I nod. “She still lives there and yeah—she has all that up there. Only now she’s got some hips to match.”
Tanya groans. “What is wrong with that boy?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. He won’t listen to me, but maybe you can get through to him. Did Auntie Mo tell you that Brady is going to USC on a full athletic scholarship?”
Tanya breaks into a grin. “Actually, Brady called me the same day he found out. He’s so excited.”
We stroll toward the back of the house.
“I’ll let you walk out there first,” I say.
She peeks outside. “Where is Chester and Randy?”
“They’re picking up Brady’s car before coming here. He doesn’t know anything about it yet.”
“Look at Mama,” Tanya says. “She’s just standing there looking all around. I think she’s trying not to cry.”
“I wish I could do something special for Auntie Mo. She’s been so good to me and my brothers and Tameka.”
“Marcus called me the other night. He wants to send her on a cruise this summer. He’s just not sure she’ll go.”
“She doesn’t want him spending drug money on her,” I say.
Tanya gives me a sour look. “Marcus told me that he has a job and that’s how he bought the tickets. He says that he’s done with the dumb stuff. I believe him.”
“I hope you’re right. Auntie Mo is serious about this.”
Auntie Mo does a praise dance when Tanya walks out of the house. “Thank you, Lord,” she screams. “Praise Him for the great things He has done. Oh, thank you, Lord. Thank you.”
Soon, Mimi and Kyle arrive. “Hey, what’s going on?” she asks. “Is that Tanya?”
“Yeah,” I respond. “She just got here. Tanya wanted to surprise all of us.”
Kyle and Traven take a walk over to where Brady and some of the other guys are standing. I check out Mimi’s cute pink-and-white halter sundress, her matching pink sandals and sunglasses. “Aren’t you the diva? So where did you find that little outfit?”
“Girl, I bought this last summer but never wore it.”
“It’s nice. I like it.”
“Did you get this from the store you were in yesterday?” Mimi asks, referring to my navy-and-khaki plaid Bermuda shorts and navy tube top.
“Sure did.” I push my left foot forward to show off the navy blue flip-flops.
“I need some of those in that color.”
“I bought them from Old Navy.”
For some reason that reminds her of a question she wanted to ask. “Hey, are you still writing in your online journal?”
I nod. “Why?”
“I was thinking about starting one.”
That takes me by surprise. “But I thought writing wasn’t your thing?”
“Now that Kyle and I are together…I don’t know. I guess he inspires me.”
“Are you for real?”
“I’m falling in love with him.”
I have an answer all ready for that, but I hold back. Instead I pick up two cups of lemonade and give one to Mimi. “You two haven’t been together that long.”
“So what?”
I embrace her. “Just be careful, Mimi. That’s all that I’m saying.”
“I hate when you get this way.” She backs away from me. “Rhyann, I don’t know why you’re always so negative when it comes to boys, but it’s getting old.”
“I’m just being real, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Rhyann, I’m not rushing into anything, but I do know that I love him and I want to be with him in every way. I’m not telling you this for a lecture.”
“Well, you’re gonna get one anyway,” I say. “We made a pact, Mimi.”
“We were so immature when we did that. You and Dee may not be ready for intimacy, but what Kyle and I share is so strong.”
Why didn’t I see this coming? “I suppose he told you that he loves you?”
“Yes, he did actually.”
I shake my head. “I can’t believe you’re falling for this.”
Mimi takes my hand in hers. “Rhyann, I’m so sorry. I hate that you’ve been hurt so many times.”
“Thanks a lot for making me sound all pathetic,” I respond, snatching my hand away. “You’re gonna lose some major B.F.F. points, Mimi. Just want you to know that. You might even lose a couple of Diva points.”
Mimi chuckles. “You know I didn’t mean it that way.”
I’m not letting her off so easy. “People are always going to experience heartache from time to time. I’ve just gotten all of mine up-front. Hopefully, the next relationship will go smoothly.”
“It will,” Mimi assures me. “You already have the right guy.” She glances over her shoulder to where the boys have all gathered. “Now Traven, he is crazy about you. Then there’s always Gage. You know he was practically begging Kyle to bring him to the barbeque today.”
“I’m so glad he didn’t. Because I would’ve had to put them both out.”
Kyle and Traven join us.
“The food looks good,” Traven comments. “I’m throwing down in a minute.”
“Me, too,” Mimi says.
After my pastor gives the blessing over the food, we all get in line to fix our plates.
Brady comes over to me and whispers, “What’s up with your girl Mimi? Why she bring that white boy to the barbeque?”
“The same reason you brought that white girl home last year. What was her name? Barbie…”
He laughs. “You wrong for that, sis.”
“Mind your business, Brady. If you don’t want anybody talking about that thing you’re dating, then don’t talk about who anybody else is dating.”
He’s about to take offense, but then changes his mind. Leaning in close, he says, “I’m just gon’ say this one thing to you—Rhyann, you need to give Traven a chance. He really cares about you.” He backs off. “There, I’m done.”
Chester and his brothers show up finally.
