My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1)

by Lyndell Williams

  “Come on, Toni. What should I do?”

  “First, wait and see if the man asks. If he does, you’re going, of course. That is what one does in a relationship, my dear.”

  Regina popped her head as vigorously as the bread in the toaster. “I’m not sure if this is a relationship.”

  “Really? Let me ask you something. Simon’s apartment is much closer to his job than yours, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “But where did he go late last night after working all day?”

  “Here.”

  “Mmm-hmm. Which means he wanted to lay down next to his woman, and nothin’ was gonna stop him. And, pray, tell, how did he get into your apartment?”

  She rubbed the key on Simon’s keyring on the counter. “He has a key.”

  “Of course, he has, and does our dashing attorney also have any of his suits and toiletries there, so he can go straight to work?”

  Regina eyed the garment bag hanging on the entry wall and thought about the two drawers in the bedroom she cleared out to make room for his clothes as well as the brand-new tie hanger in her closet. “He has one or two things here.”

  “Yeah.” Toni’s tone sent the message that she knew Regina’s answer was an underestimation. “Are some of his favorite foods in your cabinets and fridge, and did you buy any of them?”

  She spied the bottle of gochujang sitting on the counter. She’d made a special trip to the Asian market for it. “Damn.”

  “Exactly,” Toni said in a triumphant tone. “So, accept the fact that you are in a relationship with this man and buy a dress for that party.”

  “I’m not sure I can do that. You know how I can get. I’m not the one to suffer fools lightly, especially ones blinded by their own privilege.”

  “Of course, you can, Gina. It’s the same as one of those things your mom used to drag you to at the college, but instead of a bunch of professors full of themselves, you’ll be surrounded by a bunch of lawyers full of themselves.” Toni laughed, enjoying herself a bit too much for Regina’s liking. “How much time do you have?”

  Regina scanned the invitation while her stomach proceeded to toss. The seamless way her and Simon’s casual thing evolved into a relationship scared her down to her slippered toes. Relationships came with responsibilities such as boring-ass cocktail parties. “Three days.” Things are happening so fast. First a new man, and now I have to deal with a new circle of people, who I'll probably not like so much. What if someone recognizes me from me blog? That could open the very can of worms I tried to keep firmly sealed for months.

  “Oh, we have to get to work,” chimed Toni. “You want to meet after my last client?”

  Simon emerged from the bathroom and took his garment bag from the hook before traversing to the kitchen to offer Regina a minty kiss. “’Moring. You snuck out of bed.” He tugged the sash of her robe.

  “I had to.” Regina scanned down Simon’s glistening body with nothing covering it but a towel. “You were primed to keep us there for a while, and you have court today.”

  Simon grunted “So, I do.” He pecked her cheek. “Hello, Toni,” he called into the phone before rushing into the bedroom.

  Toni laughed. “He’s gettin’ to know you really well. Now, back to findin’ you a dress.”

  ***

  Simon sat at the counter and smiled at the spread before him. “Thanks, Gina. This looks fantastic.”

  “You’re welcome.” She leaned back against the kitchen counter with a mug of coffee. Her chest swelled with satisfaction as he stuffed a mound of eggs and toast in his mouth before gulping down some coffee.

  He cocked his head and slid the black invitation from underneath the mixing bowl. “Did you see this?” Simon left his seat and stepped around the counter.

  “Yes.” Regina tried to maintain a nonchalant tone. “Are you going?”

  “Yeah, it’s one of those unavoidable things.” He flipped the invitation and circled his arm around Regina’s waist. “I think it might be fun for us.”

  She dabbed a napkin at the tiny red nick on his tan chin. “Us? I never agreed to go to some stuffy party.”

  “Of course, us. We can dress up and eat fancy hors d'oeuvres. It’ll give me a chance to show off my lady.”

  Regina laced her fingers behind his neck. “Oh, you’re good.”

  “What’d you say, Gina? Are you going to make me beg?”

  All her resolve dissolved. She straightened his tie knot and looked into his eyes. “I do love it when you beg, but if it’s important to you, I’ll be happy to go.”

