Page 59 of Invisible Bars
“If she says no, then I’ll just have to figure something else out. But I’m not hurting her.”
Dessign looked at me like she was trying to read through every line on my face.
“Is she pretty?”
I looked at her sideways. “What’s that got to do with anything?”
“It haseverythingto do with this situation. You ain't about to sit on my couch and pretend youaccidentallygrew feelings for your three-day hostage. What in the hood, billionaire romance plot is this?!”
“Man, gone.” I brushed off. “But she was once a model, so I’ll let you figure that out.”
“A model? Like famous?! And FYI, bro, some of these models be busted! These agencies don’t really care for looks anymore. Most just be like, ‘Can you breathe and walk in a straight line? Hired.’ But who is she?”
“Does Naji Ali ring a bell?”
Dessign’s mouth dropped, and I thought she almost stood.
“Na-Naji Ali?!”
“Yeah.”
“No, you didn’t just sayNaji Alilike it’s a regular-ass name! Oh, my God! You kidnapped my idol! No! You kidnappedVogue royalty! Bro, you’re going to jail in five fashion capitals! But wait—Tourette! That makes sense! The walk! The time she yelled ‘salami nipples’ on live TV—I remember thinking, she’s iconicandunpredictable! I hated how they did her! I was livid. Shewas theit girlbefore they canceled her! Imanio, do you know how good she would look in my clothes?! You just out here kidnapping inspiration like it’s a damn talent scout operation! Bro, you gotta unhand herand return her gently like a museum vase!”
I chuckled.
“I can’t… not just yet.”
“Well, forgot all that stuff I said about you doing a background check on her mental! You have my blessing to marry her! Now I don’t know if she has friends or not but just let her know that I will be the matron of honor.”
“Sis, the matron of honor is usually one who isalreadymarried, and you won’t be by the time we do… if we do.”
“Okay, rude—but fine. Then I’ll be abridesmaid.But not justanybridesmaid—I’m leading the damn line, Imanio! You hear me? I’m gonna come in first andturn heads!I need to call Ciara to do my hair! I need to book my lash tech! I gotta find the right color—maybe blush or champagne—but I need one that brings out my melanin andalsosays, ‘Yes, I’m important, but not competing with the bride.’”
“Dess… Chill. This ain’tthat.Ifwe get married there will benoinvites.”
Dessign looked like I just told her we weren’t biologically related and I’d been adopted in a gas station swap.
“Wh-What?” she croaked, blinking slowly. “So I’m not invited to the wedding? ’Cause that’s what it sounded like you said.”
“That’sexactlywhat I said.”
“Oh, butChigets to come?! You’re really choosing him over me? Someone who would show up to the wedding in?—”
“Chi? I never said Chi was coming anywhere. I’d invite a raccoon before I invite him. Hell, if I was getting marriedforreal, I’d have to prayreal hardbefore even considering putting his name on the guest list.”
“Not too much on my man. I’ma tell him that too! But why can’t I come?” she pouted, her bottom lip sticking out like a toddler who got their juice cup taken.
“Dess, no one’s coming. It’s just gonna be me, her, and the officiant.”
I purposely left out the part about needing two witnesses—again, if she said yes. But I knew for damn sure it wouldn’t be my sister or Chi. Having either of them there would’ve made the whole thing feel too real.
And this wasn’t that.
“Wait. You—youmean to tell me… you’re marryingthe one and only Naji Ali, and y’all not gon’ haveone person, there to witness the magic? No flowers? No music? No dramatic entrance where I burst through the door and wheel down the aisle toCater 2 U? No reception with a crab leg bar?”
“No.”
“Ugh! Why so secretive?! Are you getting married or doing a drug deal?!”
