by Tiana Laveen
“I agree. I am truly amazing.” They both burst out laughing. “You know, Nix, when I first met you, I adored you! That phone call incident aside!” He grinned. “When we all met up for lunch that one day to get to know you, I watched her. I loved how Yasmine lit up. I always wanted her to have someone who understood her, who was funny and good for her. Someone who let her be her true, authentic self. And she wants the same for me. Let me tell you, being Black, headstrong, single and having all these degrees in this wild city makes dating hard, okay? But please understand something…” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t tell on my friends as a rule. In fact, I have never disclosed Yasmine’s secrets to anyone. Ever. But this one time… this one time, I just wanted the love of her life to know that we are all celebrating this union. That she endured something that could have broken her, but because she had a strong man by her side, who obviously gave not a single fuck,” and more laughter ensued, “things ended up on a positive note. She’s soooo grateful, but didn’t want you to worry.”
She looked into his eyes. “She knew if she told you everything, you’d demand to speak to Terrell and possibly go after Camden again. No! She couldn’t have that. Trust me, the firm is handling the situation and the necessary authorities are involved. She’s not going to have you jeopardize yourself anymore, Nix… your career and life that you worked so hard for, but she appreciates that you did, all the same. You’re a real man, to your core. Your woman was having a problem, and you fixed it. Yasmine deserves a good man, Nixon, and it definitely appears that you deserve my best friend, too… I love y’all together. Welcome to our family.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Out of the Blue…
I remember when I worked the associate summer program at the law firm. That seems so long ago. I’ve had over 3,000 billable hours over the last eight years, and my research and strategies have always been impeccable. My work ethic? Unparalleled. I’ve retained my clients and gained more from word of mouth. I’ve approached each workday like an adventure, my civic duty. And now, here I am, on my wedding day, in a beautiful dressing room standing half-naked, clutching a letter that Goldie grabbed out of my mailbox before we tore out of my driveway…
She swiped a tear from her eye. “Goldie… Goldie!”
Goldie came running in from a back area of the venue, still in her bra and slip.
“What, Yasmine?! This better not be another one of your meltdowns or a false alarm. You’ve been doing that a lot this week!” Goldie complained, one hand holding a rat-tail comb and the other one fisted.
Yasmine almost burst out laughing at how she was getting on her best friend’s nerves, but she was too excited to dwell on it much. With a shaky hand, she handed the woman the letter. Goldie snatched it and read through.
“Oh, my God!!! Congratulations, baby!” Goldie grabbed her in her arms, squeezing and rocking her. “And you’re an equity partner, too! Yes!” She fist-pumped the air.
“I know! It’s amazing! With all the wedding stuff going on, I hadn’t checked my mailbox in a couple of days, Goldie. I completely forgot.”
“I knew they’d offer it to you. You’d called a recruiter and everything. You were prepared to bounce.” They both chuckled. “But see? They knew you were worth it and had paid your dues. You earned this. You deserve this! So proud of you, girl!” The woman embraced her once again.
When they parted, Yasmine went to share the good news with her mother, bridesmaids and sisters. They all huddled around her, full of pretty hairstyles and smiles.
“I have to tell Nixon! I’ll just call him. Can you hand me my phone, Mama?” Yasmine plopped down in a chair.
The hairdresser began to remove the rollers from her tresses. They were running a little bit behind schedule. Her mother dug around in her pink bag, found her phone, and placed it in her palm. Mama looked so amazing in her navy-blue gown with matching shawl and heels.
“Yas, you’ll need to file a partnership tax return!” Goldie yelled out her legal advice.
“I know, I know!” Yasmine grinned, waving at her.
“Hello?” Nixon answered, followed his greeting with a big yawn. “Oh, wait? Is today our wedding day? I’m still in the bed.”
“Nixon! Stop playing!” She chuckled. “Guess what?! I got a letter… it’s official. I made partner! I have been offered a partnership at Steinberg & Fairman!”
