, but a conversation needs to take place. ”
“You’re probably right, but I don’t want to talk to him.
He’s had three years to talk to me, but instead, he allowed me to walk away.
Honestly, I’m not sure it would have mattered.
What he did was unforgivable, and there is no explanation he could have given that would have made the pain hurt any less.
I came here to have fun and unwind, not be reminded of my past.”
“Well, you must have pissed someone off on the other side, because here you are stuck in the middle of the ocean with a man you almost pledged your life to.”
“Why do I feel like you’re not on my side?” I whined, knowing China would give it to me straight with no chaser.
“I’m always going to be on your side. You’re my best friend and one of the few family members I fuck with, but as your favorite cousin, I owe it to you to keep it real.
I’m not telling you to go and jump the man’s bones.
Well, unless it’s what you want to do. I believe in my heart that Kyon truly loved you.
I saw the way he cared for you, and he went above and beyond to keep a smile on your face.
Men can be very conniving and deceitful, but I’ve always felt like something was off about what happened.
Have a conversation with him, and then you can make a decision on how to move forward.
If it’s still fuck Kyon afterward, then that’s what it will always be. ”
I understood where she was coming from, even though I didn’t necessarily know if I wanted to go through with it. Kyon had been a sore spot for me for so long that I didn’t know if I was strong enough to look him in the eyes and talk about the hurt he caused.
Roxy and the boys returned to the table, and she seemed much lighter than before. I was glad I stepped in to help, because she was actually a cool person.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” I questioned. “China and I were going to tour the ship and maybe find an activity. From what I saw yesterday, they have a few hot tubs, there’s a spa, a gym, and they have a couple of stores to shop in.”
“I’m not sure. Aaron is here on business, and he wants me to help him with something. Plus, I have the kids, so I can’t do much,” she replied solemnly.
“The hell you can’t. They have a daycare for small kids, and it’s open until late. Sign those babies up and let them play while you unwind. This isn’t a business trip for you, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy yourself,” China urged.
“I agree with her. There are too many perks and resources here to help kids and parents both enjoy themselves. You don’t have to spend all your time wrestling these boys, and I’m sure they would much rather spend their day playing with kids their own age in an area catered to them,” I explained.
“I don’t know. I should probably run it by Aaron first to see what he says.”
It was clear she wasn’t used to going against his wishes, and I wasn’t going to interfere.
“Okay, well, I’m going to give you my number, and if you want to link up later, then let me know.”
She handed me her phone, and I put my number inside and sent a message to myself. Service wasn’t available on the water unless you purchased the package, but since we both had iPhones, we were able to message over Wi-Fi.
We said our goodbyes, then she headed off with her boys and her husband’s plate in tow. My heart went out to her because it seemed as if her life was completely wrapped up in her family, with no time for herself. No woman should have to go through that, especially when she was in a relationship.
“Alright, heffa. It’s after nine in the morning, and I would like to do some day drinking while we figure out where we’re going to chill for the day.
I know they have some places on the upper decks with beach chairs for us to lie out.
I want to get some sun and show off my new bathing suit,” China expressed.
“I’m with it. I need to head back to the room to change into my bathing suit, but I’m down for a day of drinks and relaxation. It’ll keep my mind off of the two men currently wreaking havoc in my life.” I huffed, standing from the table.
“Well, one of them we can push overboard and solve all of your problems, but you’re not about that life.”
“Girl, you’re always talking about committing a crime. At this point, I wouldn’t be shocked if you already have a few under your belt.”
“And you’ll never know because you’re a scary hoe and you’ll probably sing like a canary if I tell you.”
“China! I can’t believe you would say that.” I clutched my invisible pearls while laughing.
“Am I lying? Don’t you remember when we were nine, and I tried to steal those multicolored bracelets from Walmart? Your ass couldn’t even be a good lookout because you were at the end of the aisle about to piss on yourself.” China fussed as she recalled the memory.
“In my defense, it was my first time being an accessory to a robbery, and I hadn’t gotten a chance to practice. You can’t blame a bitch for being nervous.” I pleaded my nine-year-old case.
“Yeah, and I knew right then and there I would never take your ass anywhere with me. Luckily, no one caught me, but if Loss Prevention had stopped us, I know I would have had to beat your head in to get you to stay quiet.”
“You don’t know my life. Plus, we were young. I know how to lie now.”
“The only people you lie to are yourself and that man who thinks you love him, but that’s a topic for another day. I’m coming to the room with you to make sure you don’t take all day.”
“You tried it. You’re the one who takes forever to get dressed. You can come because if that man is still in the room, I might need someone to hold me back. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but he’s going to end up single before this trip is over.”
“If only God would answer my prayers,” she quipped, holding her hands in a prayer position.
I flipped her the bird as we headed back to my room.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized Kalvin had left the room.
After our interaction earlier, I wasn’t sure how things would go once we saw each other again.
I had no intentions of spending my weekend arguing, so if he wanted to fight, he would be doing it with himself.
It only took fifteen minutes to put on my bikini and get dressed.
Once we left the room, I sent a message to let Roxy know where we were going in case she wanted to join, and then I placed my phone in my matching fanny pack.
Day one of fun was underway, and I wasn’t about to let anything or anyone get in the way.