Page 21 of My Heart Belongs to You

Summer sat across from me; a smile covered her face while Ryder ordered their meals. I glanced at my mom who sat between me and Summer. My mom had her hand on Summer’s stomach, gently rubbing it while humming a song I couldn’t name but remembered hearing as a child. Shiloh was on the other side of me looking over the menu, although she had already ordered her food.

My gaze moved to the rock she’d been wearing for almost a year now. I was fortunate enough to host their wedding reception a few months back. They felt it was only right to celebrate their love at the place where it all began. Experiences like that reminded me how impactful Ray’s remained in the community.

I looked around My Place, a brunch spot where Summer and Ryder invited me, my mom, and Shiloh to meet them. It was fairly busy as the servers weaved through the tables while carrying trays. The mix of quiet chatter and easy-listening music bounced off the navy blue walls. We were lucky enough to have a table near the window overlooking Winston Rose Park, recently renamed after Roseville’s first Black mayor. The rose bushes were in bloom and the grassy knoll was freshly cut as the city prepped for the annual spring festival.

Once the waiter had our orders, Summer turned her attention to me; her grin endearing before she pushed out a breath.

“So, Nadir…” she said.

“Wassup?”

I noticed everyone at the table looking at me with heady anticipation. With narrowed eyes, I hiked a brow, questioning her intentions behind this brunch. If it weren’t for Shiloh being here, I’d think this was an intervention of some sort. It wouldn’t have been the first time my mom and Summer approached me with concerns over my life decisions. A few weeks back, she asked me to keep my Monday morning open for her but didn't say why. Summer and I went out to eat often, so this wasn’t unusual.

“Ry and I were hoping you’d do us the honor of being our son’s godfather. I had this whole extravagant speech for you, but I knew you wouldn’t need all that.” Summer waved her hand. “I trust you with my life, so it only makes sense that if something were to happen to me or Ry, you’d be one of the people we’d want to care for him. You’re the brother I never asked for but always needed. Your wisdom, honesty, and loyalty are all qualities I hope to instill in my son. I have no doubt in my mind you’d be a great addition to our baby’s village.”

Since childhood, Summer and her sister Samera had been my everything. We’d gone through so much together, good and bad. There wasn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for them. I looked at Ryder and smiled at the approving nod he gave me. Before he and Summer became an item, we were cool. He and his friends were regulars at the lounge and always put on a show during open mic night. Over the course of their relationship, we’d grown closer, so his blessing was an honor.

“So, what do you say?” she asked after a beat passed. “Shiloh is the godmother, and as you know, Mama is gladly taking on all grandma duties while Ry’s mom is in Chicago.”

My eyebrows wrinkled as I met my mom’s stare. I couldn’t recall the last time she stayed in Roseville for longer than two days. After my dad’s passing, she moved back to her hometown, High Point, North Carolina, where she lived with her husband Warren and his two children. She came to town for special occasions and Summer’s pregnancy was enough to make her stay for months, if needed.

“I got you,” I replied, standing to hug her.

She welcomed my embrace, squeezing me tightly. Ryder and I bumped fists, silently acknowledging each other.

“I appreciate you always having my back over the years. You’ve been my brother and best friend. Our son will be so blessed to have you in his corner,” she told me, making sure no one else could hear her.

Her endearing words rendered me speechless, so I just nodded before returning to my seat. There was a lump in my throat that I forced down with a gulp of water. After taking a second to recover from the touching moment we just shared, I looked at my mom who seemed eager to speak.

“Now, can we talk about the baby shower?” she asked, nearly bursting at the seams with joy.

Summer laughed. “Yes, Mama. Shi, I told Robyn you’d be reaching out.”

“Great. I’ll text her now.” Shiloh pulled out her phone to text Robyn. “I narrowed down the venue options and found someone to make the centerpieces and balloon arches. I can barely wait!” She and Summer shrieked. Ryder and I shared a look then he shook his head.

While the ladies discussed the logistics of the baby shower, I checked my phone, expecting a text from Robyn. We hadn’t really talked since Saturday night in my office. I called when I got home, but that conversation didn’t last long as we were too exhausted to talk. Today she was in D.C. helping her friend who owned a food truck. The rest of her day would probably be dedicated to studying. Robyn was a busy woman and I admired her go-getter spirit. However, sometimes I worried she was keeping herself busy for the wrong reasons. I knew it because I was all too familiar with the sentiment.

After heavy contemplation, I decided to text her.

Nadir:

Call me when you get back.

Seconds later, her reply came.

Robyn:

You free later? I could use a drink.

Nadir:

I always have time for you.

Robyn:

I’ll call when I’m on my way home.

Her reply had several blushing face emojis attached. I imagined the redness filling her cheeks and smirked.