“Well, baby, you kinda knew this was coming. They spoke to you about it last week.”
She grimaced. Leave it to his ass to blow the air out of her sails and be the pin to prick her balloon of joy.
“It wasn’t etched in stone though, Nixon.”
“Congratulations, gorgeous. I knew you had it. They’d be idiots to not offer you that opportunity. I can’t wait to see you coming down that aisle in just a minute. I love you.”
“I love you too, Nix.” She disconnected the call. Tears of joy filled her eyes and she blinked them away. Soft jazz music was playing and the chatter and laughter of the women she adored drifted to her. In the distance, she heard her Aunt Toni’s all too familiar cackle, and it warmed her heart.
“Yasmine, you know, now that you’re a partner, the pressure is on you to run that place like it’s your own, because it is. I have researched partnerships to death, as you know, and now these guys will be expecting you to always bring in new clients and bring your ‘A’ game, twenty-four-seven!”
“Oh, honey, I invented the ‘A’ game! Color me ready!” Yasmine jetted out her tongue as they laughed and bumped fists.
“All right, enough of that. We have other matters to attend to now,” Mama interrupted.
“Time to slide into your gorgeous dress that you lost seven pounds in one week to get into! You’d been eating too many cookies and cakes, dancing in your happy space!” Goldie teased as she held up the gorgeous wedding gown she’d helped choose. Yasmine looked at the gown and couldn’t believe her eyes. In fact, the whole day seemed surreal.
The hair stylist brushed out her curls and styled her hair just so, the makeup artist prepared her station, and her sisters approached, ready to help her get into her attire. She stood from the chair, her Spanx and special push-up bra on to help her tatas sit just right. About ten minutes later, she was finally in the damn gown.
“I can hardly breathe!” she cried out, and her friends and mother broke into laughter.
“Baby, you look beautiful!” Mama leaned close and placed a sweet kiss against her cheek.
“Thank you, Mama.”
The woman dabbed at her eyes, then grabbed her purse off a table. She pulled out a little jewelry box from it.
“What’s that?” Yasmine asked. “Something new, something borrowed, or something blue?”
Mama’s smile faded and as if everyone knew something Yasmine didn’t. The room drew quiet, the air serious.
“Yasmine.” She opened the box and in it was a necklace with a little dime store blue fish pendant. “This was Tamia’s favorite necklace. I held on to it… but in the last few days, I decided to pull it out of my vanity and give it to you.”
“Mama…” Yasmine blinked away tears. She remembered that necklace now. Tamia wore it often.
“You and Tamia were more than sisters. You were best friends. She’d want you to have it.”
Goldie lifted her hair up while her mother made her way behind her and clasped the necklace along her neck. Yasmine closed her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion, as a swarm of arms enfolded her, showering her with love…
Nixon stood beside Leo, Tex, Harper, Eddie, the entire crew. Dad had just patted him on the back and walked away, to continue being nosey, no doubt. The old man had been seen opening doors marked ‘Employees Only’ and had already been chastised by the staff. And yet, he continued. It was a beautiful evening for a wedding. He’d allowed Yasmine to choose their venue, and her choice aligned with his own tastes.
The Crystal Gardens on Navy Pier stood on an acre of land and featured a beautiful indoor garden area with palm trees and e
xquisite water fountains. The interior boasted of fifty-foot high arched ceilings. The place reminded him of a humongous, elegant greenhouse. It was modern, with touches of old-time elegance and heavy floral influences. The place could easily accommodate their four hundred and sixty-seven guests.
He glanced down at his Rolex and noted the time. Almost 6:00 P.M. People were filling up the area, and almost all of the Perspex chairs had an ass in them. He took a swig of water from a bottle his brother had offered then handed it back to him. He joked around with the minister from his soon to be mother-in-law’s church, and moved about impatiently, his nerves in a tight bundle. His jaws began to burn, making him realize he had them clenched. Just then, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Motherfucker. I see you left me for another woman. I would’ve given you the world. You Satyrs don’t appreciate shit!”
