Page 93 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Ma,” I scolded, ignoring the tightness in my stomach. Technically, yes, she was still single. But I was working overtime to change that in the near future.

“What? I'm just saying. She’s a catch is all. I mean, look at her.”

I followed my mom’s line of sight to Robyn as she refreshed the food. The spread she prepared was immaculate. She made the obligatory baby shower meatballs, fried chicken wings, mashed potatoes, green beans, pasta salad, and chicken paella. Adrienne was next to Robyn, helping two children get more food. I smiled as Robyn looked my way. She returned a smile just as big and waved.

We hadn’t spoken since the food was served. The moment Shiloh announced it was time to eat, folks rushed Robyn and Adrienne. More than half of the guest list consisted of Ryder’s family. They traveled down from Chicago caravan style. His mom reserved a hotel block at the boutique hotel off Winston Boulevard. Needless to say, she had her hands full. The moment she was freed up, I’d make my move.

“You better get her while you can,” my mom said, humor lacing her voice.

When things were official, I'd tell my mom. I didn’t need the added pressure from her right now.

I smiled. “I’m working on it.”

“Nadir, we need you to the front,” Shiloh called out while looking for me.

My eyes widened as everyone who knew me looked my way. Hesitantly, I made my way to Shiloh, Samera, and Brianna who wore amused expressions.

“Next, I need Mel, Marq, Taj, and Ryder.”

Like me, the guys were skeptical. Once I saw the balloons on the chairs, I groaned.

“I’m not putting that under my shirt,” I protested while chuckling.

Summer was seated in her wicker chair, recording with a smile.

“The last game is the balloon belly bump. We want to see who can pick up this bottle of water up the quickest without popping or losing their balloons.”

“Aw, hell naw,” Mel said with his hands in the air.

Ryder looked at Summer, eyes filled with defiance. “Who signed me up for this?”

“I did!” Summer said, then giggled. The room erupted with howls of laughter.

One by one, we put the balloons under our shirts and sat in the chair. When Shiloh gave us the cue, we were to stand then lean down to get our designated water bottle. I already knew my ass wouldn’t win. Mel fell from his stool before the time started, causing another roar of laughter.

We looked like fools trying to get up from the low seats. Ryder lost his belly first; Taj’s balloon popped because he leaned too far forward. I scooted to the edge of the stool and braced myself with one hand. Marquis did the same. Slowly, we rose to our feet. We stood at the same time and I looked at him. “It’s me and you, bruh.”

We bumped fists then moved to the next phase of the game.

Marq did a sumo squat that I copied then reached for the bottle. I didn’t realize how far the ground was before. I cupped my balloon belly as my fingers grazed the water bottle. Marquis dipped lower for the bottle. He accidentally pushed it forward. As his bottle rolled, I took that as my chance to end the game. With one final reach, I grabbed the top of the bottle with my index finger and thumb.

“We have a winner!” Shiloh announced.

Everyone applauded me as I snatched the balloon from under my shirt. My prize was a gift card to a local coffee shop that I ended up giving to Brianna. After the games ended, everyone mingled, took pictures, and ate some more.

I made my way to the food, in search of Robyn.

“Your plate is in the food warmer,” she said from behind me.

“I came to see you.”

“Oh.” She smiled then reached for a hug. “Congrats on winning the game.”

Robyn patted my stomach and laughed.

“Were you a part of that ambush?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Maybe...maybe not.” Robyn yawned then eyed the remainder of the food. “Can you believe I thought there would be leftovers?”