eat our meals, drink wine, and slouch in front of the TV eating candy and bitching about men. I know Jessie has nothing to bitch about—she’s just trying to humor me—but it’s nice of her to play the game anyway.
I text Jake to thank him for the flowers but also to ask him to stop. He just replies, “Never, not until you’re mine again”, and that’s it.
I don’t respond. Instead, I start talking to Jessie about the hotel next week. In mid-conversation, I remember Brian. “Oh, shit, I have to tell Brian downstairs, but I’m in my pajamas.”
Jessie giggles. “Why don’t you go down there with them on? No one will notice.”
“I can’t … can I?”
She laughs some more. “Go on … I dare you.”
I get up, placing my bag of Doritos on the table before heading for the door. I’ve just been dared, so, of course, I have to do it now.
I head to Brian’s, trying to remember what number he told me. I’m sure it was three-one-three, but I doubt my memory a little. I head to that door anyway, thankfully without being seen, and knock. My mouth opens wide when I see who answers the door.
“Jamal! Oh, my God. You’re Brian’s boyfriend?” I squeal like a little girl and go in for a hug.
“Damn girl, look at you,” he answers, giving me the once over. “I didn’t know fleece pants were the latest fashion this season.”
I give him a little nudge. “How are you?” I ask, beaming from ear to ear. He gives me a kiss on both cheeks and invites me in.
“I’m doing good, baby girl. Why are you here anyway? I thought you were living in McLean? And what happened to that fine ass boyfriend you have?”
I glance down, and he notices the pain in my posture. Brian overhears and steps out into the hallway.
“He was the one I saw this morning, very nice. I see you two already know each other?”
Looking up, I smile in Brian’s direction. “Yes, Jamal does my hair. He’s brilliant.”
“Did I put my foot in my mouth about your ex? What happened between you two anyway?”
I tell Jamal the long story while he and Brian listen attentively.
“Wow, sounds harsh, but it seems very much like he loves you. What are you going to do?” Brian asks.
“I really don’t know at this point. The biggest issue here is he may have gotten my aunt pregnant. That’s something no one can ignore.” I sigh at the thought. “He sent me some more flowers today. He said he’s not going to stop, even though I’ve asked.”
“Baby girl, I think you’re doing the right thing,” Jamal proclaims. “Make him beg and fall to your feet. It is what you deserve after what you’ve been through. He’ll keep on chasing, but you should enjoy it. It’s when he stops there’s a problem.”
“Thanks, Jamal. I’m not sure how to take it all in at the moment, but I’m sure I’ll figure something out. Anyway, enough of my non-existent love life, that’s not why I’m here. Remember I told you about my birthday bash, Brian?” He nods his head. “Well, Jessie has been organizing it and has come up with quite a good plan, but I’m not sure how you will feel about it, and if you can get away for that weekend? You see, we’re going to stay in a hotel in Fredericksburg. They hire out a hall for functions and have ready-made poles for dancing and stuff. Jessie thought it would be a good idea if we hired it out and stayed the night there. It should be fun. Quite a few have already said they’re going. What do you think?”
They both look at one another, smiling. “Well, I can go. Not sure about Jamal. You normally work Saturdays … because of how busy it gets?”
He nods his head. “Yes, but I’m sure I can get one Saturday off. I always cover for other people, so I’m sure someone will return the favor. I’m in.”
I jump up and down and give them each a hug. “Thanks, guys. If you give me your numbers, I’ll contact you with all the info when I have it, okay?”
“Yeah, sure,” Brian replies. “Let us know the cost, and we’ll get you the money. I assume everyone is putting some cash in?”
I nod my head. “Yes, hopefully it won’t be too much as I think we’re getting a good discount. I’ll be sure to let you know.”
They both give me