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“Going over a few files while I can focus. What’s up?”
“I got the keys to the library,” she announced with a grin. “I was hoping you’d want to go out and celebrate. Maybe we can try that new ramen place and grab a few drinks.”
Keith sighed into the receiver. “I got a lot of work to catch up on, bae. Can we go out this weekend?”
Harmony’s eyes rolled as her body caved against the counter. Typically, Keith spent his weekends out with his brothers and friends. It didn’t matter how little he did throughout the week or how much pain he was in, come Friday night, he was getting into something. His habits made it difficult for Harmony to believe they would do something that weekend, but she also knew there was no point in going back and forth about it. If he didn’t want to go out, he wasn’t going to—period.
“Fine,” Harmony agreed. “I guess I’ll see you when I get home.”
“Aight, I love yo—”
Harmony quickly disconnected the call, not even wanting to hear him say those three words. Lately, that’s all it had been—words. A declaration with no action or proof behind it. She couldn’t remember the last time Keith held her or made love to her. The last time she had fun during their date nights. The last time she felt he was one hundred percent present. Sure, they lived in the same house, but most times, Keith was either in the guestroom or on his phone.
Their two-year relationship and six month engagement was supposed to be a solid foundation for their marriage, but as Harmony stepped into this new season of her life, she wasn’t as confident in their future anymore. As she locked up the library, her phone vibrated. Figuring it was Keith, Harmony let it go to voicemail. She waited until she was inside of her car to check the missed call, smiling at the sight of her sister’s name.
Monique and Trent had given birth to four children, and Harmony was the youngest. Her sister, Angel, was three years older than her, then it was Marcus, and the oldest was Trent Jr. Harmony waited until she’d gotten her car started and was headed out of the parking lot to return Angel’s call.
“Hey, sis!” Angel greeted, and the cheerfulness of her tone brightened Harmony’s mood.
“Hey, sis. What’s up?”
“How did it go? You had the meeting with Kahlil this afternoon, right?”
“I did.” Harmony released a shaky, excited breath. “It wasn’t much of a meeting.” She chuckled. “We talked for a few seconds then he gave me a tour, the passcodes, and keys, then left. I’m sure this is a big adjustment for him.”
“Yeah, but it was his choice… so I’m sure he’ll be good. How do you feel?”
Harmony shrugged as she pulled into traffic. Unfortunately, calling Keith first had dulled some of her excitement.
“I feel good. I’m excited.”
“You don’t sound excited. What’s wrong?”
Harmony released a low exhale as her eyes watered. “Nothing, really. I called Keith to see if he wanted to go out and celebrate but he said no.”
Angel sucked her teeth. “Fuck him. We can go wherever you want to go.”
Though she knew her sister was serious, Harmony chuckled.
“Angel, be nice. I thought Keith was your friend?”
“He is, but you’re my sister, and I know how important this is to you.”
All of her siblings and her parents liked Keith and approved of their relationship, but what they didn’t approve of was how neglected Harmony had been feeling lately. They could sense something was off with her, but Harmony always assured them that it was nothing. Truthfully, she didn’t feel right complaining about her fiancé’s lack of attention and affection while he battled cancer. This was the third time it had come back, and though it was only stage one and the quickest chemo and radiation treatment Keith would have, he was tired of the process altogether.
Why would she complain about the lack of sex and date nights while his body was literally fighting against itself to beat the cancer? Harmony couldn’t pull herself to break up with Keith while he suffered through this, but a part of her wished they would have taken a break when the cancer came back. Keith had requested they put their wedding planning on hold, but it seemed as if he’d also put their relationship on hold too. Outside of the title, they were roommates more than lovers. Thankfully, he was able to work from home, which gave him a distraction. If it wasn’t for that, Harmony was sure they both would be losing their damn minds.
“Ididwant to go out and celebrate,” Harmony admitted, considering her sister’s offer.
“Then let’s go out. It can be just us or we can invite the girls or your brothers. I’m sure Mama and Daddy would love to cook for us tonight.”
Harmony laughed. “Listen, that sounds good to me. Let me get home and settle my nerves then we can decide on a move for the night, but I’m definitely down to do something.”
“Okay, Harmony. Let me know when you get home.”
“Aight,” Harmony agreed before disconnecting the call.
She was glad Angel had called. If she didn’t, Harmony was going to go home and sulk instead of celebrating a monumental moment in her life. While she might not have been able to celebrate with her man, there was no doubt in Harmony’s mind that her family and friends were going to turn up with her all night, and that was more than enough for her.
