Chapter 15 #3
As bad as I wanted to be mad at her, I couldn’t she was right. There would never be another man for me, and I knew Luke felt the same. I got quiet not believing that my twin had gone this long with a secret between us. I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You still should’ve told me, especially in the beginning of all this reunion stuff with Luke and me. And keeping secrets, Callie? That’s fucked up.”
“I know and trust me it was a lot. But, I promise that’s the only secret, and it was for the better of you, do you forgive me?”
I tossed her a side eye as I glanced up at her, “ugh, only because it worked out, but no more secrets, heffa or I’ma cut you off.”
“Girl, please, just like you can’t quit your husband, you damn sure can’t quit me. Now tell me what you’re wearing tonight so I can come up with an idea for your hair Mrs. no money nor ideas.”
I rattled off my outfit as she nodded. Soon I was under the dryer, pulling out Jimmy’s letters. I opened the first to see and all he said was he loved me and he’d be back soon. I ripped open the second and jumped into Jimmy’s words to me.
Holli Girl,
First off, let me start by saying thank you.
Thanks for coming into our lives and allowing us to love you as family from the first day Luke brought you home.
But most importantly, thank you for loving him. I know it gets hard and lonely at times, especially during his season, but your love for him and his for you is what makes it easy to keep going.
Or so I thought.
You left, and I can’t say that I blame you too much, because I know why you did. But let me be clear, it wasn’t best for him nor you for y’all to be apart.
Yes, he went on to accomplish his goal of being one of the best in the league, except it meant nothing to him since the one person he did it for was no longer in his life.
And you…well, it’s not what you talked about when you said school was your reason for not going away with him.
If I remember correctly, this was the biggest reason for you walking away all those years ago.
But nonetheless, you made a name for yourself and I am proud to say I had the honor of having you as a granddaughter-in-law.
Hell, I don’t even know if that’s a real title, but shit we going with it.
I chuckled as I wiped a fallen tear.
Now as your grandfather I feel it’s only right that I tell you it’s time to come home.
Over the years I watched you two go through the phases of life after a tremendous heartbreak, placing Band-Aids on open wounds that would never close since the only person to heal them was too far away or too close and still not together.
I know you still love him just as much as he loves you. Be patient with yourself to welcome the good, bad, and beautiful back when it comes to being man and wife. Don’t rush this time.
You two were so young when you first made that vow but you didn’t understand what it took to hold such strong titles for each other.
If I’m being honest, even some of the old don’t.
Yet, I don’t know how we got here with God’s grace of a second chance for you two, but He makes no mistakes. So let’s get it right this time around, for the sake of the kids.
I laughed loud, causing Callie and the other client who came in to look at me. I smiled as I mouthed my sorries.
“We don’t have kids, Jimmy,” I mumbled as I went back to the letter.
And while you’re doing that, I thought I would remind you of the Holli girl who had big dreams.
And yes, I saved them. I figured you would need to see the plans again. It’s not too late for you to get your dream too, both of them.
Talk to you soon,
Jimmy.
I flipped the page to see my mock draft of my business plan for my magazine I wanted to start along with mockup covers and examples of articles and such.
I chuckled as I sniffled just as Callie lifted the dryer.
“You okay? You over here scaring my clients and shit.” I looked over at the older lady and offered a smile in great faith that I wasn’t crazy.
“Yeah, girl, just Jimmy. Look what he gave me.” I handed her the mockups ,causing Callie to gasp.
“Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen these in years. How the hell did he get them?”
I shrugged. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d seen them.
“Girl, who knows. I told you he was a mini organized hoarder in that house. I probably left it once and never saw it again.”
“Sad ass shame. But anyways, I came up with this hairstyle. Are you ready?” she said while applying the Remy Hair Oil from Mickey’s line. I went to respond when my phone vibrated. I checked and it was a message from Luke.
Deke: How much longer? I miss you.
Me: Be patient, Deke. I promise I’m worth the wait. I miss you too.
“Yes, make me cute. I got a date tonight with my husband.”
While she focused on my hair, I sent one more text message to someone who could help do something for Luke.
Me: Kay, it’s your favorite cousin-in-law. I need your help.
Yes, I talked all that shit about her being in my marriage, but besides me, she was the other person I trusted to know Luke best.
Besides you?
I ignored my thoughts as her text came in. I still couldn’t believe I was tapping back into being a wife.
Not just a wife, Luke’s wife.