He turned around and burst out laughing. Pulling Taz in an embrace, he squeezed her tight. She laughed so hard, his body vibrated. He placed a kiss on her cheek and shook his head.
“Taz! I didn’t think you’d come! You said you were going to be in Atlanta this weekend!”
“I know, I know.” She waved him off. “But I couldn’t miss your wedding, Raze. I mean, Nixon.” She winked. “Yasmine is gonna be pissed, isn’t she?”
“Why would she be angry? She actually encouraged me to invite my friends from The Cage. She knows how much you all mean to me.”
“No, not that. Because from what I understand,” she tossed her long red weave over one shoulder and batted her eyelashes, “it costs a pretty penny in here. You have to confirm the number of guests in advance and I just showed up last minute. The plates go for like a hundred thirty dollars per guest!”
“Actually, it’s a hundred sixty-five, not including gratuity, but they make wiggle room for things like this.” He patted her shoulder, reassuring her. “If not, I’ll just write them another check. They’re bleeding me dry.” He grinned.
“But it’s all worth it, isn’t it?”
His smile slowly faded, and he hugged her tight once again. “Thank you for putting her and me together that night… You’re like a match maker, and you didn’t even know it,” he whispered in her ear.
“Believe it or not, I remember her that night, too. Let me tell you, when she first saw you… Whoa! I could tell she was pleased.” Such flattery, and he enjoyed it immensely. “And I knew she was your type. When you called me and told me you were getting married a few months back, and I could hear how damn excited you were, Nix, my heart melted.” Her eyes became glossy. “I was seriously in shock, too!” They both burst out laughing.
“You?! You should’ve seen ME! Love you, Taz… thanks again for coming. It means a lot.”
The woman stepped back, blew him a kiss, and went to her seat. Soon, the wedding singer approached the front of the room where he and his groomsmen stood, all of them dressed in black suits with silk blue ties. The man grabbed the microphone and began to croon ‘Marry Me,’ by Train. Everyone stilled and one could hear a pin drop. As the song drew him in, Nixon bowed his head and when he finally looked up, he caught his mother’s gaze. They winked at one another. Farther down sat his father and sisters. Tonya was crying already. He gave her a little wave, then lowered his gaze again. Out the corner of his eye he could see his groomsmen being summoned to stand in the back of the venue.
God, I don’t pray often. I don’t talk to you enough. I just want to say thank you…
He swallowed back his emotions and looked up to see the bridesmaids entering, all wearing beautiful blue gowns, their arms looped around all twelve groomsmen, one at a time. It had been hell to find twelve groomsmen, but Yas had insisted upon it since she had twelve bridesmaids. The bridesmaids came to stand to his right while the men stood to his left. The notes of Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ started to play and everyone got to their feet. A cute little Black girl, the same one he’d seen with her face glued to the window at Aunt Toni’s party, danced down the aisle, throwing little blue rose petals along the way.
Nixon’s little nephew danced with her, both of them acting silly and tossing petals and handfuls of blue feathers as they boogied closer and closer. The laughter and giggles grew so loud, they competed with the music. Nixon clapped to the beat, encouraging the children, then, unable to help himself, he joined in their dance, all three clapping and carrying on and drawing a ruckus of laughter.
He picked up the little girl and rocked her in his arms, kissed her cheek, then set her down on her feet. He did the same with his nephew before they returned to their mothers. People were asked to remain standing, and the music and noise died down. The singer launched into his rendition of Prince’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.’ Nixon clasped his hands as the minister stood closer, and then, from quite a distance away… she appeared…
There were audible gasps, oohhs and ahhhs as Yasmine stood there, her arm looped around her father’s. Nixon placed his hands in a prayer gesture and pressed them against his lips, shaking his head, in awe of his bride. She wore a form-fitting long ivory gown with a high collar which accentuated her figure and showcased her elegant neck and a bit of cleavage. It flared out at the bottom, reminding him of a puddle of white silk. Her hair was down but tucked behind one ear, displaying a long diamond earring that matched a diamond pendant in her hair. Lips glossy, eyes large and bright like a doe’s, she was the epitome of everything he could have ever hoped for, and more. She drew closer and closer, but it wasn’t fast enough. He wanted to reach out, grab her, hold her…
Regaining his composure, he returned his attention to her. Once Yasmine arrived right before him, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman away?”
