“What could possibly be more important than this right now? You know,usmeeting withourwedding planner.”
“Business can’t wait.”
I laughed in disbelief. “You don’t care about this shit at all.”
“I ain’t sayin’ all that,” he shrugged, drinking from his bottle of water. “This is foryou, though. Remember? The bougie shityouwant. If it were up to me, niggas would be married already.” His voice dropped slightly. “Now… I needa go handle somethin’ so it don’t become a bigger problem later.”
“Whatever.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Don’t do that. Lemme handle what I gotta handle so this fuckin’ weddin’ of your dreams is paid for.” My mouth snapped shut as I watched him grab his keys off the island. “I’ll be there when I’m done.”
“Keon…”
“Nyomi,” he huffed, stepping closer, cupping my jaw gently. “I’m not arguin’ wit’ you this mornin’.” He kissed my lips once. “I love you.” Then… his ass walked out.
I stared at the door, chest tight. “Unbelievable.” Upstairs, Kassim wailed. I scoffed, “Sick of his selfish ass…”
???
B yt e nt h i r t y,I was dressed and ready. I wore a soft blush sweater dress with knee-high boots and gold accessories. Nothing too extra, but still cute enough for brunch. My makeup was light, and I’d flat-ironed my hair. I slipped Kassim into a cream knit onesie with covered feet and topped it with a tiny quilted jacket and matching beanie.
I slung his diaper bag over my shoulder and picked up my purse to head out the door. The cool air kissed my cheeks. “Alright, son,” I murmured, clicking his carrier into the stroller base. “Let’s go plan a wedding.”
I popped the trunk of my car and tossed the diaper bag inside then climbed into the driver’s seat of my Mercedes. The engine turned over, and Coco Jones’ voice floated out of the speakers, singing her songThang 4 U. I cracked the windows and backed down the driveway. My irritation with Knuck still simmered, but I refused to let it ruin the rest of the day. I had exactly twenty minutes before brunch started, and I planned to pull up looking composed, not annoyed.
Ten blocks from the house, my phone rang through the Bluetooth. I tapped the steering wheel button. “Morning, T. What’s good?”
“Girl, you sitting down?” My lash studio manager, Tina’s, voice held that excited tremble she got whenever business popped.
“I’m driving with the baby in the back, so technically, yes.”
“You remember that influencer package we sent out last month? The one to the twins with the two-million followers?”
“Yeah, I remember. Did they post?”
“Not only did they post, but they also booked a private suite party for next Friday, and they want the ‘Full Flutter VIP’ package for ten people. The deposit already hit the account.”
My mouth fell open. The ‘Full Flutter VIP’ package was premium money. “You lying,” I breathed.
“I wouldneverlie about money, boss lady. Check your email when I can. They tagged us in their story, too. We’ve got fifty new booking requests this morning.”
I banged my palm lightly against the steering wheel, grinning. “Tina, you better talk to me nice, girl!” She laughed, and Kassim let out a coo from the back seat. “You’re a godsend. Send me the numbers later so I can update the budget.”
“That’s why you made me manager, babe. I got you.”
The call ended, and I caught myself smiling into the rear-view mirror. Everything was going good. I just needed Knuck more in the spirit of getting married, and I’d be Gucci. My phone rang again before I could reach the rotary.
I pressed the button. “Hey, Miss Wedding Planner! I’m ten minutes out, Shan.”
A sigh floated through the speakers. “Nyomi, I’m so sorry.”
My stomach tightened. “Please don’t say you gotta cancel.”
“Not necessarily. I have an emergency with another client right now. A bride tried to run off to Vegas overnight, and her mother is threatening to sue. I have to handle it in person.”
“Oh damn.”
“I know this is last-minute, but my business partner will meet you instead. Trust me, you’re in excellent hands.”