Fool and Her Honey (9781622860791) (20 page)

Dina and Candis tiptoed in the house, looking like they thought I was on my deathbed and they were scared to look at me. Nonetheless, I screamed with excitement when I saw them and opened my arms for a group hug. It was so good to see them both.

“Welcome to San Diego!”

Once they saw that I was actually fine and in a good mood, they dropped their apprehension and greeted me like normal.

“How're you doing, girl!” Dina asked, grinning.

“Good!” And this time I was telling the truth. I was good. I was well rested, was sleeping better, eating better, and had even dropped ten pounds since my heart attack.

“We brought you something,” Candis said, thrusting a fruit basket my way with a smile.

“Thank you. This is about all I eat now.”

“Yeah, I see your face looks a little bit thinner.”

I didn't really believe Candis could see any weight difference, since I had so many pounds to go, but I thanked her for “noticing,” anyway.

“Candis, I owe you an apology,” I said before my pride could talk me out of it.

“I'm listening,” she said, poking her lips forward with a half smile.

“I'm sorry, girl. I got some nerve trying to keep you from marrying your man and I got the raggediest marriage in the world,” I admitted. “What does that song say? Sweep around your own back door before you try to sweep around mine, or something like that?”

“I know you meant well.”

“Yeah, but I didn't have no business acting the way I did, or judging you or SeanMichael. Please forgive me.”

“I'ma have to if I want you to be in my wedding,” she said and grinned.

I was so excited, I barely got a wink of sleep the night before I was finally going to meet SeanMichael in person. I'd spent the entire day before primping, just like I would if we were getting married as soon as he stepped foot off the plane. I got my hair done in Senegalese twists that fell midway down my back, got a full body exfoliation, a facial, and a manicure and pedicure. I also went to the makeup counter in the mall and had a young lady do my face and give me instructions on how to re-create the look so that I would knock SeanMichael slam off his feet.

Instead of sleeping, I tossed and turned all night, dreaming all kinds of happy, romantic dreams, most of them taking place right in the airport. In one of the dreams, as soon as he got out of the Jetway and into the terminal, he dropped to a single knee and proposed. A preacher was there to officiate and marry us right on the spot, and we had a huge reception in the airport's food court. Now, the dropping to the knee, I could definitely go for, but our union was unorthodox enough as it was, so I didn't need to have the wedding at the airport to top it all off.

The morning of our meeting, I just wanted to relax my nerves as much as I could. I took a bath and took my time pulling on my clothes, bought especially for today's occasion. I chose a lavender chiffon sundress, which swirled around me every time I moved, like a flower being gently blown by the wind. I pinned my hair up in the front and adorned it with a large flower just above my ear that matched my dress, and then did my makeup. I looked stunning, if I did say so myself.

Dina and Celeste were due to arrive thirty minutes before I would leave for the airport to pick up a few things for our introductory dinner tonight. I was glad Celeste and I were able to circle around and get back to being friends, because I wouldn't have wanted to share the scheduled happenings of the next few days without her.

Right on time, they both showed up with trays and platters, ready to roll up their sleeves to prepare a few more entrees that would be taken over to my parents' home for our engagement dinner.

“You look amazing, girl,” Dina complimented.

“Thank you!” I grinned. I felt amazing.

“You sure you don't want one of us to come with you, just in case he's some kinda undercover busta?” Celeste offered, having gotten back to her old self, except she wasn't with Equanto.

“No, my dad got this,” I assured them both.

“All right then, girl. Go get your man,” Celeste smiled.

“You ain't gotta tell me twice!” I did a circle snap, puckering my lips.

They walked me to the car, tucking in loose braids and making sure there was no lint on my clothes or lipstick on my teeth. We hugged at my car; then I got inside.

“I'll see y'all at my parents'.”

“We'll be there!” they said in unison.

Every few seconds, the butterflies in my belly took off for a quick flight. Then they'd settle, only to take off again. I got to my parents' house in fifteen minutes and let myself in. My mom was scurrying around in the kitchen, preparing food, and Daddy was upstairs, probably still getting dressed.

“Look at my baby,” Mom said, stopping her movement to show her approval of my look.

“I look all right?” I spun in a circle with a smile.

“You look like a beautiful spring day,” she said. “I'm proud to call you my daughter.”

“Thank you, Mommy.” I blushed. “What is your husband up there doing?”

