Page 3 of His Best Man's Baby

“And you told him no, right?”

“I told him I’d be there with bells on.”

Silence.

“Zerita, are you still there?”

“Seriously, Tae, I’m not sure about this. I wasn’t sure about the two of you staying friends and hanging out. I mean there are unresolved feelings there. I know you like to pretend you don’t still love him…”

“He’s in love, Zerita. He’s getting married.”

“Everybody doesn’t get married for the right reasons.”

“You act like I’m the only woman he’ll ever love. I’m not that vain, and you know I don’t believe in that soul-mate stuff.”

Her friend sighed. Tae heard the tapping pause. “I’m not sayin

g I think he’s the one for you. I don’t know if he is, or he isn’t. Last time we all hung out uptown, I saw the way he looked at you, and that wasn’t so long ago. If he really is in love, it was either his longing to have a family that brought it about, or he’s just tired of waiting for you.”

“Speak your mind, why don’t you.”

“Girlfriend, you know I don’t mince words. It’s what makes me a damn good writer.”

“Toot toot!”

Zerita laughed. “Whatever. Anyway, please do me a favor and think about this. When is it?”

“A month from now.”

“Wow, they’re not wasting any time. A small event?”

Tae glanced down at her thighs, encased in leggings. She hated how big they appeared, gathering most of the extra fat on her body, and she pushed the bowl of cereal away. “I had the impression he waited until almost the last minute to invite me. His fiancée has her family coming in from Baltimore, where she’s from. Everybody is staying at the Hilton out on J.M. Keyes.”

“That’s a decent hotel.”

“Yeah, I figured I’d get a room out there for the weekend too because Daniel said they were going to have a party the night before and of course the reception following. I don’t want to drive across the city half-drunk late at night.”

“That makes sense.”

“Well look let me let you go, Zerita. I have to take care of a couple things, and then I’m going to go to the gym for an hour or two.”

“Uh-huh. Gotta get in shape for that wedding.”

Tae made a rude noise. “I’ve been meaning to go, and I have the membership going to waste.”

“Whatever you say.” The tapping started up again, rapid fire. “Talk to you later. Keep me updated on if you change your mind.”

“I won’t—change my mind that is. Talk to you tomorrow. Maybe we can do lunch on Monday.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Bye, girl.”

* * * *

One month later…

Tae carried her garment bag over her arm, along with a small suitcase as she strode to the check-in counter at the Hilton. The diminutive woman behind the counter aimed a bright smile at Tae. “Welcome to the Hilton. How are you today, ma’am?”

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