  “Thanks. It also might be a good idea,” he said while tugging his suit jacket over his shoulders, “that we stay at my place after. It’s probably gonna end late, and my apartment is closer.”

  “Ah-hah.” Regina poured coffee into the thermos. “This is not about some party.” She pointed her finger as she glided to him. “It’s a ploy to get me to stay at your place. I see right through you, Young.”

  He chuckled and took the thermos. “I can’t get anything past you. You’re way too smart for me.” His arms wrapped around her again.

  She straightened his jacket lapels. “Yes, I am.” They rocked back and forth, relishing the moment of domestic serenity. This is nice. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I think I’m more than ready for this new change. Simon’s phone notifications popping in his pocket signaled the end of their time together. Her arms tingled in protest when his fell away.

  Simon grabbed his backpack. “Well?” He looked so darn cute and hopeful.

  “I’ll pack an overnight bag.”

  “Two nights. I’m keeping you there all weekend.” He closed the space between them. Regina gasped as he pulled open her robe and slid her tank top upward. One breast bounced from underneath the white cotton, its nipple immediately hardened by the rush of air.

  “What are you doing?” A surge of pleasure pulsated through her body from the nipple Simon licked and sucked. She arched her back and slid her fingers through his hair. Her body shook when he lifted his head and pulled her shirt over the throbbing breast.

  He winked. “Just what I need to start my day.” Before any protest could escape her mouth, he kissed it and shot her naughty look before disappearing out of the door.

  Chapter 15

  Cocktail Party from Hell

  Thanking the doorman, Regina pressed her hand against her queasy stomach as she walked through the glass doors. The pianist’s tune joined the pulse pounding through her ears. Nervous wasn’t the proper word for how she felt. She smoothed at the African print skirt of her outfit. The pendant of her gold necklace fell just above the beginning of her cleavage, protruding from the sweetheart neckline of her top; the cuffs of the form-fitting sleeves disappeared behind bangles. She rubbed her hoop earrings between her fingers as she typed on her phone.

  I’m here. Where are you? She searched across a sea of suits and cocktail dresses, noticing that hers was the sole dress with any type of elaborate “ethnic” pattern. Well, I guess my plan to blend is shot. She startled at the sound of a voice.

  “Can I help you?” Her gaze fell on a small man who’d appeared behind the podium. looked up at her, curling his top lip. She clenched her evening bag, knowing that question very well and the meaning conveyed through the curt tone he used when asking it. He was more interested in finding out how she thought she belonged there than wanting to actually help.

  Regina wrenched her shoulders back. “Perhaps,” she said in a pointed tone. “My name is Regina Kent. I’m a guest of Simon Young.”

  The maître d’ squinted and looked down at his ledger. “Let me see if your name is here. What was it again?”

  “There’s no need, thank you.” Regina’s body quivered at the sound of Simon’s voice. He approached her side and gently massaged the small of her back. “Gina, did you have a hard time finding the place?”

  She met his gaze. His full grin made her heart flutter. “No. The car you sent dropped me right
in front.”

  He offered her a loving peck on her lips. “I’m so glad.”

  She flashed a smug smile at the maître d’. He dropped his head and started flipping through pages.

  Simon slid the mint green bag from her shoulder. “I’ll take that. Excuse me.” He turned and dumped the bag on the podium. “The lady needs this put away until we’re ready to leave.”

  “Absolutely, sir,” the maître d’ grunted as he lifted the bag, “My pleasure.”

  “Thank you.” Simon took her wrists in his and raised her arms. “You look stunning.” His eyes flickered with a mixture of admiration and desire as he gazed up at her.

  A small rush of heat passed over her. “Thanks.” She put her phone in her purse and grasped her necklace. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that I would be taller than you if I wore heels.” She caught one side of her bottom lip between her teeth. She grew up the “tall girl,” peaking at 5’ 11”. They were usually eye-to-eye, which was a relief. With heels on, she only had him by a couple of inches, but she never felt more gargantuan than that moment.

