Humorless
Jealous
DL
Emotionally unavailable
Or, all the above
Zeek was different.He had character. And, his ego wasn’t tripped at the sight of a woman or the rejection from one. He managed his emotions well. He managed mine even better. Reassurance was a language he spoke fluently, and one the deepest parts of me needed.
With him, I felt safe. My vulnerability was at its peak. I was puddy in his presence. A doll. A princess. A version of me I didn’t know existed until he revealed her.
“Baked catfish, mac, and fried cabbage.”
“Send me a plate through the mail, chile. These hoes been telling me I’m losing weight. Stress hoe! Stress. Niggas not handling their business, and bitches always in mine. Next bitch mention anything about a weight loss like my baby didn’t put eighty pounds on me, I’m hitting her in her shit. I’m not losing weight. I’m getting back fine, big back.”
Chuckling, I headed toward the dining table. Though set for four, only two people would be dining. I straightened the napkins and dinnerware. Burgundy glasses lined the table. Matching bowls, plates, and water cups accompanied them. Cream placemats promised to catch anything that fell from our forks. An embroidered runner protected the table.
The Hendersons
The fine details were my obsession. In thirty short days, Zeek and I would be eloping on a beautiful island with sand between our toes. He’d chosen Italy, Cala Brandinchi specifically.
On the catamaran, surrounded by clear water, we shared our first kiss as a couple. It would also be where we shared our first kiss as husband and wife. I was brimming with excitement. I’d never imagined this girl from Dooley would be living the life Zeek offered.
“If I could, you know I would.”
I made my way through the dining room and into the hallway. Down the hallway, I rearranged the fixtures on theconsole near the door. My satisfaction led me up the staircase on the left. I hardly traveled up the stairs on the right side of our home.
“I know. I know.”
“Well, it has been nice, babes, but I have to prepare for Zeek’s arrival. According to his location, he should be pulling up within minutes.”
“Okay. Make sure you knock that nigga’s socks off tonight. That new Benz won’t buy itself!”
“That new Benz is as good as bought if my pussy has anything to say about it.”
“That’s my girl! I’m coming to the next family reunion. I need a brother, cousin, uncle, or something. I’ll even take a daddy.”
