Page 55 of Truce Of The Matter

“The event planner is here and setting up. I just took them to the back. She tripping but it’s all good.”

“No hell it ain’t. Her ass is supposed to cook the potatoes and asparagus.”

“They going on the grill too. If she ain’t here soon, I’ll season them and get them ready.”

After putting the lemonade in the fridge, I wash my hands and get back to the lobster and shrimp. By four, we have the grill and smoker going and Chantel, Mere, and Nyrielle, Mere’s little sis, have arrived. She’s in college at CFU but came home for this. My parents practically took over raising Mere and Nyrielle after my aunt got in the streets. She was on that shit bad. Lyra still isn’t here and she’s starting to piss me off. As I text her for the fourth damn time, a message from Truce pops on my screen.

Truce: Pulling in.

Me: Coming out.

We are all in the backyard, including my parents. The event team really turned this solarium into an island party. It resembles Carnival with the colors, tropical centerpieces, and colorful linens. The drinks at the Tiki bar are being served in hollowed out, fresh pineapples and my mom and dad are dressed alike. She’s wearing a long floral dress and my dad is sporting a matching shirt. That shit is hilarious because he has a permanent scowl on his face.

When I make it to the front, Truce and Aryel are out of her ride. Aryel spots me first and rushes to me, anxious to show off her pink nails with rhinestones and matching pink toes. She’s smiling from ear to ear and talking a mile a minute.

“They washed my feet, Daddy, and the chair played music and massaged my back. I got some juice in a glass like Miss Truce and they put my feet in these bags to make them soft. You like it?”

“I love it. They look so pretty; you look so pretty.”

“I want to get my toes like this again. Please, Daddy!”

“Alright. Calm down. We’ll see.”

“You don’t have to take me if you don’t want to. Miss Truce can; we had fun and I like her,” she says and her words are music to my ears.

“We have to check with her schedule. Okay?”

“I already asked her. She said yes. Daddy, pleeeaasseee.”

“Okay. Let me talk to her about that. Go on in the house. Everyone is out back. Your Yaya is going to love your nails.”

“And toes,” she yells while running to the back.

Truce steps to me then grabs my shirt lightly. She pulls me down to her lips. “Today was supposed to be my treat,” she scolds before kissing me passionately. “But thanks anyway,” she says, smiling.

“You taking Aryel and spending all day with those ladies benefits me. You getting your nails and toes done also benefits me. It’s a win-win for me, which makes it my treat, every time.”

“They definitely love you at that shop. If one more woman would have asked Aryel where’s her daddy, I was going to act the hell up. Like damn! Mr. Goode isn’t here today. Get over it, bitches,” she huffs and I can’t stop my laughter.

“You staking your claim?”

“Already staked,” she says and damn. My fucking dick gets thick on my thigh at her words.

“Shit!” I groan then step forward, backing her up on her ride. “Words like that will have you in that back seat with my face between your legs.”

“Is that a promise?” she asks and I run my tongue across her lips.

“Damn, cuz. Let her breathe; shit,” Mere’s loud ass voice calls out from behind. “Auntie sent me out here to get you. She’s ready to eat.”

“Alright,” I tell him without taking my eyes or attention from her.

“We better go. I’m not trying to make your mom mad at me on her big day.” Reluctantly, I calm down and step back. “The cake is in the back seat,” she says.

After I get the cake, we head to the back to join everyone. In true Arlene style, Marvin Gaye is playing on the sound system. She loves all things Marvin Gaye and “After the Dance” is her favorite song. It’s playing right now. Lyra still isn’t here though and when I look at Dax, he just shrugs. I place the cake on the table then turn to my family.

“Everyone, this is Truce. Truce, this is my family,” I announce, bullshitting, and she shoves me lightly.

“I know you know better than that. Rex, introduce her the right way,” my mom scolds and I smile. One by one, I formally introduce my family to Truce, starting with my mom. I swear she hugs Truce for several minutes before she releases her. “You are beautiful,” my mom gushes.

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