Auntie Mo gets everyone’s attention and gives a brief tribute to Brady. She then hands a set of car keys to my brother.
“Are these mine?” he asks.
“No, Brady,” I yell. “They’re mine. They just want you to know what you’ll be missing.”
Mimi laughs. “Good one, Rhyann.”
I shake my head at her in mock sadness. “Don’t do that ever again. You just sounded like such a dork.”
While we eat, Brady and Auntie Mo check out his new car, a used Ford Mustang.
Todd plays DJ for us after everyone has eaten the first round.
Traven’s parents give tribute to him and present him with a gift.
Afterward, both Brady and Traven stand up to talk about how much they appreciate family.
I hug Brady when he’s done. “Congratulations again, big brother.”
Traven and I decide to walk around to the front of the house. He wants to spend some alone time with me. I look back to see where Mimi and Kyle are—they are still dancing. Mimi’s really happy when she’s around him, and that’s important to me. He’d better not break her heart.
“Have you given us some thought?” Traven asks.
We sit down on the front porch.
“I have,” I say. “Traven, I like you and I’m not just talking about as a friend. I just think that you and I want different things in a relationship.”
“What are you talking about, Rhyann?”
I hold out my left hand. “Do you see this ring on my finger?”
He is slightly startled. “Are you saying you want a ring?”
I chuckle. “No. Traven, this is a purity ring. I wear it because I made a vow to remain celibate until my wedding night. I intend to keep that vow.”
Traven breaks into a smile.
“What are you grinning for?” I want to know.
“My church had a purity conference a couple of years ago and I took the same vow.”
I don’t bother to hide my surprise. “Then why we
re you trying to jump my bones prom night? I take my vow seriously.”
It’s Traven’s turn to be surprised. “I didn’t try to jump you, Rhyann.”
“You didn’t come right out with it, but you did say that we could do the same thing in the limo that could be done in a hotel. I’m not tripping—I heard you, Traven.”
“I wasn’t talking about sex. Rhyann, I know you’re not like that. I just meant that we could still hang out and it didn’t have to be in a hotel.”
“Traven, I’m so sorry. I really thought you were trying to play me. I kept thinking about the girls you cheated on and that you just wanted to…you know.”
“Rhyann, I’m not gonna lie to you. You fine and I have to do a whole lot of praying, but I’m committed to my vow just like you. It’s hard…man, it’s hard.” Traven shakes his head. “Hey, I can’t believe you brought up the cheating part. I was young and wild back then, trying to be like my big brother.”
I laugh.
“I respect you, Rhyann. I’m not gonna pressure you into anything you don’t want to do.”
I give him a sidelong glance. “You’re leaving for college in August. Do you really think a long-distance relationship is going to work?”
“I’d like to give it a try.”
I look Traven straight in the eye. “One day at a time and we take it slow?”
He nods. “I’m okay with that.”
“You’re two years older than me, Traven. When you get to N.C. State, you might meet someone.”
He’s not convinced of that. “Rhyann, I’m sure she won’t be as incredible as you.” He takes my hand, holding it lightly. “I know that you’re not ready to hear something like this from me, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I love you. I have for a long time and I know in my heart that you are the one for me. Until you can see that for yourself, I’m willing to wait.”
I glance upward. Lord, how am I supposed to respond to this?
“I meant every word I’ve said,” Traven states. “The ball is now in your court.”
I lean toward him and plant my lips on his. They taste just as good as I’d hoped.
Mimi clears her throat noisily. “Um, we were wondering where you were. Are we, like, interrupting?”
Kyle takes her by the hand. “Maybe we should go check out the dessert table or something.”
“You don’t have to leave,” I quickly interject. “Traven and I…we were just talking.”
“Uh-huh…,” Mimi grunts.
“We have an announcement to make,” I say, holding up our joined hands. “Traven and I are officially taking it one day at a time”—I pause for a heartbeat before adding—“as a couple.”
“It’s about time,” Mimi screams.
Kyle smiles. “My man Gage is going to heartbroken, but that’s cool.”
Traven gives me a suspicious look. “Who is Gage?”
“Nobody you need to worry about,” I tell Traven.
He and Kyle give Mimi and me some girl time.
“I’m so happy for you.” She pulls out her cell phone. “I’m calling Dee right now so you can tell her the good news. She’s going to be so happy for you.”
I move to stop her. “Right now your happiness is about all I can stand, Mimi. I’ll call her later on tonight. This is my news and I want to be the one to share it with her, okay?”
Mimi sticks her lips out in a pout. “Party pooper.”
I have a boyfriend!
On Sunday, I’m still overflowing with happiness—not only because Traven and I are dating but also because Tanya’s home and Auntie Mo has all of her children in church together. She’s wanted this for a long time.
The moment I get out of Auntie Mo’s van, I’m told, “Miss Christina wants to see you.”
What does she want?
Miss Christina is one of two Temple of Praise dance leaders. She’s not one of my favorite people right now, since Kelly won the spot. Still, I’m curious, so I head straight to the administration building.
“Morning, Miss Christina. You wanted to see me?” I say when I enter the choir room.
