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“Go on. Get outta here.” Mr. Ellis swung his chin dismissively at Jas. “Go get her a drink. That’ll help her forget how much of a wuss you be.”
That had me tittering as Jas hauled me away from the regal couple as the next set of guests were greeted by the hosts.
We collected our seating card a few feet away. As we traveled to our assigned table in the well-dressed courtyard, I was able to steal views of its layout. Already, there were countless Black and Brown people wearing their best formal knits. There indeed was a live orchestra nestled in the back of the manmade dance floor. This was what I’d come to expect from the Ellises; they functioned like royalty.
Jas guided me across the courtyard until we happened upon the other Ellis family.
“My man,” Sadik greeted Jas, prompting him to release me to do so.
“Bilan!” I greeted as we hugged, then air-kissed to avoid smearing each other’s makeup.
“You look amazing as always, girl,” she complimented animatedly.
“Me? Look at you!” She was killing it in a black, sleeveless chiffon gown with a wide metal gold belt synching her waist. It was paired with gold strappy sandals with bold hardware.
“Thank you!”
Sadik, holding a drink, gaped at his wife unbeknownst to her. His goldish-green eyes were lower than I’d been accustomed to seeing as he pulled her into him with a swift yank. She stumbled smoothly into him, giggling.
“Y’all are gonna have to pardon my husband. He’s so excited for his parents; he began celebrating a bit too early.” She crossed her eyes, making a silly expression.
As I laughed, Jas breathed, “Damn. TheMauvegot you like that, duke?”
“Yup.” Sadik nuzzled into Bilan’s neck as she squirmed beautifully. “And guess who gon’ be there, helping me work it outta my system?” I gagged, elbowing Jas, who, once again, shook his head. Sadik raised his tumbler. “Love’s in the air, man. My parents are a shining example of enduring love. I’m just here to celebrate that with my Nalib.” He kissed her neck.
They were a very attractive couple with salt-and-pepper chemistry. If I were into voyager kink, it would be their porn I’d watch.
She squeezed his hand as she sweetly asked, “Excuse us. Please?”
Jas chuckled. “You got it. Aye,” he called out to Sadik. “Big bruh gon’ be down for the festivities?”
Sadik lifted his drink into the air again and pointed. “He’ll probably watch from the balcony.”
As they took off, Jas turned to me. “Let me get you to the table, and I’m gonna go holla at Big I.”
He didn’t ask me to join him as we traveled to the table because Jas knew Sadik’s older brother, a maim, skeeved me out the first and only time I met him. From a wheelchair, he managed to look at me in the grossest manner. Barely audible, he slurred his words, mouth stiff. He said something to me a couple of years ago at his nephew’s birthday party. I couldn’t hear but could certainly understand. When I told Jas about it, I could tell he wasn’t happy but was helpless to react. The man was permanently disabled and couldn’t defend himself against the smallest child at the party. From then on, I avoided that Ellis.
The table was empty when we arrived. Jas’ kiss on my bare shoulder caused my spine to shiver. “Be right back.”
I hummed my acknowledgment before pulling out my phone. My father had not responded to the message I left last week, reminding him Noelle and I were still awaiting his approval of her moving in with me. I hated his standstill. Tonight, I’d text him again and see how long he’d ignore that. I knew it wouldn’t be long because my mother had been calling for Chi-Chi. The mother who still hadn’t reached out to me since returning “home.”
A distinct rasp took my attention from the pictures Shizu texted me on the way here of the new puppy she and David adopted. I glanced up to find a couple resembling the height chemistry I shared with Jas.
Bishop Ezra Carmichael’s beard seemed to glisten in the light of the moon. His black tux made him appear slimmer yet still fit. He mumbled over Lex’s shoulder as she dug through her clutch. The currant-red gown she wore showed off her toned arms and accentuated her round hips well. Them having a private couple’s moment, clueless of my presence, crackled the silent remorse that had been growing for weeks since our run-in in Hackensack at the restaurant.
I stood from my seat, leaving my phone behind. The Carmichaels didn’t notice me until I was practically at their feet, grinning sheepishly.
“Shi-Shi,” Ezra rasped so kindly, not expecting to see me tonight, I guessed.
“Bishop Carmichael,” I replied sweetly, once again lifting my shoulders in humility.
He straightened. “Don’t start with the formalities. We’re family. Always, I assure you.”
I nodded, fingers threaded together at my waist. “I’m sure. Thank you.”
Before I could think of a strategy of apology, big hot hands were on my waist. Jas reached down and kissed my shoulder again. Then he tossed his chin. “The maître d’ told me they’ll be starting soon, so I figured I could go check Iban out later.” Then he acknowledged the pastor and his first lady. “Y’all made it. Almost late, I see.”
“Don’t start, Sin,” Lex rolled her eyes. “You know this man don’t like being tardy, especially when he has to work.”
