“It was easier to remain in a relationship with Ella. I understood her. Her not being an affectionate person in a relationship mimicked the way my mama was. I embraced that shit. Now, I just need peace, Dove. That’s all I need.”
I could hear the hurt in my old friend’s voice, and it broke me. I reached out and smoothed my hand over his face. “And you’re going to get it. I’m here for you, Reigh. Nothing has changed. You’re still one of the most important people in my life, and I will care for you, protect you, and be your peace.”
I leaned in and kissed his forehead. He wrapped his arms around me and replied, “I missed the fuck outta you, girl.” He kissed my forehead as I had just done to him. Then he pulled back and smiled at me. Our eyes locked, and my stomach trembled inside with need. I desired more from Reighvyn than I had the courage to speak on.
ONE WEEK LATER
It was an oppressive ninety-nine degrees,and the sun wasn’t letting up. The forecast predicted it would hit 105 today, and I believed it because it was only noon, and we hadn’t hit the time of day when it was hottest. That usually occurred around three or four in the afternoon.
There were only two options for days like this: Stay inside for the air conditioning, or stay in the water to keep cool. People were applying generous amounts of sunscreen, and all up and down the public beach, grills had been pulled out to celebrate the July Fourth holiday.
Little kids were flying kites, building sandcastles, and playing in the water. Some toddled or ran around with grilled hot dogs and burgers with ketchup and mustard oozing from the buns onto their hands. Fathers manned grills while mothers chased little kids. Singles mingled and flirted or relaxed under the midday sun.
There were a handful of elderly people scattered here and there, but not many were out. The news reports cautioned the elderly and sensitive types to remain indoors because of the heat index.
I wore an oversized sunhat and shades as I casually walked beside Reighvyn with a large bag on my shoulder, dragging the cooler behind me. He had an equipment bag that carried our umbrellas and chairs and another bag filled with sodas, waters, beers, and wine coolers.
“I remember this celebration from when we would come out here every summer growing up. There would be great food from the various vendors of different cultures,” I recalled.
“Yeah. I remember. I think they’re gonna have water sports again this year,” he stated, pointing to a group of people setting up an area near Jet Skis, flyboards, and cables.
“Are you gonna participate?” I asked, smiling up at him.
“I don’t know. I might get some jet skiing in. What about you?”
“I definitely want to do that, if nothing else, and maybe surfing.”
He chuckled and bobbed his head. “That’s right. I forgot you were great at surfing.”
“Dove? Reighvyn?” Someone called our names as we reached our location and set up in the sand.
I turned around with a curious look, but Reighvyn instantly called out, “Felicia! Wassup?”
I watched as he pulled her into a hug as her twin, Melicia, walked up to us with a big grin. “Hey, girl!” I exclaimed as she threw her arms around me. “I haven’t seen you guys in forever!”
“I know. That’s because you two don’t come down here anymore. We’re here every summer at the old house. I see your parents, Dove, and sometimes yours, Reigh, but none of you.”
“I know. I’ve gotten bad about that and need to do better. Oh my God, it’s good to see you two again, LiLi and Mel!” I screeched, calling them by their nicknames.
“Hey, meet our husbands. This is my husband, Kyte, and LiLi’s husband, Farrell.” Melicia introduced the two men who joined us.
“It’s nice to meet you guys,” I declared, shaking their hands.
“Aye, Reighvyn Bloom. I know you,” Kyte declared excitedly as Farrell grinned widely too.
I could tell that it made Reighvyn uncomfortable, but as a championship MMA fighter, I doubted there was anywhere that he could go and not be recognized. I also knew that he was here to escape all the talk and didn’t want to discuss anything that had to do with MMA fighting, and I prayed they wouldn’t bring up the scandal. My prayers were lost.
“Hey, man. You’re doing the right thing, fighting those allegations and all,” Farrell stated.
Kyte bobbed his head and replied, “Yeah. I don’t believe that shit for a minute. You’ve always had a stellar reputation. Every time we excel at something, there’s someone looking to pull us right back down in the weeds.”
“Nah, it’s all good. It’s all a part of the struggle anytime you’re famous. It’s gonna attract negative attention, but, aye, it’s the holiday, so I’m not gonna let that shit drag us down. Y’all up for some beers?” Reighvyn asked, pulling some beers from the cooler.
The men agreed and accepted it, and I loved how smoothly he changed the subject, and they went along with it.
“So, you two?” Felicia asked, pointing between Reighvyn and me as he talked with their husbands.
I shook my head. “No. Nothing like that.” I giggled.