  Simon’s shoulders shook with a small laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m not a man whose ego fades because a woman is taller.” Her breath quickened as he drew closer. “Besides, I like it.” A warm rush of air tickled her ear. “You can leave ‘em on when we get home later.” He nipped her lobe before steering her towards the party. “Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Regina ignored people’s gapped-mouth stares as she walked into the hall on Simon’s arm. She towered over the surrounding women sipping from glasses and whispering to each other while they moved through tall, round tables with half-finished drinks, plates of mini quiches and brass-trimmed votives on them.

  They approached a woman standing in a pair of laser-cut black embellished court shoes wearing a black tuxedo blazer, black slim pants, and a black silky camisole. The French twist in her hair finished of the sleekness of her look.

  Corella?” Simon virtually shined. “This is my girlfriend, Regina Kent.” She held her breath. It was the first time he referred to her as his girlfriend. Things were definitely changing. “Regina, this is Corella Banks, my assistant.”

  “It is nice to meet you,” Corella said in a warm tone as she raised a hand with a huge diamond ring on one finger.

  “Nice to meet you too.”

  “Regina’s a writer.” He slid his hand around her waist and brought her against his side.”

  “Really?” Corella smiled. “Anything I might have read?”

  “Well,” Regina fiddle with a bangle. “I do occasional freelance writing for different publications, but I also have a blog, Blackness of Kent.

  Corella partially closed her eyelids and focused on her drink. “Mmmm. That sounds familiar. Did you write an article about the politics of Black women’s hair and the shaming of Black girls in school?”

  “I did.”

  Corella smiled. "My daughter and I loved that article."

  "I’m glad to hear it."

  "Why don't I get you ladies some drinks?" Simon reached for Corella's empty glass.

  "Thank you, Simon."

  He touched Regina's arm and smiled. "Shirley Temple?"

  She tucked her lips between her teeth and glanced down. "Yes, thank you."

  "I have to tell you." Corella moved to Regina's side. "That article was a big help for my daughter. She went natural four years ago, and has been getting flack ever since.”

  “I understand. It’s a problem globally. I wrote that article after reading story after story of young Black girls being told that their hair is unkempt and being threatened with suspension.

  -

  The women’s voices faded. Simon continued to glance back at them as he approached the bar. Things were going well.

  A bartender stood opposite Simon. “What can I get you, sir?”

  He placed his order. Dread seeped into him at the sound of a familiar and unwelcome voice.

  “Si.” His back smarted where Vince slapped it. “How are you doin’?” Vince leaned an elbow on the bar. “Give me another,” he said, tilting the nearly empty glass at the bartender. “So, I saw you talkin’ to that hot Black chick over there.” Vince jerked his head in Regina’s direction. “I noticed her as soon as she walked in the room. Is she with you? Because she if she isn’t,” he sneered, “I know what I’ll be doing with the rest of my evening.”

  “She’s with me.” Simon surveyed the women through the mirror. Regina glowed as she chatted with Corella. He shot Vince a cool look before returning to admiring the women.

  “You’re shittin’ me.” Vince’s laughter garnered a few glares from people seated at the bar. “That tall drink of hot chocolate is with you? I don’t believe it.”

  Simon squeezed the edge of the bar. He altered his weight, peering down each end.

  “I mean that,” Vince leered, lifting his finger from the glass in his hand to point at Regina, “is a fine-lookin’ piece of ass. She looks like she could break a man in two if he isn’t careful.” He adjusted his tie’s knot with his free hand, lifting his jaw in the air. “Now, of course, I could handle all that woman, but I have to say, I’m impressed, Si. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

  “Watch it, Vince.”

  “You must be getting all kinds of lovin’. You know what they say about the sistahs. They like it any way you give it and all the time.” Vince playfully jabbed Simon's arm. “No wonder you’ve had a smile on your face lately.”

  Simon straightened and balled his fists. “I said watch it.” Eye to eye with Vince, he plastered a fake grin for the benefit of the people around them but seethed through gritted teeth. “You’ll show some respect for my lady, you understand?”

  Vince raised his palms and propped his back on the bar. “Alright, Si. I’ll say no more.” He leaned to one side and ogled Regina with a smirk. “I thought you were just taking a walk on the wild side. I didn’t know she meant somethin’ to ya.”

