Page 69 of Surrender to Love

“Yes. I’m listening,” I lie because clearly I wasn’t.

My fear of riding a motorcycle seems outrageous after last night. One ride and I’m a new aficionado of all things motorcycles. Exhilarating is the best way to describe the feeling of the cool night air against my face through the open vent of my helmet as we traveled through the city. I enjoyed our closeness, the relaxing hum of the engine, and the joy on his face from having me on his bike. The best part, however, was our stop at an old A-line bridge right outside of Diamond Falls. Under the dark stone arches of the bridge and the star-lit sky, we made love on his bike.

Saying yes to Shiro was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. There was no hesitation, no second guessing, no processing, I simply said what my heart, body, and mind wanted…needed. It’s amazing how sometimes being loved the right way, by the right man, makes me fall in love with new things because he brings out all the best parts of me.

“Where did you drift off to?” Lexie asks, squinting. We were discussing my calendar for next week. She said something I don’t even remember but whatever it was caused my mind to wander back to last night. Honestly, it’s been stuck on last night all day. “I lost you for about five minutes.” She grins and I join her.

“It’s been a week and I’m just ready for the weekend,” I say.

“That’s the one thing I hate about taking off. When you come back, there’s so much more to do in less days.”

“True but Hawaii was amazing. I have no regrets and I would redo this jam-packed week all over again to go back.” I glance at the clock and see it’s almost four. “Get out of here; I’m leaving myself.”

“As soon as I discuss this dismissal with the registrar, I’m leaving,” she assures me, then stands.

“Okay. Well, have a good weekend if I don’t see you.”

“You too.”

When she walks out, I log off my laptop and disconnect it from the docking station. After placing it in my bag, I turn off my Keurig and tea brewer and close my blinds. The minute I step back to my desk, my cell vibrates. It’s a text from Giselle in our group chat.

Giselle: Are you sure I don’t need to bring anything tonight?

Alex: Kyrah’s hosting… LET HER!

Giselle: I am. I’m just being a good guest and want to bring something.

Me: I have everything. Only bring yourself dressed in cute tropical colors.

Reya: So there will be food? I’m not asking. Your little niece in my belly is. She’s hungry.

Me: I HAVE EVERYTHING. Just be on time. (Alex)

Alex: Not I’m being called out. Just for that, I’ll be there at 6:59.

Me: You better!

Before leaving the office, I send one final text to my event coordinator for tonight. I’m channeling my inner Giselle and going all out. Tae of Haute Events and her team are transforming my lanai and cocktail pool into Maui in Crescent Falls and I’ve catered a three-course Hawaiian meal. To tell my friends my amazing news, I want to transport them back to the place where it happened.

On my drive home, I call my man. He doesn’t answer but calls back a few seconds later. He was finishing a vehicle.

“How long are you going to be there this evening?” I ask.

“Till close. Black got a cold or some shit. He’s sick as a dog and left about an hour ago. We have four drop-offs in the morning, so I need to clear this garage before I leave.”

“Damn. I hate that. You can’t do it all by yourself. You might need to hire some help.”

“Yeah. I know. Between Niko and Black out, it’s a lot. TJ knows his way under a hood. I might get him in here to help while he’s here on leave.”

“Maybe he can tomorrow.”

“Maybe, I’ll holla at him. Are you ready for your big night?”

“I am. I can’t wait to get home and see the setup. The caterer is coming at five and the girls at seven. I’m excited. What are y’all having tonight?” I ask and he chuckles.

“Not no Hawaiian feast. Baby, our nights are gon’ be so different. We’ll probably just order something.”

“Well, one thing about our night will be the same.”