“There’s more,” I say before I nod toward the bag.
She places the box of colored pencils next to the bag and sticks her hand back inside and pulls out the next item.
“Ooh. H-how . . . who made this? It’s so cool.”
Deshona holds up the coloring book, customized with her on the cover, featuring the name “Temptation Deshona.”
“I got in touch with the owner of The Q Suites, and she worked her magic.”
“Wow. This is nice.” Her eyes are on the book as she flips through the pages of the coloring book I had curated with her in mind.
Thankfully, the owner of The Q Suites, Mrs. Quintyne, is fast, or I might not have been able to pull off this particular part of my birthday plans. But it’s been in motion since I saw that Deshona likes to color.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I do. Can we color later? I’ll let you use one of my other ones.”
I smirk because I already knew Deshona would make this request. But for her happiness, I’m willing to make myself uncomfortable.
“I already knew it was coming. We’ll see if there’s time. If not today, then tomorrow.” There’s one more thing in the bag though.”
Deshona’s smile reaches her eyes as she digs her hand in the bag until she pulls out the last item.
“Oh my goodness. You’re awesome. A two-hundred-dollar gift card for DD’s Books.”
“Mm-hmm. Now you can go stock up on all the smut you want.”
DD’s Books is a Black-owned bookstore here in Kaigood. I saw Deshona on their website not long ago, so it was only right that I got her a gift card to shop.
“You’re the best, bae.” Deshona runs into me, which catches me off guard, and I wrap my arms around her.
My plans for her birthday changed after I got sick because I wanted to make Deshona feel seen and loved in a way no one has done for her before. Dinner is great, but it’s common. Doing something meaningful and with purpose felt more like the vibe I needed to shoot for.
“Alright, we gotta bounce so we’re not late.” I kiss Deshona’s forehead and then disconnect our bodies.
Then I go to the fridge and remove the small wicker basket I prepared after Deshona fell asleep. Before we walk out the door, I also grab the blanket I bought specifically for today. Deshona and I are on our way to today’s destination within ten minutes as she holds my hand lovingly while she caresses my fingers. To distract myself from nerves, I sing along to the song on the radio. It’s not even a song I like, but I sing anyway.
“Oh, wow. There are a lot of people here. What’s going on?”
I pull into the entrance of Willow Pines Metro Park in search of somewhere to park. Instead of answering Deshona, I pull into a spot and exit before I open the back door to grab the basket and blanket. With them secure, I move to the passenger side and assist her out of the vehicle.
“What are we doing here?”
“Afternoon matinee. I figured we could do some public boo-loving and shit.”
“Ooh. I like the sound of this. I love a thoughtful and innovative birthday celebration. You did good, bae.”
Deshona smirks before she interlocks our hands as we head toward the area where several back-to-back sappy chick flicks will be featured for the afternoon. I couldn't care less aboutthe movies playing or the other couples who will be here. But my woman enjoys Netflix and chill, so I figured this would be something else she could hold close to her heart. Some vendors offer a wide range of food items if Deshona desires something beyond what I packed. With Deshona’s hand in my free one, I lead us to an open space near the projector-like screen that’s set up on the lawn. People are scattered around the area, yet it still feels intimate, which makes me smile. Today is about to be something Deshona and I talk about for years to come.
Chapter 21
Deshona
If someone had a telescope zoomed in on this living room, we would be a sight to see. I actually wish I could take a candid picture with myself in the frame because this is a memory I’m gonna hold onto forever. Alijah’s efforts to make up for being sick on my birthday has given me the experience of a lifetime. I’ve been gifted flowers, jewelry, and various food dishes by way of whatever restaurant I went to. But Alijah’s birthday gifts have my heart in a chokehold with their priceless, memorable effort.
“This shit is actually relaxing. I can see why it’s your jam,” Alijah says as my eyes lift from the coloring page I’m working on.
“Mm-hmm. It’s very therapeutic. I can do this for hours and not get tired or bored.”
