Green Eyed Monster

...Who Can Stand Before Jealousy? (Proverbs 27:4)

After Hyde's christening, Lola did start attending church. Her commute prevents her from coming every Sunday, but she attends often enough. Her joining our ministry caused Pinky and me to have to talk and reestablish a fraction of our friendship. I can't read minds, but I'm sure Pinky trusts me as much as I trust her, which isn't much trust at all. Our time together is limited to when we fellowship after church or with other family members present.

Hyde's first birthday is fast approaching. So many others want to be involved, it feels as if we're planning Lola's wedding all over again. Of course, Stacy and Ernest are doing the absolute most again. I'm so happy Lola told them she wants to keep it simpler. 

Ernest paid for a presidential suite for us to have. Lola has invited two young mothers from the church with whom she's developed a close bond. Terri and her tribe are invited. Gypsy slithers a gift to my baby through Terri but I throw it in the trash.

Lola removes it, scolding, "Okay, Trev. Grow up."

Mouth twisted, I try to hold in my laugh. Smirking, she shakes her head and says, "C'mon, my forgiving mommy. Let's go greet our guests."

Everything's done in excellence. Hyde's birthday colors are baby blue, black, hunter green, and white. Terri has the suite decorated fabulously. Hyde is dressed in black denim, paired with a hunter green button-up that matches his eyes. He wears his black sneakers, with a baby blue emblem trimmed in hunter green, custom-made by his uncle Trev and his grandpa, Drake. 

We sat Hyde at the head of the table. Ever so calm, his little eyes observe the room as everyone takes photos and gushes over him. He's simply a miniature version of Solomon. It's astonishing to see.

Approximately an hour in, Solomon and David join the party. Solomon is matching Hyde. Everyone thinks it's beyond adorable. The birthday cake is massive. There's a professional photographer here. There's a clown, a vast virtual reality screen for games with holograms. The menu features burgers and chicken strips for the children, as well as salmon and lamb for the adults. There's a live DJ and an emcee. I sit back and observe because Lola's in heaven. Nothing's too grand for her, Hy-Dee.

The party is from noon to 5 p.m. Hyde has been sound asleep since about 2:30-ish. It's now nearing 4:30. I've been watching Lola all day, and she totally trusts Solomon. She hasn't a care in the world as she enjoys today's festivities, but I watched as woman after woman found a way to flirt with him. Mrs Tolbert wasn't feeling well today, so she came at noon and was gone within the hour. Today, I wish she could've stayed.

An ex-coworker of Lola's named Felice, whom I never particularly cared for, keeps eyeing Solomon while whispering and snickering to guests. Unknowing to her, half are church members. Some laugh with her while others walk away perturbed. But it's almost closing time, so like at the club, you better make your move before that person you've been eyeing all night leaves.

Solomon's at the kids' food table. He grabs a French fry and starts eating it. Felice walks up saying, "I'm so glad you did that. I've been wanting to eat from the children's menu all day. Lola has us eating all proper. I need some grease. It's a party, right?"

She laughs. Solomon smirks, answering, "Right."

Hand now extended with a big, bright grin, she says, "I'm Felice, by the way. I used to work with Lola before you came and swept my work bestie off her feet."

Looking around, Solomon asks, "Where's your child?"

    "Oh, I don't have any children. I'm just here to celebrate with Lola."

Mesmerized and gazing into his eyes, Solomon finally looks down at her, and she melts. Try as she might to appear unmoved, her eyes reveal every secret thing. Solomon sees it, I'm sure, but without mercy, he doesn't look away. He stands towering over her, looking into her eyes. I'm positive she's wet herself by now.  After a few seconds, he says, "Well, very nice to meet you, Felice, but I need to check on my wife."