“Dex saved the wedding,” I declared.
Elise eyed me, a smirk on her face. “That wasn’t the only thing Dex saved today.”
I nodded, then noticed the way she was staring at me. Like she knew something I didn’t know. Or something I didn’t want her to know. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“No reason. Just… Dex is… Something about those Young men that make women weak in the knees.” For years, Elise had an innocent crush on Dex’s oldest brother, Tristan. But James had come along and changed everything for her. “I’m telling you… the older he gets, the finer he gets.”
She hadn’t told a lie. Dex was extremely handsome. Brown skin, light eyes, lean frame. Women stared openly at him wherever we went and some even threw themselves at him. He could’ve been the type to take advantage, but he’d always been a gentleman.
“Char?” Elise sang.
I blinked. “Huh?”
“What are you thinking about?”
I scratched the back of my neck and cleared my throat. “Nothing.”
“Sure you’re not thinking about Dex?”
I snorted. “Why would I be thinking about Dex?”
“Because he came in all Knight in Shining Armor, saving the damn day. With you and with Justus.”
“Okay…?”
“Girl,” she shouted. “Stop playin’. He’s hot! Why not go for him? You know Mom and V always wanted a union between their children.”
“Shut up.”
“It’s true. Why can’t it be you? Well, ithasto be you. Bliss is their only daughter left and Harper is not her type. A little too stuffy for her. And I love my brother, but he’s a little dull.”
Unable to help myself, I barked out a laugh. More than a few curious glances turned our way, and I covered my mouth. “You make me sick, Elise,” I murmured. “Got me looking crazy over here.”
“I feel so bad for saying that because I want all of us to be great.”
“But you said it anyway.”
“You think Harper is still a virgin?”
“My mouth fell open. “Elise,” I hissed. And she cracked up—loudly.More curious stares. This time from the pastor and his wife. “Shhh.” I pinched her leg. “People are looking. What if Pastor Wallace heard you?”
“Maybe Pastor Wallace should give Harper some pointers. He’s been married decades. He probably knows how to put it down.”
“Oh God,” I whispered.
“Sex is natural. I bet you the pastor’s wife is going to get some tonight. They got a hotel room. And the associate pastor is in charge tomorrow too? They’re definitely getting it in.”
The more she talked, the louder she laughed, and eventually I dissolved into a fit of giggles at her antics. “You’re so bad. We’re going to hell.”
“No, we’re not. We’re just having fun.” She took a sip of wine. “And drinking.”
I snatched her glass away from her. “I’m cutting you off.”
Elise pouted. “It’s okay. I’m already very tipsy.”
Several minutes later, the music changed and Silk Sonic’s “Smokin’ Out The Window” blared through the speakers. At that point, it was on and poppin’. The lights dimmed next. Then, the younger crowd jumped up and made their way to the floor and the older guests headed back to their tables. Well, all except for my mom and Mama V. The two ladies were out there dancing and singing, hands linked as they showed off their Chicago Step skills.
“Look at them,” Elise mused with a wistful sigh. “I love them.”
