“Me too, lil mama. Let’s go in.”
The roaring 1920s theme was evident throughout the space. Everything was black, white, and gold. Candles and string lights gave the space a feeling of intimacy. There were no flowers, only feathers and pearls. Feathers in tall vases draped with pearls, feathers in short vases, and feathers in vessels as centerpieces on the long dining table. There was a champagne fountain draped in pearls, and pearls adorned the table as decor.
Bailey’s sisters rushed up to us as soon as we entered the room. They exchanged hugs and kisses.
“Happy thirty-fourth birthday, Bailey Boo!” Collins practically shouted.
Church laughed while Perkins waved Collins off.
Perkins gestured toward the drink in Collins’s hand. “This is her first time drinking since she had Blossom. She’s already drunk.”
Bailey smiled at her sister. “Good for you, Collie. A little pump and dump never hurt nobody.”
Collins’s eyes widened. “Right? I pumped enough to make sure my baby could eat for the next few days. I just needed to feel like myself for one night.”
Bailey hugged her. “No judgment zone.”
“Thank you. Happy birthday, Bright.”
I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks.”
Alisha danced over holding Blossom. “Happy birthday, Bailey Boo.”
They hugged. “Thanks, Mom.” She gestured toward Blossom. “You babysitting tonight?”
“Yeah.” Alisha smiled down at Blossom. “We’re giving the new parents a night to themselves. Happy birthday, Bright.” She gave me a one-armed hug.
“Thank you.”
The night went on with going around the room greeting our family while a deejay played R&B in the background. After about forty minutes of mingling, we all took seats at the table for dinner.
The menu was curated by Brewer. Once he found out the theme of the party, he was intrigued and decided to be in charge of creating a menu that was a hybrid of popular dishes from the 20s, along with some of me and Bailey’s favorite dishes.
After dinner we moved from the dining set-up to the lounge area, so that our family could present us with our birthday presents. Most of the gifts were typical of what one would expect for their birthday, but there were several standout gifts.
My four brothers had gotten together and purchased a large, dilapidated property with views of the river for me. Based on the pictures, it was a rehabber’s dream. I knew I could make something showstopping out of it. It could be my own vacation villa by the time I was done.
I dapped them up and gave each of them hugs. I was touched by the gift and excited to start construction on it.
Alisha stood. As she did so, I sent a quick text to the lodge’s event planner.
“Bailey,” Alisha began, “I know this year has been really difficult for you. For a while there it seemed like the deck was stacked against you. I’m so proud of and inspired by the way you rode out the storm with fortitude, grace, and quiet courage.
“As your mother, I know your ins and outs. I know that there were times you felt like you didn’t know if you were coming or going. I don’t expect you to be some strong, ever-persevering, mythical black woman. You have just as much right as anybody else to break down and throw in the towel. But the fact that you kept pushing, kept believing, and kept getting up every day—kept being the Bailey Boo that we all root for and love, just makes me feel like I did something right. I made a lot of mistakes with you girls, but you four continue to surprise me with how great you turned out in spite of me.” She wiped away tears as they trickled down her face. “Bayliss and I have watched you turn the bed and breakfast into something phenomenal. We could not stop gawking at all the finishes and your selections when we were there for the soft opening. After a bit of consideration and speaking with Bayliss, I decided that itwas impulsive of me to purchase it. After working for over thirty years, the last thing I want to do is work somewhere else.
“But if it’s something that you’re interested in, we would like to gift it to you as a birthday present. The deed has already been changed over to your name. It’s yours free and clear to do with it whatever you wish.” Alisha concluded her speech by handing Bailey a document that I presumed was the deed to the property.
Bailey broke into sobs. Almost everybody at the table got up to hug and comfort her at some point, because she was so touched by the gesture.
“Mom. Bayliss. I don’t even know what to say.” She finally spoke after she pulled herself together. “This is the most extravagant gift that anybody’s ever given me. A bed and breakfast of my own. Wow.” She shook her head. “I want to say more, but I promise I don’t have the words. Just thank you. Thank you. We’ll talk about it later, but right now I’m overwhelmed.”
She, Alisha, and Bayliss hugged.
“Whew,” Bailey said, reclaiming her seat. “This is a lot.”
“It’s not over,” I warned her.
Her eyes widened. “Bright, please, I can’t take any more big surprises.”
