I tried my best not to compare the two in the beginning, but it was hard because there simply was no comparison. Kalvin possessed an old-school mindset that women were to serve and be seen and not heard. Kyon and I would talk about important political and economic issues worldwide. He would ask my opinion on various subjects, and if he didn’t understand a subject concerning women and our autonomy, he would ask.
I loved having a man who also doubled as a friend. Kyon cared about my feelings and emotions, regardless of whether we were on good or bad terms. Kalvin never cared, and he would go out of his way to ignore my concerns when they didn’t align with his opinions. Every time I vented to China, she would always tell me the same thing.You don’t understand his way of thinking because he isn’t your person.I guess I wanted to prove her and myself wrong. The flags were crimson in color, but I refused to see what was right in front of me. In my head, there was no way I had picked wrong again, and I believed we could get past our differences, but there were simply too many.
“Look at me, because I don’t want to have to repeat myself again. You are not at fault for what happened. Yes, I wish you had talked to me, but I saw the pictures too. If I didn’t know the kind of man I am, I wouldn’t have believed it either. You reacted the way a normal person would, and while I hate we missed out on so much time together, it’s not on you.
“When I first found out about the cruise, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go. Then I kept having these dreams where I was on the ship and there was something on the other side of my room door I couldn’t seem to get to. My gut was telling me it was something important I needed to see, but every time I got close, I woke up.
“At first, I wasn’t sure how to interpret it, but there was a magnetic pull telling me I needed to find out. The moment I laid eyes on you, there was no doubt in my mind that you were the answer on the other side of the door. I used to pray and damn near beg God to bring you back to me, and I never stopped. Yeah, there were times when I wanted to let go. Hell, I tried to move on a couple of times, but I ended things because I didn’t want to waste their time.
“You’re my person, Lai. Nobody else can make me feel the way you do. I would climb the highest mountain just to get to you. Everything about you makes my soul smile. We’ve only been in each other’s presence for two days, and I already feel whole again. I can’t lose you again, and I won’t. We don’t have to dwell on the past or what brought us here. The only thing I care about is the fact that I have you back with me.
“Don’t waste your time feeling sorry or guilty. I don’t have any hard feelings toward you, and I never will. The only thing I want from you is your love. I feel like I’ve been going through life with my tank on empty, and I needed your love to refuel me. I don’t care what I have to do to keep you here with me for good this time around, I’ll do it. You’re worth any and everything I could ever give up.”
His declaration brought me to tears as I buried my face into his chest. I needed to hear those words. I spent most of the night thinking about the guilt I held in my heart, but typical Kyon found a way to give me peace in the middle of a storm I helped grow. His heart was kind and pure, even when he had every reason to hold hatred in it. It was the reason he was so blessed, even though life hadn’t always dealt him the best hand.
“You’ve got me crying and blowing snot bubbles on the beach. How embarrassing.” I sniffled.
“You don’t have any reason to be embarrassed. Hell, I’m the only man you need to impress anyway, so I don’t give a fuck whatanyone else may think. Besides, you’re still sexy as hell, even with a snotty nose.” He chuckled, then leaned over to kiss my cheek.
“I really cannot take you seriously, but I’m glad to know you love me unconditionally.” I sat up, crashing my lips against his. There was something about the way his lips felt against mine that warmed the center of my chest.
For a long time, I thought I would never feel those familiar butterflies again, but they were present as ever. Normally, I would overthink everything, but I didn’t want to this time. I wanted to enjoy this reunion and relish the familiar warmth and safety I had been missing.
“Aye, don’t get too carried away over there. There are innocent children on this beach, and they don’t need to be traumatized by the two of you dry humping on the beach!” China yelled with no shame.
“Girl, fuck you. I’m sure there were probably a few families who were caught off guard by you and Keonte grunting and growling like wild animals. I won’t be surprised if they send an invoice to replace the bed, since I know the foundation is on its last leg. Nasty ass.” I stuck out my tongue while China covered her face.
“Naw, don’t be ashamed now. You weren’t hiding your face when you were calling him daddy. I can’t believe you, by the way. Uncle Charles is probably rolling over in his grave right now,” I jested.
“I can’t believe you would put my business out there for the masses. Listen, I’m not even gonna lie, I lost a little bit of my sanity with every stroke. I’m pretty sure I promised him thirty acres, a mule, two babies, and a Benz. I’m just a girl.” China shrugged, and Roxy and I fell out laughing.
“Aye, I don’t want to hear none of this shit. Yuck.” Kyon frowned with his fingers plugged into his ears.
“Oh, please. This is payback for all of the times I had to watch my cousin walk around with a limp while singing love songs. You never know, we may fuck around and end up having a double wedding. Just know there will be fried chicken and Don Julio at the reception,” China declared.
Keonte sat there quietly with a goofy grin on his face. Clearly, he wasn’t the least bit bothered by her foolishness.
“Well, I’m glad you all are enjoying your rooms, because the only body parts I’ve had on me are toddler feet on my back. If I ever have the opportunity to take another cruise, I plan to come by myself,” Roxy stated. “Who knows, maybe I’ll find a new man to bring me back here.”
Her statement caught me off guard, and I needed to get some answers.
“Ladies, let’s go over to the bar and grab another drink. The rum has worn off. Plus, I need to grab a bottle of water before I end up passed out somewhere.” I attempted to get up from the chair, but two large hands pulled me back.
“Who told you that you could leave?”
My heart and coochie thumped in unison. His voice had always been a weakness of mine, and nothing had changed.
“I’m thirsty. Besides, you should want me to be good and drunk so you can take me back to the room and have your way with me,” I purred.
“I’ma do that anyway. You must have forgotten me and my pussy have a lot of catching up to do.” He winked, sending chills down my spine.
“I guess you have a point, but I also need a moment to gossip with my girls, and I know you don’t want to hear us talk about another man.”
“Yeah, you got me there. I just now calmed down from wanting to beat that lame ass nigga to sleep. All I know is you better get it out of your system now because when we get backto the States, that nigga will be nothing more than a distant memory. My manager already warned me about the potential consequences of my actions, and I’m trying my best to do right.”
“Please listen to him. I just got you back, and I’m not built for visitations, commissary, or those blurry-ass video messages. I would hold you down regardless, but I might have to get a man on the side because big mama has needs.”
“Big mama my ass, and what do you know about those video messages? Let me find out you went and found a felon while we were on a break.”
