Page 21 of Grown Folks Confessions: Black Lush

Sitting in that funky jail cell, all I could hope was that we’d had a marriage ceremony, but never filed an actual marriage certificate. Because if legally we did everything right, shit just got way too real for me.

eight

Grown Folks Confession #8: Growing up, we’re told that honesty is the best policy, only to learn that insanity is the best defense to get you a shorter prison sentence. When in doubt, plead crazy.

ARES

“I don’t knowwhy you think this shit is funny,” I said to my guy, Tone, while we waited for Layla and his girl, Meeka, to meet us in the lobby to get something to eat. When they hung up with Layla, Meeka and Tone had hopped on the next flight out of Chicago and after we posted bail, we found out that the owner of the vehicle dropped the charges.

“I’m laughing because you’ve wanted Layla for years, right?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Your point?”

“My point is, why did you think it was a great idea to fly to Vegas for a day, not even a night, right before she’s due to arrive to the biggest opportunity in her career so far? Especially when she’s counting on you to help her sell your fake relationship to the investor.”

“I shouldn’t have told you shit,” I spat, waving him off as he reminded me why Layla had said we shouldn’t tell our friends. No way they’d forget this mess anytime soon. “I wish you would give me some helpful advice instead of repeating what questions I’m already asking my damn self.”

Tone laughed again, looking unapologetic when he claimed to be, “Sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

He stifled another laugh. “I’m not, you’re right. If the guy whose car you stole hadn’t just met Meeka a few months ago on her comedy tour, and Meeka hadn’t been the reason he finally got the guts to propose, y’all may still be in some serious trouble.”

“You’re telling me shit I already know,” I reminded him. “If we leave tomorrow morning, we’ll only miss a day of the retreat. I know everything about Layla, and if it’s between her and another guy for the investment, I think she has it in the bag. She’s been working so hard.”

Tone nodded. “She has, and Meeka and I didn’t even know it was for this investor. I really am glad y’all finally told us what’s up because everybody was picking up on the fact that you two have gotten even closer lately. I mean, you know each other from back home, but it’s been different. I just can’t believe the two of you are really married on top of everything that happened.”

“Me neither,” I admitted, leaning against the wall. I’d wanted to be with Layla for so long, it was hard to believe that accident or not, I finally had her in some way. “But it’s all fake, so it will end once she gets this investment.”

I felt Tone observing me, probably picking up on the anxiety I was feeling for reasons I didn’t understand. “Where are the girls anyway?”

“You know Meeka and Layla. Always late.” Tone slapped me on the shoulder. “Listen, take it from a man who has never been happier since meeting the woman he’s meant to spend the rest of his life with. When you know, don’t play games. I didn’t go to high school with y’all, but I listen to the stories, and it seems to me, even with the bickering and arguing, you and Layla were always meant to be together in the end. There are no rules and guidelines to follow when it comes to falling in love with the right person for you.”

I snorted. “Bruh, I’m not sure I ever stopped loving that woman, and I’ve never told anyone this—not even my brothers—but she’s turned me down more times than I can count.”

“Yet, out of all the guys she knows, you’re the one she asked to play her fake husband. Seems to me there’s a chance your feelings are not so one-sided.”

“That’s just Layla,” I explained. “We flirt, but most the time on her part, it’s harmless.”

Tone shook his head and laughed. “Nah, you just think it is because she’s already hurt your pride before. I’m telling you, man, if you really want to be all in, use this time to prove to Layla why you’re the man she needs to stay married to if that’s what you want.”

“Stay married?” I waved him off. “Man, that shit would be crazy, right?”

He shrugged. “It’s not crazy if you know she’s the one. May not be according to your timetable, but crazier things have happened.”

Stay married?I rubbed my chin, waiting for the fear of an unexpected marriage to creep into my mind when literally not even a month ago I was happy being a bachelor.

Problem was, the feeling of dread never came.

“It’s what I want,” I told him honestly.

Smiling, Tone shook his head. “I figured as much.”

“But I’m not even sure our marriage is real.”

“It’s real,” Layla said, approaching us with Meeka laughing so hard, I had to block out her cackling. Layla handed me a sheet of paper. “Thank goodness the housekeeper at the last hotel gathered our personal belongings and gave it to the front desk, because I found this stuffed in my bag.”

It only took few seconds for me to review the … “Marriage certificate! So we’re legally married?”

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