Page 83 of The Other Side Of the Game

Why did Saundra go around digging up all of Mama’s broke-ass, unknown relatives I wondered as I watched a bunch of women with their hair done up in gelled-to-the-max ghetto sculptures. They heaped pasta and chicken on the little appetizer plates like we weren’t going to have a formal sit-down dinner in an hour. One of them was even stuffing fried shrimp in a paper bag that must have been bought for that purpose. Of course they were all loud and soon they were drunk. They’d better enjoy the hell out of themselves because Nick and I are getting married next summer and you can bet your last dollar that these seafood-stealing bitches will not be on the scene. The Seabrook family is already having a fit because he gave me an engagement ring. Seeing this bunch would just kill Nick’s mother outright. And why should I feel guilty? Mama’s family left us to fend for ourselves after she died.

Saundra and Yero are grinning like they hit the lottery and, yes, I had a lump in my throat during their first dance because this day had come so close to not happening. That would have been a tragedy because they love each other so very, very much. When Phil led Saundra out on the floor for the father/daughter waltz, I actually did cry and Nick dabbed at his eyes, too.

I wonder how Evelyn is doing. I know that up until the last minute, Saundra was hoping she would show up. I wanted that to happen also for Saundra’s sake. But no one can blame the sister for putting Phil, Saundra, and the whole mess behind her. I just hope she didn’t have a nervous breakdown or something.

If I had a magic wand, I would wave it around and make Phil a straight up heterosexual and Evelyn would suddenly appear on his arm. They would raise their champagne glasses along with the rest of us to toast Saundra and Yero. But I don’t have one so all I can do is fold myself into Nick’s arms, let him lead me onto the floor for our own dance, and pray that our wedding day is as lovely as this one.