“You know he's as slow as a turtle crossing a country road,” she answered, swatting at the air with a towel. “You did right getting here early.”

“Well, he's got about twenty minutes to get it together,” I said and laughed, taking a seat at the kitchen table and popping a strawberry into my mouth. “Do you need me to help you while I wait for him?”

“No, because you don't need to do nothing that's gonna mess that dress up. You look perfect, and we're gonna keep it like that.”

“Celeste and Dina should be here in a little while to help with whatever's left. They're at my house right now, cooking a few more things.”

“Yeah, we will let them do all the work.” She opened the oven and took out four cake pans of almond-coconut layers. The aroma that filled my nostrils was so heavenly, I closed my eyes and inhaled as deeply as I could. My mom made the best cakes in Phoenix hands down.

“You sure you ready to meet this man looking like that? 'Cause he gonna wanna marry you sho'nuff with the way you looking.” Daddy had sneaked downstairs and stood in the kitchen, dressed in perfectly creased gray slacks and a white oxford, crisp with starch from the cleaners. His sleeves were cuffed, creating a relaxed look, and a black belt circled his waist to match the black loafers he wore on his feet. His wavy hair was brushed down against his scalp, and a fresh shave had him sharper than a tack. My daddy was one smooth brother.

“Mom, look at Daddy, looking all fly and debonair.”

“That's why I married him,” she said, walking into his arms and meeting his lips with her own.

Daddy cupped her behind in his hands.

“All right now. Don't get nothing started that you ain't got time to finish,” she said, giggling and pushing him away.

“Oh, I got time! We ain't got to meet the plane. We just need to pick him up.”

“All right, Daddy. Time to go!” I said, jumping to my feet and wedging them apart.

“What you rushing for now?” he teased as he playfully pushed me away. “He done waited all this time. Another hour ain't gone kill 'im.”

“I'm going to the car.” I stood, grabbing my purse, keys, and few more strawberries. “Bye, Mom.” When she didn't answer, I looked over my shoulder and saw that her mouth was full of my daddy's lips. “Come on, Daddy!”

“You just wait till I get back here,” he warned my mom, pulling away and following me down the hallway leading to the front door.

I couldn't help but laugh at my parents, still keeping it hot after twenty-some years.

“So how are you feeling, baby girl?” Daddy asked me once we were settled in the car and on the highway.

“Nervous.”

“A good nervous or a bad nervous? 'Cause you know you can just say the word and I will turn this car around and that joker can get back home the best way he can.”

“A good nervous, Daddy, a good nervous. Keep driving,” I instructed, pointing forward.

“All right now. I'm just checking, 'cause I ain't for no junk.”

“That's why you're the best dad in the world,” I responded, which made him smile like he did whenever I'd tell him that.

“Uh-huh. You're just saying that 'cause I'm your daddy, but feel free to say it as much as you'd like.”

 

 

I felt like a little child waiting for Christmas Day to arrive as we sat at the baggage claim for Southwest Airlines, watching the flight arrival screens to make sure that SeanMichael's flight would land on time. It seemed to take forever, and I must have watched a million people walk by, examining every face that looked like it could possibly be his, although he had not texted me to let me know he'd landed yet. It wasn't until I went to the ladies' room, with my phone buried deep in my purse, my purse hanging on the back of the stall door, and me squatting over the toilet, releasing water, that my phone started ringing with SeanMichael's designated ring tone. Talk about Murphy's Law. By the time I dug my phone out, I'd missed the call, but I wasted no time dialing his number back.

“Hey, baby!” he greeted.

“Hey! You're here?”

“My feet are on the ground, well, not on the ground exactly. The plane is on the ground with me in it. We're taxiing to the concourse now. I guess I will see you in a few minutes.”

“Yes, you will,” I gushed. I checked the mirror and made sure I looked my absolute best, then rushed from the bathroom, as if he were already in the terminal. I was on pins and needles and couldn't keep myself from smiling if my life depended on it.

“He just called, Dad. He should be coming through in a few minutes,” I blurted once I reached my daddy's side again.

“You ready?” he asked, throwing his arm around my shoulders.

“Yep.”

Twenty more minutes went by before SeanMichael called and said he was approaching the baggage claim. I spotted SeanMichael weaving his way through the sea of travelers. As he got closer, I noticed his clothes were disheveled, and immediately embarrassment set in. He wore a dingy white polo that not only was in need of a hot iron, but also had what looked like a gravy stain splattered on the front. His pants were standard khakis that were also in need of ironing. They say clothes make the man, and if there were any truth to that, I couldn't rightfully say this was a man approaching me with a wide grin and open arms.

