chapter Forty-Three
Thank You
Carmen
“And that is how I became a Black,” Kamara sings, beaming up at Toby.
“You do know we were just teasing?” Wyatt says, as Kamara and Toby fall silent. “We know Toby did what he thought was right.”
“Yes, but I just wanted everyone to know our truth,” Kamara replies. “The way we see it.”
“Wow, that was just amazing,” I say like a goofball.
“If you didn’t have to live through it, yeah, I guess,” Toby mumbles.
“Don’t listen to him,” Kamara laughs softly. “It was amazing to live and love through.”
“Have you roared yet?” I ask.
Kamara gives me a secret smirk. “Some things a queen must keep to herself.”
I smile. I don’t think Toby and Kamara are done with the world. Kamara has something in her eyes that says she still has secrets, secrets she can’t wait to reveal.
“Thank you so much for sharing with me,” I gush.
“You are most welcome,” Kamara replies.
I’ve fallen in love with Kamara and Toby, as a couple. Their dedications to each other. The things they’ve endured to be together.
I think I’ve fallen in love with the Black family, as well. Their undying support is something I long for. It’s not that my father doesn’t love me, he just has strong opinions that don’t always match mine.
“Still not as good as our story,” Ryan whispers in my ear, bringing me back to the table.
I turn to him to see the mirth and lust mixed in his eyes. I shift in my seat, surprisingly, closer and not away from him. I’m always drawn to him. It just doesn’t make sense.
“Who would you like to go next?” Ryan asks.
“I…I don’t have a preference,” I manage to push out, feeling light headed from just being so close to him.
Ryan turns his head, I follow his gaze. He looks right at Braxton Black, who frowns back at Ryan. Braxton shakes his head, before Ryan even speaks.
“Fuck out of here,” Brax growls. “Not happening, Bro.”
“Dude,” Ry groans.
“No,” Brax grunts and stands from the table.
I’m shocked, but I don’t say a word. Something has changed at the table. The entire family becomes tense making the journalist in me naturally curious. However, this is their lives. They don’t owe me their stories.
Ryan goes to follow after his brother, but I place a hand on his arm. I look up at him and shrug. “It’s okay. I can talk to someone else.”
“I never break a promise,” Ry says, leaning to kiss my nose. “Just hold tight.”
Ryan rushes off behind his brother, leaving me staring off behind him. I start to feel awkward, sitting here with his family. I feel like I might be intruding in their lives.
“It’s not you, Lass,” Cass is the first to speak up.
“Our family has been through a lot, ever since Toby and Kamara’s wedding,” Nellie explains.
“Yeah, Brax isn’t an asshole. He’ll actually charm the pants off anyone given the chance,” Cass chortles.
“Ain’t that the truth,” Wyatt chuckles, looking across the table.
I turn to see who Wyatt is looking at, but everyone on that side of the table seems to have the same private smirk. It’s not very telling as to who the comment was directed towards. They are three women at the table that I’m not familiar with, from when I covered Toby’s wedding and then there is Heather.
It could have been directed at either of them. The three are sitting together. John, and Felix are sitting beside each other. I’m not sure if they are tied to either of the women. I’ve seen them both talking to all three.
I take note of how Felix is leaning into the girl to my far right. When her eyes lock with mine, she gives me a small smile. Felix follows my gaze and smiles as well. He then leans to kiss the girl’s temple.
That answers one question for me. When I say, my curiosity has gone through the roof. It is on overdrive. I’d be willing to hear someone else’s story, but I want, no I need Braxton’s.
“We need to get going,” Felix announces to the table.
Grunts and grumbles fill the table. Everyone begins to rise. I look down in my lap, not sure what I should do next.
“Are you coming?” Nellie beams at me. “We’re heading to Granny McGowan’s. The estate Toby and Kamara were married on. It’s Lulu and TJ’s birthday. We’re going to celebrate.”
“Oh, I thought I’d be staying here for the next few days,” I reply nervously.
“You don’t want to do that. Noah and Bean are taking over the place for their honeymoon. You’re safer with us,” Nellie giggles. “You and your friend are more than welcome.”
“I don’t know,” I bite the inside of my cheek.
Nellie’s cheeks darken. “Since Wyatt and I bailed, before you got to us last night, we can tell you our story, while you wait for a verdict on Brax.”
I feel life fill my veins again. I was bummed when the two of them disappeared, before Ryan and I finished our overheated dance. Nellie and Wyatt were next on my list of, “need to know.” They’re just a hot couple.
I leap from my seat, ready to become engrossed in the world of Black, all over again. As we make our way back into the house, Nellie pulls me in right from the beginning. This one is going to be good.
~B~
Ryan
“Stop being a dick,” I hiss at my brother.
“Fuck you, Ry,” Brax grunts back.
“Why do I need to do this?” Braxton hisses at me.
“I promised her everyone’s story,” I huff.
“Right there, is your fucking problem. Don’t promise shit you can’t deliver,” Brax growls.
“Come on,” I plead.
“Wow, Ry, stop just thinking of yourself,” Brax says. “Think about what you’re asking.”
“Why are you being so unreasonable,” I ask, trying to keep up with Brax’s long, angry strides.
He stops and turns on me. “I’m not being unreasonable. I’m going to pack my shit so I can head out to Granny’s. Back off with this bullshit, Ry. Go have Wyatt or Felix tell her their story. I’m not telling shit.”
Brax turns and starts walking again. “You know, I hate when you get like this,” I call after him.
He tosses me the finger and keeps moving. I want to punch him, but I inhale a deep breath. I put myself in his shoes.
“Shit,” I grumble to myself.
I get it. I understand why he doesn’t want to do this. Just doesn’t mean I plan to give up. I never break a promise. Never.