Starting Up A New Relationship

Chapter 3

Wedding Bells Part 1.

Six months have passed since I had moved into my new apartment. I’ve been working and writing, and now I’m finally financially secure. I was driving to my mom’s place to give her a ride to meet Ken. Ken and Keisha’s wedding was just six weeks away. I arrived at my mom’s house and stayed outside, waiting for her to come out. I honked my horn and glanced at my wristwatch. The door swung open and my mom waved and called out.

“Girl. You gonna wait. I’m coming!”

I couldn’t help but eye roll as she took her sweet time getting out. I didn’t know who was worse, Aunt Tasha or my mom, because both of them took forever getting ready. My mom finally came out with her coordinated outfit on, with her bulky purse on her shoulder.

“Girl. It’s hot out there. I barely can breathe. Now, don’t be speeding trying to get to your brother’s house. He drives fast and you drive fast.”

“Mom. Just get in, please.” I said. I had to navigate through traffic on the 610 to reach Ken’s house. “Mama. Can you please? This isn’t about me at all. Can we skip talking about Marcus? We’re here for Ken and Keisha.” I knew she was stressing about me finding someone, but I couldn’t handle the same old talk about settling down, especially if she kept bringing up Marcus. I began the car and reversed away from the driveway.

I quietly made my way to Ken’s house by car. Ken and Keisha are on a break from work as they prepare for their wedding in six weeks. I knew Ken would be there, waiting for us. I parked next to Ken’s car in the garage. The parking space was the one I had when I lived with him six months prior to moving into my place. When I stepped out of the car, Mom was already on her way to the front door. The moment he heard the car, Ken came to the door.

“Hey mom, hey lil sis.” Mom hugged Ken tightly and patted his back. Ken hugged her when he let us inside.

“Where did Keisha go?” I asked, trying to find her. She’s spending time with her sister. They’re out wedding shopping. I thought I’d have my little sister and mom assist me. Ken said, “I’m scared, but also really excited,” while rubbing the back of his head.

“Don’t worry, bro, you’ll be okay. Everything will be awesome. We’re here to help.” I walked over to give him a tight hug. Ken chuckled, feeling thankful for the backing. Mom was already on her way to the kitchen, murmuring about preparing lunch for everyone. I glanced around the living room.

“Did you get your tux yet?”

Ken nodded his head as he grinned. “I got it. Let me show you.”

Smiling, I jumped off the couch to follow him to the bedroom he shared with Keisha. He opened his closet, revealing a sleek white tuxedo hanging up neatly in a Garmin bag after he unzipped it to show it to me.

“I love it.” I said, my finger tracing the elegant lines of the tailored suit.

“Sis. How are you though? I know you got your apartment, but how are you really doing?” Ken asked, looking concerned. Ken saw I wasn’t really over Marcus yet.

“I’m managing.” I whispered.

“Just managing? Ny. Come on. It’s me you’re talking to.”

“I don’t want to talk about Marcus and me or commitment. But my mom keeps bringing it up...” I paused, unsure of how to describe the pain and hurt I was going through.

“I know you’re right, but it’s not that simple.”

“I know it’s hard. It’s been two years already. You wanna know what I think?”

“Ken, what do you mean?”

“I think you know what I mean…. You have always felt that you were a failure when things didn’t work out in your favor, and it’s because of dad. He always ever since we were kid made you feel like that; and I think that’s why you can’t seem to move on, because you’re afraid.”

“That’s unfair… I’m not-”

“You claim it doesn’t bother you, but you get upset when the topic of Marcus and you settling down comes up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about….”

“I think you do.”

“You do not know what I’m dealing with. It’s easy for you to say that, since you’re getting married.”

“Sis, I know it’s really hard because you really loved Marcus. However, he decided what he wanted. You admitted he told you he doesn’t love you, so why cling to this?”

My throat tightened, and a lump formed in my chest, silencing any words that might escape. I knew Ken was right, but it hurt to hear him say it out loud. The words cut deep, and I couldn’t offer a defense, not even to myself, for why I couldn’t move on.

❧

Yasmine’s mind kept drifting to her date with Tristen. Even though she was working hard on a crucial case, she tapped her pencil on her laptop screen as she thought about him. It wasn’t until Serena, her assistant, entered the room carrying a bouquet with a card attached to it.

“Check out what just arrived for you,” she said, laying the bouquet on her desk. Yasmine’s heart skipped a beat when she realizes who wrote the note. The note expressed:

“You are in my thoughts, beautiful. Can’t wait for tonight.”

Yasmine held the note close to her chest as she smiled to herself. She knew he was the one.

“Oh... Who’s the mystery man?”

A playful giggle escaped Yasmine’s lips as she smiled. “His name is Tristen.”

“Oh…Well girl, tell me about him. Don’t hold back.”

“Well, what is there to tell? I mean, he’s fine, an FBI agent, and a very sweet and thoughtful guy. Girl, and I met him online.”

“Online?! Uh. Is he crazy? Because I heard them men online be losing it.”

Yasmine laughed, shaking her head.

“He’s not crazy, Serena!”

Serena arched an eyebrow, skeptical yet intrigued.

“Okay, girl. I mean, It’s your life. But if he turned out coo-coo, I can ask my brother’s baby mama cousin, to help.”

Yasmine chuckled, appreciating Serena's concern and dramatic flair. She shook her head in disbelief but felt reassured by her friend’s support. As the day wore on, Yasmine couldn't help but lose herself in thoughts of Tristen, wondering what the evening would hold. She packed her things so she can go home and get ready for her with Tristen. As soon as she reached home, Yasmine dashed to her closet, flinging clothes aside in search of the perfect outfit. As she went through her closet, she found the perfect outfit. A sleek, white and black dress that clung to her curves in all the right places. She admired herself in the mirror and felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach.

She grabbed her favorite heels from the shoe rack—a pair of elegant black stilettos—and slipped them on with a confident smile. Then picked up her favorite clutch—a timeless black leather piece with a delicate chain strap and grabbed her white blazer from the coat rack that complimented her dress perfectly. Then she went to meet Tristen, who was already outside waiting on her. She greeted him with a small, he held his arm out, inviting her to take his as she looped her arm through his.

“You look beautiful, as always, Yasmine.”

Yasmine blushed, feeling warmth spread through her cheeks.

“Thank you, Tristen.” He had opened the door for her to get in the car, and as she settled into the passenger seat, she couldn’t shake the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. She just knew he was the one for her.

❧

Jae had finished packing up after selling the rest of his things and was ready to head move to New Orleans. He looked at the empty apartment where only his suitcases and duffel bags remained. He pondered over what his new life will be. To be promoted and move to a different city, all at the same time, was not only exciting but a bit nerve-wracking. He knew this was it. He requested an Uber to take him to the airport as he grabbed his bags to get ready to leave. Ken texted him, as he was leaving and getting into the Uber.

“Let me know when you make it here. I’ll come pick you up or I’ll have my sister to pick you up.”

Jae got into his uber as he finished reading the text. After a little while he’s dropped off the airport. He checked in and made his way to the gate. He set down at the JFK terminal, watching planes take off and land. He there waiting to board his flight, he decided to check his employment information at the federal building, he alway prized himself as a good detective but he was not promoted as a federal agent. The concierge for the airport then made the announcement about boarding for Jae's flight to New Orleans. He got up as had priority boarding due to his job. He stood at the gate with his things in his hands waiting to board. He was on his way to New Orleans for a new start and a new promotion.