“Good morning, dear. Are you still interested in being on the praise team?”
I perk up instantly. “Yes, ma’am. Did another spot open up?”
“Kelly broke her leg last night, so she’s going to be out for a few months.”
“So you only need me temporarily then?” I ask.
Miss Christina shakes her head no. “One of the other girls will be leaving for college in the fall. You’ll be replacing her.”
I could hug Miss Christina right now. She is back among my favorites.
“Thanks so much,” I say. “I won’t let you down.”
She smiles. “Rehearsal is Thursday night. Don’t be late.”
A new boyfriend and now a spot with Temple of Praise—life is wonderful!
Chapter 17
We arrive at church early so that I can meet with the other praise dancers. We learned a new routine, and our coordinator wants to make sure we have all of our steps on point.
I chat with a couple of the other dancers while we wait for Miss Christina to join us.
“Are you going with Traven Connor?” one of the girls asks me.
“Yeah,” I respond cautiously. Please, no drama this soon in the relationship. I truly hope this chick is not about to tell me that she is interested in him. “Why?”
“I heard he took you to the prom.”
“Yeah,” I say. “Traven and I went to the prom together.”
“His brother used to date my sister. She says Todd and Traven are really good people.”
The grip on my feelings eases up a little. “Their whole family is nice.”
“My sister says that his brother was her nicest boyfriend.”
Miss Christina bursts into the room in a flash of violent fuchsia and yellow. “C’mon, ladies, we don’t have much time.”
She’s the one who’s late. Now she’s trying to rush us around the place. Miss Christina needs to stop tripping.
We run through the routine a couple of times before she’s satisfied. When we’re done, we head over to the sanctuary to line up. This is my debut, and I’m beyond excited, because I love to dance.
Miss Christina is thinking of starting a dance team for the adults, but so far she hasn’t found anyone willing to participate. I told Auntie Mo she should do it, but she laughs every time I mention it.
I’m dragging a little slow this morning because I stayed up late last night talking to Traven on the telephone. We have already figured out that we’ll communicate via email, text messaging, and IM-ing when he goes away to college. Since he’s going all the way to North Carolina, I won’t be able to see him that much except during holidays, but at least we have the summer. I keep adding up the hours in my head. It’s not going to be easy spending time with my girls and having quality time with my boyfriend in addition to working at the salon.
But I’m definitely up to the challenge.
After church, I head straight to my room to take a little nap.
When I wake up an hour later, I turn on my computer and log into my journal. I haven’t written anything in a while.
June 1st
My brother Brady graduated on Friday night and he’s going to USC in the fall. We gave him a barbeque on Saturday, and all of us had a blast. Tanya even came home to surprise us. She flew back to North Carolina early this morning because she has to work tomorrow. She must really love us to fly in for a few hours.
Traven and I are dating!!
I’m happy, but I’m also a little scared. He’s going to be all the way in North Carolina, too, for college. What if he meets another girl there?
He told me that he loves me and I do believe him. At least I want to believe him—really, I do. But things happen—just look at Madison and Divine. She thought they would be together forever.
I’m a little more realistic, though.
I’ve known Traven for a long time and we are really good
friends, so maybe things will turn out different for us because of that. Auntie Mo is always saying that you should be friends first in order to make a relationship work. I guess we’ll see.
“I thought Mrs. Goldberg had an appointment today,” I say, checking the computer screen. “Did she change it?”
Miss Marilee shakes her head. “She’s supposed to come in. She’s probably just running late today. Ann is usually pretty good about calling me if she needs to cancel.”
At Miss Marilee’s request, I go up and get the next client.
“We’re ready for you,” I tell her.
I lead her back to the shampoo bowl, where I wrap the plastic cape around her to keep her from getting wet.
Every time someone walks through the front door, I glance up, expecting to see Mrs. Goldberg, but she never shows. This isn’t like her at all to just not show up.
China calls in an order at the deli down the street. I offer to walk down and get it since I want to place an order for myself.
“You don’t have to rush back,” Miss Marilee tells me. “Sit down and eat, Rhyann. We can manage until you get back.”
I glance over at China, who says, “That’s fine. I’m not starving. Besides, I won’t be able to eat until I’m finished with my client’s hair.”
I leave the salon, the earphones to my iPod in my ears.
In the deli, I order my sandwich and find a table near the window to sit while I wait for my food. One of the employees delivers it to me along with China’s order. She gives me a soda on the house as I eat half my sandwich.
Traven’s not working today, so I give him a call.
“What are you doing tonight?” he asks me.
“Nothing,” I respond. “Why? What’s up?”
“I thought that we could grab something to eat and then go to see a movie.”
“That works for me,” I reply. “Can you pick me up from work?”
“Sure. Same time?”
“Yeah.” Our plans for the evening out of the way, we lapse into a real conversation. We discuss books we’ve read recently and our plans for the summer. Traven and I have a lot in common, and we get along so well that it’s scary. I’m not waiting on the other shoe to drop, though. I’m planning to enjoy every minute I have with him.
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