My chin fell. Darkness welcomed me back.
“Dear God, thank you for this day. Thank you for bringing us together to celebrate the most gracious gift one could ever receive… life. I pray for peace, continued love, light, and protection. Keep us. Teach us. Lead us. Bless the food we are prepared to receive. Bless our minds. Bless our hearts. Amen.”
“Amen.”
“Amen.”
“Amen.”
“Amen.”
As our heads lifted and eyes opened, two servers appeared with dishes balanced on their palms. No one stood. No one reached. No one moved. Conversation continued as our plates were piled with savory servings of the dishes Rhea had prepared.
Lamb.
Lobster.
Steak.
Broccoli.
Stuffed bell peppers.
Fully loaded baked potatoes.
A creamy seafood sauce.
Mixed veggies.
I leaned in, nudging Royce.
“Baby, between your mother and mine, I’m going to have to hit the gym twice a day.”
“Or let me work you out.”
“In that case, I’d better eat up, huh?”
“Please do. But, not too much, because your dessert will be waiting.”
“There’s always room for that, my baby.”
For the next two hours, plates were emptied and bellies were filled. Water was replaced with wine and Cognac and Hennessey and Crown. The options were endless. So was laughter. Connections were made. Bonds were strengthened.
And, little by little, the crowd dispersed. The women slowly exited, one by one, leaving the men to their common interestsand conversation. It wasn’t until I was ready for something sweet that I stood from my seat in search of my dessert.
I was ready for our night to end. The day had been long and there was an even longer day ahead of me. I would be on the first thing smokin’ in the morning. The city of Berkeley was waiting.
“Excuse me, gentleman. It’s been great.”
“Getting out of here?” Saint asked.
“If I can manage to convince Royce. Have to head back to the city first thing in the morning.”
“Understood. Tell Royce to holler at me. Next time you’re in town, I’ll put you on the list. Come watch some ball.”
“Aight. I will. That sounds like a plan.”
One by one, I slapped palms with the men around the table. It wouldn’t be long before they were all finding their way out. Exhaustion was weighing on us all.
