Page 71 of Surrender to Love

“Yes. I actually have the ribs and some of the chicken in the container on the end of the island.” She nods toward it. “Did you want any of the poke put aside?”

“No,” I say, then smile, remembering Shiro’s frown when he tasted the poke I had on the boat when we whale watched. “Definitely, no poke. The ribs and chicken are fine, plus the sides.”

“I got you.”

I leave the kitchen then walk out to the lanai. The sun has started to set and the lights from the pool and tiki torches beautifully illuminate the space. Before stepping over to the bar, I turn on the surround sound and start one of my favorite playlists.

When I step to the bar, the bartender places three small glasses on the counter. I must have frowned because she quickly says, “This is just for you to sample. The fresh pineapples are cut and ready for the actual drinks.”

“Oh okay,” I say and relax.

One by one she pours samples into the cups. “The Mai Tai, pineapple margarita, and the pineapple mocktail,” she points out.

I sample all three, and while they are really good, my favorite is the margarita, of course. “There’s a slight spice in the margarita. What is that?”

“I infused the tequila with a jalapeno. I can make it with regular tequila if it’s too spicy or you don’t like it.”

“No. I really like it. It cuts the sweetness of the pineapple. Definitely keep it and pour me a real cup,” I say with a smile.

After grabbing a pineapple from the cooler, she fills it then adds a thin slice of jalapeno and a lime wedge as a garnish. I thank her and inform her that my sistas should be arriving in about fifteen or so minutes, then walk back inside to put the final touches on my gift baskets. Each has the complete body wash set from the spa in Maui, my favorite giant candle from Light My Flame with a custom label, customized satin bonnets and eye masks, a handwritten note detailing how much I love and value their presence in my life, and a gift certificate for an Ultimate Beauty package at Sugar + Honey. The theme, Relax, Relate, Release Because You’re My Favorite Bridesmaid, is inspired by my favorite show.

I temporarily remove my ring then place the completed baskets in the hall closet right on time, because as soon as I close the door, my doorbell chimes. As usual, Reya is the first to arrive and she’s looking cute in a two-piece floral print skirt set. As promised, her tiny belly is on full display. I haven’t seen her since I’ve been back.

“Why are you the cutest pregnant lady ever?”

“Lucky genes I guess,” she says, then smirks. “But I don’t look as cute as you. Um…you’re glowing and I love these braids up like this,” she says, complementing my updo. “I don’t know if it’s Shiro or Hawaii but you look good, friend.”

“Thank you. It’s definitely Shiro,” I say as we embrace.

“Okay! I love that,” she says, then her hand grazes my ear. “And I love this. Do we all get flowers for our hair?”

“Yes, you do. They’re out on the lanai. We’re out there tonight.”

“The lanai? I love it out there. Is the food out there because whatever that is smells so good?” she asks.

“The appetizers should be.”

“Oh good. I’m hungry. My appetite has been crazy this week. My new fixation is mini sweet bell peppers and cream cheese with chives. I eat them every night and even have Niya eating it, but tonight, I want whatever I’m smelling.”

“Let’s go see if the appetizers are out there.”

“I’m ready. And guess who asked me to pin her next week?” she asks, grinning. “I knew it and I’m too excited. I need something to wear though.”

“They’re all excited and anxiously waiting for The Experience and probate,” I say, referring to the final stages of pledging DAZ.

“Oh, The Experience was the best. I still remember mine.”

“Me too,” I say and the doorbell chimes. “Go ahead. I’m sure that’s Giselle.” When Reya walks toward the living room, I open the door. To my surprise, it’s Alex not Giselle.

“Six-fifty-six,” she says with a smirk. “And I beat Giselle. She was behind me coming in.”

“Let me record this moment because you’re never early for FNF,” I tease as we embrace.

“On time and dressed in theme. Give me my credit,” she says as she walks in.

“Yes, bitch. Credit is due. You kept your word and this orange and turquoise is everything.”

“You like it? I picked it up yesterday. It’s thin though. My ass is a little cold.”