“Ooh, this sounds promising. It’s also why I encouraged you to see Rosetta. It’s time you take a sip from the fountain of peace.The things that you take in and push out have to be peaceful in order for love to come in. You had to be in a healed place to reach the places in love that God is gonna take you to.”
My lip trembles as I set my glass on the table in front of me so I can process Aunt Emmy’s words of encouragement. I value her advice and ability to speak life into me, because it’s how I have survived my whole life.
“Thank you, Auntie. They also invited you which is the favor I need. Will you go with me?”
“Oh, hush that praise. Only God deserves it. You don’t need to ask; I will always be wherever you need me to be. Now, what time do I need to be ready? You’re picking me up, right?”
I smirk at the subtle rebuke of my gratitude because Aunt Emmy never allows me to give it to her.
“Yes, ma’am. Dinner is at six-thirty. I’ll be there at about five forty-five. Is that okay?”
“It sure is. I’ll see you soon. Love you, Bunny.”
I return my expression of love, and the call ends a second later. I stand when my dryer buzzes, to pull the clothes out to fold and put away. My mind is on autopilot as I try to determine what to wear. It’s just a family dinner and doesn’t merit much thought, but consideration has to be given. Even though I've met Zakai’s parents already, I don’t want to go over there looking like I grew up in the twenties. With that thought, I return to the living room and grab my phone to call Zakai.
“You better not be trying to back out on me, Ziya.” A fluttery feeling settles in my stomach when Zakai’s words take shape.
“I, uh, don’t know what to wear.” I stumble over the first part of my words as tingles enter my fingers.
Low laughter that warms my chest like the finest cognac pierces the line, and I bite my bottom lip.
“Don’t sweat the small shit, Ziya. Be comfortable. But most of all, be fucking you. If something happens to shift yourcomfort, I’m still not above slapping fire out of Naomi or Walter. Remember that.”
A series of giggles escapes my mouth and gives me the ability to relax so I can stop overthinking whatever this dinner will be about. I also realize that Zakai is the calm I’ve always needed in a relationship. Things with Zakai are uncomplicated, and for the first time, I find myself dreaming.
Is he the one, God? I can do this with him for the rest of my life.
“Are you still there, Caziya?” The playful tone from a minute ago is gone as Zakai’s tone turns serious.
“I am. I appreciate the offer. But stow your hand. I’m good, and I can’t wait to see you.”
“Aw, you got me over here cheesing and shit, woman. Until later, I love you.”
“I love you too, Zakai.”
The day went by faster than I anticipated, and before long, it was time for me to leave to pick up Aunt Emmy. A shot of laughter falls from my mouth when Aunt Emmy walks out wearing a mahogany jogging set and a pair of white tennis shoes. Aunt Emmy rarely dresses this comfortably, so seeing her like this has me giddy.
“Where do you think you’re going, Auntie?”
“I figured that I would dress for whatever. I have oil in my purse, but the outfit is in case I need to take it old-school. I can revive slap a ho season at any time if something goes haywire,” Aunt Emmy tells me before she closes the door and buckles her seat belt.
“Lord, have mercy.” I giggle.
“Mhm. He’s the only one who does. But I’m going with an open mind because these folks could end up being our in-laws.”
My breath hitches, and I grip the steering wheel tightly when her words settle in my mind.
“I-in-laws?”
“Mhm. This is the first time you’ve taken me on this type of dinner. I’m looking forward to meeting the new man in your life, though. He must be something special.”
“He is.” The dreamy two-word response collides with the goofy grin I can’t help at the thought of Zakai.
“Good. Now tell me some things about your honey. I want to appreciate his greatness too.”
For the rest of the drive, I tell Aunt Emmy about Zakai and all the reasons why I’m in love with him. I also tell her about how hard he works for his daughter which is another reason why he holds my heart. Aunt Emmy didn’t know until now that Zakai is a single father. But by the time we arrive at Zakai’s parents’ house, Aunt Emmy has a warm smile in place.
“Mm. It sounds like I could have left Buzz at home. Oh well. Come on, Bunny. I’m hungry, and I hope these folks can cook.” With that, Aunt Emmy exits the car, and I hurry to catch up with her.
