We pulled into a vineyard Malcolm and I rented to host dinner for Mom. Today, the weather was perfect for eating outside. The sight of the rows of grapes fascinated me, and I might check into investing in a winery. Erin and I climbed out the door to the fresh air in front of the main lobby. I held my lady’s hand and three dozen white roses for Mom. Inside my pocket was a diamond charm bracelet with our birth stones.
For Mom to be a billionaire, she didn’t buy herself jewelry. Properties, clothes, and businesses she bought often but the men in her life curated her jewelry collection. Stepping inside the door, the first person I made eye contact with was Toni. Why thefuck was she here on Mother’s Day of all days. I didn’t speak, instead, I helped Erin to a seat in the waiting area. Toni gave me a soft smile, but I ignored it. The dress she wore looked designer, Mom or Malcolm bought it.
Erin pulled out her phone, but I removed it from her hands. “Baby, you promised me you were going to disconnect today,” I said.
“Okay,” she said and motioned me closer for a kiss.
For ten minutes, we sat in the enclosed space before Malcolm entered with Jhae on his arm.
“Momma T. Happy Mother’s Day,” he said, and I chuckled.
Erin gave me an unsettled look as her eyes danced over from Toni and Malcolm to me. Jhae also greeted her with a hug.
“Marquise, who is Momma T?” Erin asked.
I glared down into her brown eyes, not wanting to answer her question.
“Nobody to me. But her name is Toni,” I said.
“Marquise, chill out,” Malcolm said.
Erin narrowed her focus and continued to bounce her head between us. She turned my head to her. “Marquise, what was that about?” she asked, but I kissed her instead.
Mom, Pops, and the rest of the family, including Caleb, pulled up on time. I sighed because today was going to be too long, and I was semi-annoyed. Toni blushed as she and Caleb caught glances. She quickly focused on something else not to bring attention to herself. Caleb didn’t catch the hint at the party. Leave this toxic lady where she sat before, she cleaned his pockets.
“Happy Mother’s Day,” I greeted and kissed my mother’s cheek. Afterward, I passed her the roses in exchange for my sister.
I lifted my baby sister in the air, “my princess,” I said, before lowering her for a kiss.
She giggled after I tickled her stomach until Erin approached. She placed her hand on my arm and Khaira peeled her hand away.
“My Key!” she said and narrowed her eyes.
I chucked as Erin’s mouth parted.
Mom laughed before she greeted the rest of the family, including Toni. I shook my head as they embraced. She was the one person who shouldn’t be here and on Mother’s Day of all days.
“Isn’t Herman’s prom next week?” I asked Ivey for a distraction.
She stared first before she rolled her eyes.
“I think I might volunteer to chaperone,” Malcolm said, and we both laughed.
A hostess introduced herself and led us on a tour around the vineyard. The sight of the green grass and crisp air relaxed me as I held Khaira. The ladies tasted the juice, leaving me standing next to Pops.
“Marquise, what’s going on? Your energy is off,” he said, and I diverted my eyes away to find the correct words.
“Nope, be straight up with me,” Pops requested, and I exhaled hard, not wanting to be completely honest.
Khaira reached for Pops before I could express my truth.
“I’m upset because Toni is here. Malcolm didn’t tell me he invited her. We had a discussion as brothers. We agreed he would stop pushing her down my throat. This gift was only meant for mom. I want to enjoy my family without seeing her face,” I said.
Pops nodded in understanding. “I respect your choice, and Malcolm should have said something to you. Have you been meeting with Dr. June?” he asked.
“Yes, I told her I wanted no involvement with Toni. I’ll leave after we present Mom with her gifts,” I said.
Pops placed his hands on my shoulder. “I’m all about you taking care of yourself. As a family, we need to discuss this. I don’t want you to leave events or stop showing up because of Toni. It will kill your mother,” he said.
