Page 36 of The Best is Yet to Cum

Mona

“It’s good to see you again, Clinton. I’m glad y’all could make it on such short notice,” Karla said after greetings were exchanged.

“It’s good to see you. Thanks for the invite,” Clinton replied.

“Mona knows she’s always invited but chooses not to come. When I reminded her, and she said you two would be here, I was so excited. It’s been ages since she’s joined us, so thank you for bringing my friend outside.”

“Don’t be like that, friend. You know exactly why I opted not to participate.”

“I do, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t missed.”

“Where are the kids?”

“With my parents for the weekend, thank God. I needed a break.”

We slipped out of our shoes and followed Karla to the family room, where game night took place. Lariah and Dominick sat on the couch while Cairo sat in a folding chair.

“Hey, baby. This is Clinton, Mona’s boyfriend. Clinton, this is my husband, Cairo. You already met Lariah, and that’s her husband, Dominick.”

“It’s nice to meet you both, and good to see you again, Lariah.”

Everyone stood, and Clinton shook Cairo and Dominick’s hands before he exchanged a quick hug with Lariah. After greeting me with hugs, Dominick and Lariah returned to the couch, and Cairo asked to speak with Karla in the kitchen.

“We’ll be right back,” she said with an awkward smile.

“The kids with your parents?” I asked Lariah.

“Actually, my sister offered to watch them. I know she wants something because she never does anything unless she’s getting something in return.”

“You’re right, but maybe she’ll surprise you this time.”

“Clinton, right?” Dominick asked and Clinton nodded. “You look familiar. What’s your line of work?”

“I’m part owner of a finance company. You?”

“Postal worker. What’s the name of your company?”

“Hollister and Michaels.”

“I’ve never heard of it. Is it with Primerica?”

“Uhh, no. We mostly work with large businesses and corporations.”

“I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before,” Dominick continued.

“You don’t look familiar to me, so I’m not sure if we’ve crossed paths before.”

“How long have you owned your business?” Lariah asked.

“Close to fifteen years.”

“That’s dope. Congratulations,” she said.

“Thank you.”

Suddenly, we heard muffled but loud voices coming from the kitchen. Clinton frowned, but I said nothing. Across the room,Lariah and Dominick looked as unbothered as I felt. We were used to our friends and their spats.

“Are they good?” Clinton asked and waited for one of us to respond.

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