Page 84 of Heart of a Savage
“You don’t look too bad, my G. You ready to commit your life to one woman?” I asked.
“You already know, my guy.” We dapped our fists twice and smiled.
“Nigga look like he ready to be a sucka for the rest of his life,” Mo jested.
“And you look casket sharp.”
“Alright now, gentlemen. Cut it out. It’s time to head out. You ready, son?” Mr. Lou asked, brushing his son’s shoulders off.
“I’m ready.”
“Okay. Let’s get it then.”
We all filed out of the room and headed down the hall. My pops and Mr. Lou headed inside to take their seats as the ladies joined us at the door. As soon as Arie approached me, she fell into my arms.
“You look so good in this tux. You want to slide off for a quick second?” she asked, whispering.
I chuckled. “I promise I got you right after this nigga say I do.”
“Boooo, you’re no fun.”
I gripped her ass. “Let’s see if you say that after.”
“Thirsty!” Mayani word-coughed, and she and Megan laughed.
“She got thejuiceto quench it,” I told them while winking at Arie.
For the first time, she blushed without attempting to hide it. That shit made me even more infatuated with her. She was embracing being admired, wanted, and catered to, and I was loving being the one to give her the softness she craved.
“Okay, places everyone! Remember, all smiles and no tears!” the wedding coordinator quietly yelled to us as the doors opened.
The music started, and the dynamic duo began to serenade the crowd with “Am I Dreamin’” by Xscape. I held out my arm to my lady. She accepted it, and we made our trek up the aisle.
When we all finally took our positions, Paige emerged, and my guy dropped a thug tear watching her walk up the aisle. Everything I did for them led up to this moment. I was waiting on my guy to show an inkling that he didn’t want to do this, but the nigga was beaming with pride, watching her walk down the aisle. In no way was I praying on my homie’s downfall, I just wanted to be sure he was sure about this and ain’t waste my damn money.
My eyes went to my girl while hers were glued to someone in the crowd with a stoic expression on her face. When I followed her line of sight, they were on Papi.
I frowned slightly, confused by why she was staring at him.
Does she know? Did her uncle tell her about my father? Did he hire her to take him out?
My stomach sank, hoping she was only looking at him because I was the spitting image of him. She hadn’t met my parents yet because I’d planned to let them meet here. I was going to introduce them at the reception, but now I’m thinking it wouldn’t be a good idea.
Her eyes came back to me, and she smiled. It seemed genuine as she made a silly face at me. That eased my nerves somewhat as Paige finally made her way to Harvey.
I didn’t want my feelings for Arieana to become jaded.
This thing between us felt too good.
However, I knew it wouldn’t be too good for long because I’d already made the call to end her uncle.
“Y’all give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Quintooon!” the DJ yelled as the beat dropped to Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married” remix.
Harvey and Paige made their way inside the ballroom as everyone formed a soul train line. I stood off to the side, sipping my drink, while everyone was on the dance floor vibing. I smiled, watching my nigga hold a bottle of champagne in one hand, while grinding on his new wife. Arieana had gone to the restroom while my mother sauntered her way over to me.
“Hey, beautiful,” I complimented once she made it to me.
“Hey, handsome. Why are you sitting over here alone? Where’s your date?”
