Page 73 of One Hotlanta Night
“Okay, okay, let’s call it passionate. You should see how he is when he’s cooking. The man actually moans in the kitchen.” Claire bursts out laughing as I imitate Michael’s oohs and ahhs. “It’s like he needs to get a room… but damn, if his food isn’t worth it.”
“From the look on your face, it’s not only the food that’s worth it.” She nudges my shoulder and I laugh hollowly, startled by my defensive reaction. I’ve never shied away from sharing any of my sexual exploits with Claire; she says she lives her celibate life vicariously through me. But it’s different now. I don’t want to discuss what Michael’s like in the bedroom with my best friend. It feels private, intimate. It’s something special just between the two of us, and I want to keep it that way. Not that anyone has any questions about what we’re up to behind closed doors withthe way he can’t seem to keep his hands off of me. But I want those moments just for us. It’s a new feeling, a protective feeling, adding to all the new emotions that have been flooding through me since I met Michael. Just one more way he has changed everything for me.
“Wow…” Claire examines my face, her eyes focused on mine. “He reallyisthe one for you, isn’t he?” My bestie knows me so well that she doesn’t ask for more information. When I nod, she continues, “I told you he was good for you.”
“Yes,Mom,” I drawl, teasing her right back.
“Can’t deny these wise old woman feelings; we always know best.” She laughs. I swear you’d think she was forty years older than me, not four. “So how did we get married-old-lady status?”
I spend the next few minutes telling her how I finally got up the nerve to tell him how I felt, and how Michael one-upped me and blew my freaking mind with his declaration of love. She actually kicks her feet and giggles at Michael’s “proposal,” saying we’ll have to tell our kids the story one day.
“Well, that is one helluva weekend, chica!”
I nod slowly, but the grin on my face stretches from ear to ear. “It’s so weird, you know? I went from not wanting to even date anyone, and then Michael just dropped into my life. Now I’m in love—in true, real, all-encompassing love—and it feels too good to be true. But my inner critic keeps asking what the hell I’m doing getting involved with him.”
“Oh, doll, I think you’re way more than just involved now. According to Sheila, that man would’ve slung you over his shoulder and dragged you off to the courthouse if it hadn’t been the weekend.” She chuckles.
I tip my glass at her in acknowledgement. “True dat.”
I take in a breath and steel myself for this next part.
“He wants me to move in with him,” I start out carefully, not sure of how to have this conversation with the person who hasbeen my everything for the past three years. Claire swallows and is quiet. I give her the space that she probably needs to digest this information as the seconds stretch and my unease grows.
Moving out will affect more than just the mortgage every month. I’m also the only other stable person in Raelynn’s life. Claire and I have worked in shifts to balance the restaurant while having someone at home to look after her girl. She just started preschool, which will free up more hours for Claire so she’s not burning the candle at both ends. Still, it’s tough depending on the day, diabetes-wise, when it comes to Raelyn’s care, and I know Claire always has her attention split between her daughter and her livelihood. I’ve tried to pick up the slack where I can. But now that Michael and marriage are looming, things are going to change.
An overwhelming sense of guilt smacks me in the chest, and I gasp at the realization. Things have been moving at such a rollercoaster speed with Michael that I hadn’t taken into consideration how my new relationship would affect everyone else in my life. How could I be so damn selfish? I hate myself right now. Just another way I’m letting people down. “Claire, you know what, you’re right. This really is too fast. I’ll talk to Michael—”
“Don’t you dare.” The sharpness in her voice takes me aback.
“Claire?” Her somber tone scares me.
“If anyone understands how quickly things can change in a blink of an eye, it’s me.” Her eyes are glassy, the firelight reflected in the sheen. “You’re not going to hold up your plans because of me. I won’t let you.”
Her voice is still fierce but gentler now as she turns and places her hand on my shoulder.
“Viv, you are like a sister to me. I love you, and youdeservethis happiness. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that life is too short.” Her voice chokes for a moment before she continues,“And that you have to take life by the horns and go after every opportunity you can. Michael isgoodfor you.” She punctuates this with a squeeze. “He’s obviously crazy about you, and you love him too. I know you do,” she says as my mouth drops open.
“I’ve known you for how many years now? Through how many boyfriends? And not a single one has ever put this look on your face. He’s the one, Viv,” she repeats. “He’ll take good care of you and make you happy. I’d always hoped you’d find a genuine prince out of all those damn frogs, and you know I wouldn’t let you out of the house for anyone less.” She grins, and through her watery eyes, I can feel all the love she’s expressing.
Claire has the biggest heart out of anyone I know. She’s only got a few years on me, but a difficult childhood and becoming a young mother has given her maturity I don’t see in most adults older than us. “Are you sure, babe? I don’t mind telling Michael I need more time.” I will, too, but the set look on her face tells me she’s not gonna let up on me. I’ve learned not to argue with her once her mind’s made up, and truthfully, I feel like I can breathe better now that it’s off my chest.
“Oh, chica, you might not mind, but that man of yours sure will.” She snorts.
Damn, she’s right. But I can handle him. He says he loves me, right?
“Girl, start making plans, and we’ll start saving boxes for you when our next truck comes in. There is no reason to delay this love story. Plus, with Raelynn starting school, and Derrick helping out, I think we can manage. There’s always the in-laws.” She sighs, looking out the window.
Yeah, I mentally humph.Fat lot of good they are.Only in emergencies and hardly useful at that; they like to “help” on their own terms. But they’re still technically family, I guess, and they do care about Raelynn.
Now Derrick, on the other hand… while I have her on the line…
”Soooo, about Derrick…” I drag out his name just like she did earlier. Her eyes flash to mine, but either she’s tired or resigned, because she quickly shifts her gaze to the fire that’s mostly embers now. “He’s been a big help, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yeah, I guess so,” she begrudgingly agrees.
“He also watches you. Like, a lot,” I press. This is far from the first time I’ve hinted about his attraction to Claire, but I’m hoping the wine and fatigue may have loosened her up enough to have a real conversation about this.
“What are you not saying, Viv?” She looks up at me, exhaustion more apparent on her face. Okay, okay, maybe this isn’t the best time to bring up the obvious.
