SHORT STORY: If Only You Knew - PART 15

Shon

Tonight is the night of our engagement party. I’m really not looking forward to this bullshit, but it is what it is. I have all my deeds together, compliments of James. In addition, the business account that James opened was now closed. I re-opened it with a new financial institution. Trust me, I’m no fool. The trust funds for my children were now in the hands of a different financial advisor. Oh yeah and that blue drop top Mercedes Benz coup that James thought was so cute. It really wasn’t my style. I traded it in for a black on black Maserati Levante SUV. I charged the difference to James’s account. James was busy at work as usual and told me that he would change at the office and meet me at the Four Seasons at 7 o’clock. He rented out the entire ballroom. Everyone was excited including my family. I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to give them a heads up, but after tonight, everyone will know exactly where James and I stand.

Brandon and I exchanged numbers after finding out that he and his girlfriend had broken up. I definitely wasn’t looking for anything serious with everything I had going on, but I sure could use a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen from time to time. I called Brandon this morning to see if he knew of a moving company that would be able to move my things on short notice. To my surprise, he offered to help since his schedule was clear. Once Brandon and a couple of his friends were done loading the truck, we headed back to my house. Thank God I never let my place go. It only took them about an hour and a half to unload everything. I thanked him for his time and told him that I would be in touch. That man is so fine!!! I know God broke the mold when Brandon was created. He kissed me on the cheek before leaving and told me not to be a stranger. It took everything in me not to bite my bottom lip. I was not trying to be a pregnant thot so I simply smiled and said okay.

Time was passing by quickly and I still had so many things to get done before I left. I dropped my boys off to one of their friend’s house for a sleep over. I wasted no time in making phone calls to everyone on our guest list to make sure they would be in attendance, including Laila’s punk ass. Meeka agreed to come hesitantly because she wasn’t sure if I had changed my mind about marrying James or not. After showering and getting dressed, I took a moment to gather my thoughts on what I would say to my awaiting guest. Before heading out the door, I twirled in the mirror. “Black looks damn good on you girl.” I grinned as I headed out the door.

When I pulled my car up front of the four seasons, I informed the valet guy that I wouldn’t be long so just park my car off to the side. He nodded in agreement and took my keys from me. I could feel the stares of the other valet guys so I turned around and winked. They burst into laughter with one another. I was cracking up on the inside at how giddy those teenage boys were acting. As I made my way to the ballroom, I could hear other guest gasping and pointing, but I didn’t care. I knew what they were looking at and probably wished they could look this good in it.

As I approached the ballroom, I stopped to caught my breathe. Even though I was still early in my pregnancy, this baby was really taking the wind out of me. Once I gained my composure, I opened that doors and all eyes were on me. I walked with grace over to where James was mingling with my mother and father. I could see my father’s eyes open wide like he had just saw a ghost. James read the shock on my dad’s face and turned around only to start choking on his drink.

“Hi baby. Hi Mom. Hi Dad.” I greeted them all with a hug and a kiss.

“My dear sweet girl. What are you wearing?” My mother asked in her prim and proper voice.

I ignored her and asked the DJ for the microphone.

“Excuse me everyone. Please raise your glasses. I would like to make a toast.” I spoke in a calm manner while grabbing a glass of champagne from the waiter walking passed me. James managed to force a smile on his face and stood right next to me with his arm wrapped around my waist. If I didn’t catch the attention of the other guest when I walked in, I surely had it now. I was dressed in all back with the hat to match looking like Beyonce in Lemonade and I was there to set the record straight.

“I’m so glad that all of you could join us tonight. James and I have been dating for quite some time now. He is everything that I could ever want in a man. He’s loving and caring. He works hard to provide for our family and I admire those qualities in him. We are also in the beginning stages of starting our family. As you can see, I’m four months pregnant.” I stated. I could hear the crowd clapping and cheering. “This is the day that all little girls dreamed about. Who wouldn’t want to marry their prince charming? The problem with that is we are not taught how to deal with our dreams being ripped from right under our feet. I had to learn that on my own. You see, while I was doing all of the right things to please my man, as I had been taught, my man was out there sharing my love. Oh yes. James Ray Collier was fucking my best friend. Laila baby, raise your hand.” I continued pointing in Laila’s direction. James tried to loosen the grip that his tie had on his neck. I guess the kitchen had gotten a little too hot for him. “I’m not mad though. I’m sure she is not the only one bouncing on that big dick. Don’t feel sorry for me though. I know my worth and I know that I deserve better than to have a piece of man. I deserve to have a man in my life that loves me unconditional and only has eyes for me. So instead of letting your time go to waste, let’s celebrate. Let’s celebrate everyone living in their truth because I know that I am. Cheers!” I screamed as I clinked glasses with James and walked over to Laila. “You wanted my trash? Now he’s all yours bitch!” I whispered before spitting in her face and walking off.

I walked out of the ballroom with my head held high and Mary J. Blige’s song “Thick of Things” playing in my head. I knew I was a bad bitch and I wasn’t about to settle for less. I thanked the valet attendant when he pulled my car over and I got in. When I looked up, Laila was a few feet in front of my car yelling and screaming. By this time, some of the guests were standing on the sidelines watching in horror.

“You better get the fuck away from my car before I run your ass over.” I screamed at Laila.

“We can talk about this. We can fix this. It’s not what you think Shon.” Laila pleaded.

“Fuck you bitch!” I screamed as I put my car in drive and went full speed ahead in Laila’s direction.