Her father stood proudly, chin high, and answered, “I do.”
Nixon and Mr. Prince shook hands, then the man gave him a hearty hug. After Yasmine’s father took his seat, he and his bride faced one another. The minister instructed them to hold hands as they exchanged their traditional vows. Nothing fancy, just pure, simple sentiments from the heart.
“I love you so much,” he mouthed.
In her eyes shone all the love she had for him. His stomach did somersaults when she’d look at him like that.
“I, Yasmine Prince, take thee to be my husband, and before God and these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true wife.”
“I, Scooby Doo, take thee, Yasmine Prince, to be my Scooby snack, and—”
“Nixon!” Yasmine stomped her foot, her face red with embarrassment as everyone burst out laughing.
“Okay, okay. I, Nixon Rossellini, take thee, Yasmine Prince, to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true husband.” He managed somehow to get through it without laughing.
“You may now exchange rings.” Goldie placed the thick gold band in her hand, and Yasmine slid it down his finger. Along the sides were blue diamonds, similar to her own. He placed her diamond encrusted band on her finger, and held her hands as he looked into her eyes for a wee bit longer than he should’ve… but he simply wasn’t ready to let go.
The vows continued on and finally arrived at the part he was waiting for – the part that sealed the deal and made it real, for once and for all.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss your bride!”
He could feel his chest rising with each breath. They drew closer and before he knew it, his hand was around the back of her head, and he was falling into passionate pieces. He heard the whistling, clapping, and teasing, but he kept on until he’d gotten his fill. When he pulled away from her, she rose on her tiptoes, and wiped a tear from his eye with the side her thumb.
Damn… I didn’t even know it was there.
The place lit up with applause. He pulled Yasmine to him, hand securely around her waist, and they waved their arms in the air, cheering. When things had settled and people began to move about, and the photographers changed positions for the reception to begin, he slipped a tattered piece of white
paper out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“What is this, baby?”
“Just open it. Read it,” he whispered.
She gave him a curious glance, smiled, then did as he asked.
“It says, ‘Today could be a day that changes your life, Nixon. Perhaps you’ll find some money to invest. Maybe you’ll get a call from another celebrity client and it will help boost your firm even more, or maybe you’ll meet the woman of your dreams. If you find money, give it to a homeless person or someone who’s more in need of it than you. If you get a call from a celebrity client, keep their information confidential, and don’t allow it to turn into a freak show like some other stardom-hungry lawyers do. And if you meet the woman of your dreams, do what it takes to gain her trust but most importantly – the same way you got her, make sure you do the same things to keep her…”
She folded the paper back. “Did you really pull this out of your jar this morning?”
“Yes.” He raised his hand, as if being sworn in. “I am not kidding around. I most certainly did. I wrote that over a year ago. I couldn’t believe it, either.”
“I love you, Nixon!” Her voice shook as she tossed herself in his embrace, wrapping her arms around him. He buried his face in her hair. She smelled so lovely…
“Baby, I love you, too. I can’t promise you perfection, but I promise you loyalty. I promise to love you out loud and in full bloom. We’re in this together. I’m your exhale, you’re my inhale, and vice versa. We’re a team, all right? A two-person firm, Rossellini and Rossellini.”
She laughed. “Yeah… I like that.”
“You like that? Good.” He kissed her once again, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw himself. “The guy I see in your eyes right now, I am going to try to remain that person, all right? The man you married. I won’t try to change you… make you someone you’re not. Let’s walk this journey together, grow together. We can do this. I’m all in.”
