Page 32 of Lavish Love: A Second Chance Romance

"I can't stand y'all heifas," I whine, and the dam breaks wide open.

The roar of their laughter is deafening. They’re falling over each other. Hooting and hollering. It’s a scene out of the funniest movie and my worst nightmare.

“That must have been one hell of a night. Santa tore that stuff up.” Charlee howls like she’s about to die.

And I sit in amazement. I shake my head, looking in the mirror again. The shit is funny. My hair is packed on my head because I didn't wear a bonnet last night. Yesterday's makeup is smeared across my face, and I’m wearing a sweater with flashing Christmas lights.

I hear a knock at the door. I walk over to get it since none of them can compose themselves.

“Y’all better not ask me for nothing when we get back to Austin.” I open the door and freeze.

“Alexandria.”

“Tia Marie.”

I could hear their laughter the moment I walked out of the elevator. Now, nine sets of eyes are glued on us.

“We need to talk.” She opens her mouth to refuse. “Now, we can do it in front of your friends, in the lobby, or on the fucking moon. But we're going to talk this out."

The laughter dies as the women right themselves and walk over. I take a moment to look at them as they stand behind Alexandria. Nine women sporting designer clothing and their baby bumps. They traveled from Austin to support her, and my wall of rage crumbles.

"They can do or say what they want, but I'm not leaving. Because you and I promised."

An eerie slice falls over the room. I’m standing in the doorway, not entirely inside but not fully out. The women surround Alexandria, one holding her hand, another with an arm wrapped around her waist.

“I’ll listen.”

I’m not sure who says it because my eyes are on Alexandria. I glance over and receive a quick wave from a lady over Alexandria’s shoulder.

"I almost lost Zach due to a misunderstanding. I’ve always vowed to hear the full story before deciding.” She glances over at the others.

I plead with Alexandria from my heart to hers and wait until I see a slight nod. “Your grandfather came to our place one day and offered me five thousand dollars.”

There's a collective gasp, and Alexandria’s eyes turn ice cold. “Did you take it?”

“No.” I step inside until I clear the doorway. I reach for her.

"They why did you leave?" The words rip from her soul, and I want to hold her.

“Because I didn’t want you to have to choose between them and me. They’re your family.”

“You were my family.” She shouts and struggles to remain composed.

“Correction. I am your family." Her fearless warriors step back, and I take another step. "I regret not coming to you, but I couldn’t ask you to walk away knowing I had nothing to give you.”

“All I ever needed was you.”

“Well, you got me, baby."

“That’s that Rico Suave shyte.”

“Charlee.” They chide in unison.

“What? Don’t act like I’m the only one that noticed.”

Alexandria rolls her eyes, and she steps into my arms. A chorus of aahhhhs surrounds us. These women are fascinating. I brush my lips across hers, and I'm rewarded with a kiss.

I pull back. “Would you ladies like to join us for brunch?”

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