feel better again unless you let your heart find the happiness it deserves. He obviously loves you very much, and it’s plain to see the feeling is mutual. I know that woman,” he says, scrunching up his face, “may be carrying his baby, but I think you two were meant to be. That time you came into my salon with him ... the way he looked at you, he was like a man possessed. I knew he was in love, but of course, I couldn’t say anything back then.”
I suddenly feel like everybody knew about us before we even did. And what is it about us and the way we look at one another that gets people guessing? I shake my head from those thoughts. Despite all of that, nothing changes the circumstances we’re in. Plus, not everyone knows about the email I received from the doctor, so some people still think she’s my aunt and possibly not having his baby. As selfish as it may be, a part of me still deeply wishes that was true. Until there’s a paternity test, I am stuck in a hellish limbo.
“Come on, let’s not get sad. Tonight is your special night, and we’re gonna rock this joint.”
He does a little swing of his hips, making me laugh. He turns the radio on to play some music, and soon we are singing along to “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo whilst Jamal gets to work on my hair.
It’s seven-thirty by the time he’s finished, and a frantic Jessie is knocking on my door. She comes in, looking gorgeous as always with a dark green dress on. We’re like three squealing school girls as we jump up and down in delight. She hands me a pink, glittery sash with the words, ‘Birthday Girl’, written on it.
“You have to wear this tonight. It’s the rules.”
I pull the sash over my head and look in the mirror. “Wow, Miss Virginia, what do you want most in this world?” Jamal jokes, handing me a pretend microphone.
I smile sweetly, leaning over an imaginary microphone before saying, “World peace.”
We all laugh so hard, I’m surprised no one comes knocking on our door to ask us to keep it down. As if we can’t get any louder, Jamal suggests we have a couple of drinks before heading down to the party.
I can already feel it … this is going to be quite the night.
I just didn’t realize how significant and monumental this night was going to turn out to be.
26
It’s an amazing sight when I walk into that room. Lots of people are already gathered, cheering and wishing me a happy belated birthday. With the room dimly lit, only subtle lighting on the stage and two big poles greeting me on one side, the scene is set rather nicely. On the stage, there are two scantily dressed girls draped over poles, swinging in circles before flipping themselves upside down. When they throw their heads back, they spot me standing in front of them and offer me smiles. I’m seriously loving this already.
I nudge at Jessie’s arm. “This is awesome. Thank you.”
She gives me a big hug and tells me I deserve it. She then turns to Jamal with a grin. “You’ve done a fantastic job on her hair. Those curls look gorgeous.”
Jamal’s face lights up. “I could have done yours, Jessie … anytime.”
The music becomes louder, causing everyone to start jumping and shouting. The atmosphere is electric. Mandy comes over, giving me a big hug, and she tells me that I look fabulous. I notice most of the men are too mesmerized by the girls dancing away on the stage to notice I’ve arrived. I can’t blame them. They’re fantastic. However, it’s not long before Tom notices us and comes dancing over.
With a deep grin on his face, he places his hand on his heart. “Ladies, this is like the best present anyone could have ever given me. I don’t know what made you think of this, Ana, but it fucking rocks.”
A giggle bursts from my lips. “Steady there, Tom. Don’t get overemotional.”
He suddenly edges in closer to us. Curious to what he has to say, we bend down to try and listen to him. “You two up for a threesome later?” Both Jessie and I hit him, causing him to rub both his shoulders. “I take that as a no?”
We both say, “No,” at the same time and that results in our laughter spilling out around us.