“She’s right.” Rue and Blossom agreed.
The women in my circle always got me right. It was such a blessing to have women in my life that I could trust with my deepest and darkest secrets, and who always had my best interests at heart.
“I have the notes labeled under three categories: Things We Hated, Things We Loved, Things We Want to Improve. They’re saved in the gala folder under gala notes,” said Heidi, the administrative assistant that Rocky and I shared.
“Thanks, Heidi. Is there anything else about the gala that needs to be discussed?” Rocky asked.
I looked around the room at our planning committee, welcoming more input or suggestions, but it seemed they had nothing else to offer.
“Okay. Our next planning meeting is in two weeks, and we’ll begin discussing if we want to do the block party or change it up this year and do the back-to-school fest,” I said.
“I’ll be sending out an email to the staff asking who wants to be on the committee. If you want to sit this one out, respond to that email letting us know. You’re dismissed. Thank you for your time,” Rocky added.
“Thanks, everyone,” I said.
Everyone stood to leave, and Rocky and I remained in the conference room. Once everyone was gone, he was the first to speak.
“Rue told me Rose is moving back toThe Compound.”
I chuckled. “Word gets around fast, but are you surprised?”
“Shit. You never know with Rose. She’s a hard shell to crack.”
“Don’t I know it, but things are different this time, especially after what happened yesterday. Have you heard from Carl?”
“Not yet. He’s running out of time.”
“We need to meet tonight to discuss what we’ll do if Carl doesn’t deliver. I mean, I know what the fuck I wanna do, but nobody will like it.”
“What time is good?” he asked.
“Nine.”
“I’ll let them know. How are things different between you and Rose?”
“We’re not just friends with benefits, and she knows I intend to marry her.”
“She’s changed her feelings about marriage and kids?”
I didn’t answer immediately, because the answer wasn’t simple, and the topic was very delicate. My brother was my best friend and had always been my confidant, my sounding board, and everything else a good big brother should be. However, I wasn’t sure if I should tell him about Rose’s confession.
“Your silence is telling me a lot. Yesterday was a lot, especially after the night y’all spent together. Emotions were high and those old feelings?—”
“Old? Nah. Our feelings for each other never left.”
“I hear you, but if y’all still want different things out of life, getting back together might not be the move. I swear I’m not trying to discourage you, because I think you and Rose have something special, but both of y’all gotta be on board.”
“We never wanted different things, Rock. Rose . . . Rose can’t have kids.”
“Hold up. What did you say?”
“She can’t have kids, so all that shit she was talking about not getting married or having kids was just her protecting her heart. She didn’t think I would want to be with her once I found out.”
“Damn. I had no idea. Rue never mentioned it.”
“Because it’s not Rue’s business to tell, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention I told you. I don’t know how Rose feels about everyone knowing.”
“She won’t hear anything about this from me. How do you feel about it?”
