She stood in front of the full-length mirror, turning her body to the left, then right, then back to the front. The dress she wore was brown, stopped just above her knees, and hugged her modest curves.
I stood behind her and draped my arms around the top of her body. She looked so small, standing at about five-seven in the heels she wore, against my six-five, but we looked damn good together.
“You coming with me shows my mother that we’re a united front. What she did was wrong and disrespectful. If I go alone,she may think you and I aren’t on one accord and that she can do something like this again.”
“Okay, but since you and I are still getting to know each other, I need you to know that I’m not a disrespectful person. I respect everyone who respects me, but I strongly believe that anyone who is disrespectful deserves to have it thrown right back at them, and that includes your mother.”
“Listen, baby. I’ve been on the receiving end of my mother’s disrespect, so I get it. You’re my wife, and if she can’t respect you, then her access to me will become very limited.”
“Kenzo, I don’t want you to?—”
“I’m not asking your permission to do anything. We deserve respect individually, and so does our marriage. I don’t give a fuck what the circumstances are behind it. We clear?”
“We’re clear.”
She nodded as she spoke, and I released her from my embrace. When she turned to face me, she reached up to fix the collar of my shirt. Before she moved her hand away, I grabbed it and brought it to my lips, kissing the backs of her fingers.
“I’m not perfect, baby, but I didn’t bring you into my life to fuck you over, or to stand by and let someone else fuck you over. My goal isn’t to hurt you, and hopefully soon, you’ll trust me enough to believe that.”
“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
I kissed her forehead. “You ready?”
“Yeah, and I’m hungry too. It’s almost seven o’clock. It’ll be at least eight by the time dinner is served.”
“I got the earliest reservation.”
“I hope they got some good bread and butter.”
We shared a laugh as we finished preparing to leave. A few minutes later, we were headed toBonefish Grill. The ride was comfortably quiet, and I didn’t feel the need to force conversation.
When we arrived, I gave the host my name, and we were seated shortly after. I informed her that one more person was joining us, and she ensured she’d send them over once they arrived.
“Hopefully she doesn’t stand you up,” Malyah commented.
“She had a meeting on the other side of town that might be holding her up, but I’m sure she’ll be here.”
We looked at the menu while we waited, but we didn’t have to wait long.
“Sorry, I’m—Oh, hi. I didn’t know anyone else was joining us,” my mother said, not hiding her annoyed expression.
“Hey, Ma.”
I stood and kissed her cheek, then returned to the booth in my seat next to Malyah, and my mother sat across from me.
“Good evening, Mrs. Goode,” Malyah greeted.
“Hello. If I’d known this was a double date, I would’ve invited your father.”
“That’s not what this is, Ma. Pops don’t need to be here.”
“I disagree.”
“Ma, don’t act like we don’t share a meal a few times a month without Pops. This ain’t new.”
“This is definitely new, Kenny. You’re married now.”
“Oh, so you do acknowledge that I’m married. That’s a good start. Why don’t you look over the menu before our server comes? We can talk after that.”
