Page 64 of Betrothed To Love

“Reya’s brother in law,” Alex answers before Kyrah can.

“Hell, which one? They’re all fine. Those African genes are magnificent,” Giselle says.

“The one that was all up on her ass at the winery,” Alex says.

“Shiro,” Kyrah says, beaming again.

“Oh, the sexy linebacker looking one. He looks like he can flip your ass every which way but loose.”

“Girl!” Kyrah says dramatically. “He definitely does.”

“Is that the one who owns the club in Diamond Falls?” Giselle asks.

“No. He runs the auto shop with his brother, Tre. Deuce owns the nightclub and we need to go. They have Grown Folks Fridays. We can do our next FNF there,” Kyrah suggests.

“I’m down,” Giselle says.

“Me too but after the debate,” I say.

“We have a date?” Kyrah asks.

“Yeah. October thirteenth. At the Irene Redmond Center. WCF-TV is covering it along with The Chronicle.”

“What time? You know we will be there, front and center,” Kyrah says.

“I’ll be watching from home. You know I can’t be there, on TV. My clients might feel uneasy,” Giselle says apologetically.

“I know you would be there otherwise. It’s fine,” I say.

I completely understand the sensitive nature of her business. The men who pay handsomely for the membership to TopPick expect absolute discretion and Giselle gives them just that, which is why I still don’t know which Bako is a member.

We all get comfortable in our usual seats, catch up, eat, drink, and eat some more. By the time we start the movie Alex chooses, I’ve packed food to take home and I’m good and full. I’m also one strawberry margarita away from being drunk. By eleven, Alex is knocked out in a guest room and Giselle is stretched out in her seat. Bracing my tipsy ass on the arms of my seat, I stand and walk to the food table to call my husband. Kyrah is grabbing a bottle of water.

“Hey, baby,” I say as soon as he answers.

“Oh, you’re tipsy. I hear it,” he says with a deep chuckle.

“Just a little bit,” I admit. “But not too drunk to follow the rules. Naked and fucking applies to my bed too.”

“I’m standing right here,” Kyrah snaps playfully.

“Girl. I’ve heard about Shiro and his dick all night. Please,” I scoff.

“Ay. Chill,” Quintus barks through the phone and I laugh. He does not like talking about his brother and Kyrah.

“Sorry, baby. Just come get me,” I say.

“Let me get Niya and I’m on my way.”

“Oh, Niya. No,” I say with a moment of clarity. “I didn’t think about her. It’s late and she’s asleep. Don’t wake her. I’ll take an iDrive.”

“The fuck you will. I’m not having you in an iDrive drunk. I’m coming,” he insists and I glance over at Kyrah.

“Kyrah can bring me. She’s headed to your brother either way. She stayed sober so she could drive there. She can drop me,” I say as I stare at her. She nods, confirming that she will, in fact, take me home.

“You sure she hasn’t been drinking?” he asks with concern.

“Yes. She only had one drink before the movie and has been downing waters since. She can drive. I’ll be home soon.”