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 exquisite 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