Page 62 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

Imani couldn’t believe she’d had so much fun that night. She’d laughed as she caught up with the members of Joi. Sure, all of them had fled Peachtree Cove for college after high school but returned for one reason or another. What surprised her the most was how no one regretted moving back home. Even Joey who’d worked as a lawyer at a prestigious law firm and returned home because of a sick parent. She would have expected him to somewhat regret having to be back home.

“I missed not having my family around,” Joey said. “Don’t get me wrong, we’re the exception and not the rule. A lot of people from high school left and never came back. They still think of Peachtree Cove as the struggling place it once was. We’re not Atlanta and never will be, but we’ve got enough going for us that living here isn’t so bad.”

Imani sat in the booth thinking about what he’d said as the band played their last song for the night. Tracey was already gone. Bernard called and claimed some kind of emergency with his cousin again. She’d been upset and left shortly afterward. Halle hadn’t looked convinced, but as the perfect neutral party also hadn’t said anything.

Now Halle glanced at her watch. “I need to get home. Shania’s at a friend’s house and I told their parents I’d be there by ten.”

“I can’t believe she’s thirteen already,” Imani said. “Where did the time go?”

Halle shook her head. “I don’t know. It feels like I just brought her home and now she’s got one year left before high school.”

“Is she ready for high school?”

“She can’t wait. I wish I could delay it another year or two. High school equals four short years before she graduates and moves on to the next thing. I’ve only got five more Christmases with her.”

Imani cringed. “Oooh, don’t put it like that. It sounds way too soon.”

Halle put the strap of her purse on her shoulder. “Now you know how I feel. Want to walk out together?”

Imani glanced at the bar. Cyril still talked with Brian and Quinton, but the other two men stood holding their keys. She guessed they were leaving soon.

“I need to ask Cyril something.” When Halle raised a brow Imani shook her head. “About the wedding. That’s all.”

Halle grinned. “Whatever you say.”

“Why did you say it like that?”

“I didn’t say it like anything.” She tilted her head and raised a brow. “You sure do look over at him a lot.”

“I’m just looking around the room and taking in the atmosphere.”

Halle laughed and stood. “Sure. The atmosphere. We’ll talk about that later when you’re ready to talk. Give me a call when you get home.” Unlike Tracey, Halle wouldn’t push the issue. She was always there if you needed to talk but understood keeping some things private. It’s one of the reasons Imani never pushed her about Shania’s dad.

“I will.” Imani stood and gave Halle a hug. “Text when you’re home. Drive safe.”

“Always.” Halle threw up a hand in a wave and then left.

Imani made her way to the bar. The crowd was still heavy, and most people didn’t look like they were getting ready to leave. The place didn’t close officially until midnight which meant Cyril would be there much later. She had no reason to stick around and wait for him like some groupie, yet she still wanted to wait. She’d backed out on thanking him for the previous night and she was even more embarrassed about being embarrassed to say thank you.

Brian smiled at her when she reached the bar. “I thought you were leaving with Halle.”

“Not yet. Mom and Mr. Preston are back home, and I don’t like to be the third wheel,” she said with a wry grin.

Brian nodded. “I get that. If you want to hang out, there’s the dessert bar down the corner. I think they’re open if you want something sweet.”

Brian tilted his head to the side and smiled. Twenty years ago, if he’d given her that same look, she would have melted into a puddle of goo right there on the floor. If he’d given her that smile when she’d first come to town and considered maybe having a quick hookup to pass the time after a dry spell, she might have gone with him. Instead, Cyril was the man whose eyes made her stomach flip on her first day back in town.

“I’m good. Plus, I need to talk to Cyril for a bit.”

Quinton grinned and slapped Brian on the shoulder. “Come on, man. I’ve got an early morning and you’re my ride.” He looked at Imani. “Nice meeting you. Cyril, let’s hang out again one day when you’re not working.”

Cyril threw up two fingers. “Let’s do it.”

Quinton dragged Brian from the bar and Imani slid into one of the seats they vacated. “Can I get another one of those fruity beers you gave me?”

“You’ve already had two.”

“Okay, and I don’t feel a thing.”

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