  “She does.”

  “My apologies, man.” Vince offered his hand.

  Simon relaxed his hands at his sides. “Here are your drinks.” The waiter placed four glasses on the bar in front of the men. “Will there be anything else?”

  Simon squeezed Vince’s hand and continued to stare for a moment before he reached for a tip in his wallet. “Thank you.” He balanced the drinks in his palms “You’ll understand if I don’t introduce you, won’t you, Vin?”

  Vince drained the last of the drink he was holding and grabbed the fresh glass. “Yup. I gotta go mingle anyway.” He strutted back into the party, careening away from Regina and Corella, who’s glare was just as menacing as Simon’s.

  Simon walked slowly back to his date and assistant. “Here you go ladies.” As he passed out the drinks, a few of drops fell near his wrist, almost touching a white shirt cuff. Corella immediately dabbed at the liquid with a cocktail napkin. “Thanks.” He smiled and tipped his glass to his mouth. Two important women in his life hitting it off made it easy for him to forget Vince’s stupidity. Corella was the only person in the room whose impression about Regina mattered, so them chatting and laughing was quite satisfying, even though it meant he became invisible.

  “Simon.” Corella took Regina’s arm and jutted her chin towards the alpha pack of men standing under a chandelier and talking as loud as the damn well pleased while drinking straight from beer bottles. “Why don’t you go schmoose so Regina and I can talk a little more?”

  Simon started to decline but Corella’s expression demanded that he complied. Networking was the primary reason for them being there, so it was best for him to get on with it. He squeezed Regina’s hand. “You’re okay?”

  Regina ran her fingers through the top of his hair and smoothed down his tie. “Yes. Go impress the higher ups. I’ll be fine.” Her full lips spread and pearly teeth peeked out from behind burgundy lipstick that he desperately wanted to smear.

  He kissed his date’s soft knuckles, tilted his h
ead back and set the empty glass on a nearby table. “Here we go.” A few handshakes later, Simon had a cold beer in his hand and was busy impressing the pack.

  Every so often, he would sweep the room and see Regina talking to people; there was always a cluster around her. Everyone was drawn to her personality and beauty, not that he blamed them. Regina was an amazing woman, and he felt truly lucky to be with her. “Will you gentlemen excuse me?” Too much time had passed since he got to be near his stunning girlfriend.

  Catching Regina proved a challenge. As soon as he managed to come within five feet of her, she was brought to another small crowd of people. “She’s very popular.” Corella appeared at his side.

  “I know.” He laughed when she poked his arm. “Thank you, for being so nice to her.”

  Corella treated Simon to one of her rare, unguarded, smiles. “You’re more than welcome. I really do like her, Simon.” She looked in Regina’s direction, and her grin shifted downward. “Uh-oh.”

  Simon followed Corella’s gaze. Three pair of eyes stared upward at the coils atop Regina’s head. Women, all a few inches shorter, circled her with their hands outstretched to touch her hair. One even stood on her tiptoes. Regina backed away from one, but then there was another reaching to fondle her crown. “What the hell are they doing?”

  “Treating her like an animal at a petting zoo,” Corella sighed. “It happens to Black women daring to wear their hair natural a lot. People lose their inhibitions and start acting like it’s some kind of sideshow attraction. You’d think they knew better.”

  A small knot twisted at the base of Simon’s neck. The humiliation on Regina’s face made his gut wrench with rage. He could bear all the low-key racism thrown at him by his coworkers, but seeing her subjected to it was intolerable. He started towards the appalling scene.

  “Hold up, Simon.” Corella’s small frame intercepted him. “I’ll handle this. You get your coats.” Her protective tone ebbed at his anger. She spun on the ball of her stiletto and glided across the room. As soon as she reached the group, Corella stood in front of a shell-shocked Regina and said something that made the handsy women immediately disperse into the crowd. She then tilted her head to Regina’s bent head and stroked her shoulder. Simon walked towards them, but Corella’s hand stopped him. She turned and guided Regina away from him.