“I put on primer, liquid foundation, and concealer.” She points to each item. “Now—”
“I don’t speak makeup, babe.”
“I’ll be ready in ten minutes, tops.”
“Okay, not a minute longer.”
“Sir, yes, sir.” Cocoa salutes, using her middle finger.
“Sarcasm is your color,” I deadpan.
“I know, it’s very versatile too,” she replies in a snarky tone. “I can wear it with anything.”
“Keep it up,” I warn. “I’m going to drag you into the bedroom and fuck the shit out of you.”
“There are tons of people here,” she sputters, flailing an arm.
“Don’t care.”
“Fine, I’ll be good,” she grumbles and turns back to her task.
I linger in the doorway, watching her. I love her little dresses. This one flares over her bountiful backside. What’s underneath? A thong or a G-string? I attempt to take a peek to put an end to my internal debate, but Cocoa slaps my hand.
“Hey, quit it.”
Not one to be bested, I cop a feel instead, squeezing a supple cheek. “Tonight, I’m digging all up in this.”
“Relentless horndog.”
I stick out my tongue and pant like a dog.
She laughs. “Stop, you’re going to make me poke myself in the eyeball.”
Our relationship isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. She has a smart mouth and I have a short temper. Sometimes our passions run high, and we clash, but the make-up sex is phenomenal. My life wouldn’t have purpose without her. We arrived in Montgomery two days ago. Michael and Kelly are hosting a graduation party for us today. Whenever we’re in town, we stay with them. I donated my childhood home to a nonprofit that assists domestic violence victims.
Cocoa went to college in D.C. for the first year, then transferred to a school in Texas to be closer to me. I recently signed with the Arizona Scorpions and Cocoa landed an editorial assistant position at a news station. Tomorrow, we’re leaving for Bora Bora for two weeks before moving to the Grand Canyon State.
Cocoa’s ecstatic about living near Lo and Micah. A ninety-minute flight and she’ll be in Los Angeles. They have other things going on, so couldn’t make the celebration. Saint joined the Navy after high school, so he won’t be around much. It took a while, but we all get along now. Stan, Lynette, Jeremy, and the girls are here. Witnessing every milestone in my life is important to her.
“All done,” Cocoa announces, placing her makeup in a large case on the sink.
“Finally,” I gripe.
We head outside hand in hand, joining our family and friends. Tents, tables, and chairs are set up in the backyard. There’s even a DJ. Michael’s on grill duty. The smell of flame-charred meat assails my nose and my stomach growls in anticipation.
“Damn, took you two long enough.” Dee ambles up to us, giving me dap and Cocoa a hug. “Got a quickie in?”
“No, we did not.” Cocoa rolls her eyes, smacking him on the arm.
“It’s okay, you can tell me.” He waggles his eyebrows. “My lips are sealed.”
Kayla and Nix join us, saving Dee from receiving another well-deserved whack.
“Looking fab, Kayla.” Cocoa snaps her fingers. “Yas, work it girl!”
“Thank you.” She blushes.
Cocoa and Kayla walk off, chatting.
