I shake my head, laughing as I pull onto the road, praying I don’t miss my flight. And grateful we ended this call on a good note.
3
bad idea
OTHELLO
I should have beenat the airport an hour ago, but lack of certainty held me up. The thought of seeing my cousin Gavin for the first time in three years feels like I’m opening a healed wound. Memories I fought hard to get out of my mind are back again. And honestly, I’m not even sure if I’m ready to see him. But my promise to his mother, my Aunt Mimi, is the only thing pushing me forward.
I check my watch, second-guessing this Uber ride. She’s driving like I didn’t tell her ten minutes ago that I am running late for my flight, and it’s taking everything in me not to tell her to put the pedal to the damn medal, but it’s not her fault. It was my procrastination, and the seven times I hesitated to leave on time.
I probably should have driven myself to the airport, but the thought of leaving my luxury car in a public garage for a week made me shiver.
Hell no.
AVEN: Hey, can you talk? I read your manuscript. It’s giving bitter vibes.
I roll my eyes at the text from my agent. She’s been on my ass the past several days about this book I’m writing. It’s a new genre, something that’s totally out of the norm of my philosophy style. I mean, writing poetry isn’t out of my element. I’ve been writing poetry since I was thirteen. But my readers are drawn to the unbiased, fact-based narrative that I bring to them.
OTHELLO: can i call you when i touch down in Maui?
AVEN: No prob.
I wonder what Aven is going to drill me on now. But I push that thought out of my mind, because I’m not even sure I want to release something like this. How would they feel if I release a book full of raw, unfiltered, and honest reflections written straight from the heart? It’s a risky change, and it could throw people for a loop.
“Where you headed?” the driver asks, breaking into my thoughts.
I look up, our eyes meeting in the rear-view mirror. She gives me this flirty eye look before returning them to the road ahead. The app said her name is Clover. Probably in her early twenties, which is way too young for me. Not that I am checking her out.
“Hawaii,” I answer.
“Nice! I’ve never been. How’s the weather there this time of year?”
“Um, sunny. Hot. Although I’ve heard there can be rain showers sometimes.”
“Lucky you. Hopefully it doesn’t rain on your vacation.”
What a play of words. I almost laugh. Causelucky me,I am not. I feel like it’s already raining on my vacation cause I can’t think of anything more aggravating than going to this wedding.
“I hope it doesn’t rain either,” I tell her.
I’m about to keep the conversation going when I get an incoming text from the #WadeForEachOther group chat that pops up on my phone. The chat includes the bride, groom, and their entire wedding party.
GAVIN: Yo! It’s the week we’ve all been waiting for. Can’t thank you all enough for wanting to celebrate with us.
JAMES: I’m just ready for an epic bachelor party.
TODD: Ass and titties in Hawaii! Let’s gooooo!
DANIELLE: So no one told you guys it’s coed?
VERNON: Wait. What?!
I shake my head and mute the chat before sliding my phone inside my bag.
Shit.Maybe this is a bad idea. I shouldn’t be this wound up. When thatWill You Be My Groomsmanbox was delivered to my door, I could have told Gavin no.
Hell, I still can.
