Irish held her hand up. “I promise.”
“Okay.” She exhaled. “So, one night I got really drunk and… I had sex with him the night we met.”
Irish’s mouth gaped in incredulity.
“You said you wouldn’t judge me,” Ivory reminded her.
“Okay, I’m not but damn… out of all the men, you hit Noble’s brother? We’re supposed to be family now.”
“I didn’t know that was his brother. I thought he was actually from Miami, which is why I came back home. I was wildin’ out back then. I felt like I was losing myself. Like it had gotten bad. I was having sex like an addict. I recklessly fucked with Zayd, though, and got pregnant. That was a wake-up call and why I was so adamant about getting an abortion.”
“So, was it a one-night stand? Nothing more?”
Ivory bobbed her head. “Yes, it was just a one-night stand.”
Irish was disappointed but suppressed her distaste since Ivory already felt bad. Irish didn’t go to college so she hadn’t experienced the level of freedom that came with it. On the brighter side, she was thankful Ivory had recognized her behavior and made a choice to change her environment.
“I know I was on some hoe shit but at the time, I just wanted to have fun.” Ivory’s stare drifted to the grass in deep thought.
“Hey, don't beat yourself up. You saw that you were being reckless and made strides to change. I appreciate yourself-awareness. Now, what are you going to do about dinner ‘cause I want you to stay.”
Ivory gawked at her. “I’m not staying so he can be talking about me in his head.”
Irish kissed her teeth. “He don't have room to judge when he had sex with a woman and didn’t use protection.”
“I get that but it’s not viewed the same for a man. Listen, I’ll come back after they're gone. I’m going to stop and see Mama. Just call me.”
Irish grabbed her arm when she turned around. “No, I need you to stay here. This is the first time I’m meeting Noble’s mom and sister. I need my wingman. Please, Ivory. I swear I won’t let Zayd come at you crazy. Noble will get in his ass if he try you. Please stay.”
Ivory peered at her for a moment then sighed. “Alright, if I feel uncomfortable, I’m outta here and I don't care about you being mad.”
“Okay, okay. Everything will be fine. Come on.”
The two walked back inside the house and headed toward the dining room. Everyone was already seated with Noble sitting at the head of the table.
“Um, everyone this is my little sister, Ivory. Ivory, this is Noble’s family.”
“Hey,” everyone said in unison.
Zayd openly ogled Ivory as she took a seat across from him. He smirked at her but quickly looked away. Irish watched them both, hoping she didn’t have to curse him out for fucking with her sister.
“Alright let’s say grace.” Noble held his hand out to Irish. “Mama, you can do the honors.”
“Oh,” she chirped. “Okay.”
Everyone held hands and bowed their heads.
“Lord, we thank you for keeping us together. We thank you for family and for new members that were added. God bless us on our paths and see to it that we are covered in the blood of Jesus. Help us continue to restore broken bonds and build new connections. In Jesus name, amen.”
“Amen,” everyone said.
The chef, along with his staff, served everyone plates. The kids were at a smaller table eating their meals while the grown-ups chatted and pigged out. Irish was thankful Zayd didn’t make Ivory feel uncomfortable.
Noble leaned over to her. “You good?”
She blinked and smiled at him. “I am. Thank you.”
He kissed her cheek. “You know I’m thankful for you, right?”