His hair was coiled in tiny knots so tight, it looked like he had a head full of stationary black bugs, and his shoes were a pair of sandals that looked like they had been borrowed from Moses, after they had been passed down through a few generations before they got to him. This was what he chose to look like to meet me for the very first time? I knew the flight from the East Coast to the desert was about six hours, but really, was that the best he could do? No one must have ever talked to him about making a first impression. Lawd!

“Hey, sweetheart!”

“Hey, SeanMichael!” I answered, still excited, but his appearance took away from the moment. I was truly taken aback.

He wrapped strong arms around me and pulled me close to him. At least he smelled good.

“Oh, my goodness, I can't believe I'm actually here with you,” he whispered in my ear.

“Me either!” I replied, reciprocating.

“Thank you, Lord!” he said out loud, squeezing me extra tight. “Thank you.”

We held the embrace for a good thirty seconds before pulling away.

“You are so beautiful,” he commented, looking directly into my eyes. I could tell that in his world, for that moment, no one else existed besides me. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Our lips met in a kiss that was awkward for the first four seconds, while we got a feel of each other's mouths, then slid into a mesmerizing, intimate exchange of passion. After Daddy cleared his throat, we sheepishly broke away.

“SeanMichael, this is my dad, Ernest Turner.”

“How are you doing, sir? SeanMichael Monroe,” he greeted, slapping his hand into my dad's. “It's a privilege and an honor to meet you.”

“Likewise, son,” Daddy answered, scanning SeanMichael's choice of wardrobe.

“Oh, excuse my shirt. I, uh . . .” SeanMichael brushed at his clothes with his hands, as if the gesture would fix his appearance.

“Oh, don't worry about it, man. I know how it is to have to travel across the country. You want to be comfortable.” Good ol' dad. He knew just what to say.

“Let me text Mom and let her know we'll be at the house in a few,” I said, pulling out my phone. In all actuality, I texted my daddy, begging him to stop somewhere on the way to the house where SeanMichael could change into a decent shirt at least. I couldn't let anyone else meet him in the close to vagabond condition he was currently in. A few seconds later he texted back.

 

Leave that man alone

 

Daddy didn't understand. I was looking my best, and I wanted SeanMichael to look just as good as I did. Especially for meeting my entire family for the first time. Maybe he planned to change clothes once we got to my parents' house, which was where we'd arranged for him to stay until our wedding day. While Daddy went to get the car, we stood around the carousel, grinning at each other, holding hands, and nuzzling on each other, until finally his luggage came around, which was no more than an extra-large duffel bag.

“You ready, beautiful?” he asked as he heaved the bag up on his shoulder.

“Ready when you are,” I chirped.

I didn't know how to tactfully ask if he planned on changing clothes or freshening up a bit once we got to the house. I tried to ease my way into that recommendation.

“You feeling okay? I know it was a long flight,” I began.

“I was a little tired, but laying eyes on you and getting to hold you in my arms was the adrenaline shot I needed. I feel just fine, baby.” He squeezed my hand tighter as we walked past a men's room. Couldn't he just shoot in there real quick, comb his hair, and change out of that god-awful shirt? Okay. It was looking like Mom would have to meet him as is, but I'd be doggone if he stayed that way all evening.

“I was just going to say, by the time we get to my mom and dad's, you will probably have about an hour and a half if you wanted to take a quick nap and change for dinner.”

“Nah, I'm fine. It took me all this time to get here and be with you. I don't want to miss a minute of it sleeping. I can sleep after I make you my wife.”

Inwardly I sighed. What was everybody gonna think looking at this sloppy man? I mean, I loved him beyond that, and would even help him to manage his image once we got married, but he couldn't fix himself up even a little bit?

Sure enough, when we got to my parents' home, after he hugged my mom, she showed him to the guest bedroom, and he put down his bag, then came right back into the living room and took a seat beside me. Obviously, he thought he looked just fine.

Mom had prepared chicken sandwiches, sliced cake, and iced tea, which we all ate, and we made small talk until SeanMichael asked for the floor.

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Turner, I like to do things decently and in order, so first, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home and allowing me to stay here during my visit.”