Elliott in Love

Chapter Five

Hosh Posh. A pair of odd words that found their way to each other by a lively bunch of mismatched kids that love food, love to eat food, and love to create fun tables for more than family and friends to sit at. We were practically babies, Riy and I when we cooked up this plan of ours.

I stand on the deck and watch everyone shuffle and fill up the backyard. My cousins start piling in as well and find their friends. My tias flock to every new person they see and I can only imagine the gossip tomorrow morning over coffee. Riy's uncle Dez's kiddos run straight to the grazing table with Johnny and Marissa's kids on their heels. In an hour most of the sweets will be gone and my heart will be completely full.

The kids and I have come so far from where we started. Riy and I were 9, my baby sister Yonnie was 7, and my primo Jesse was 13, our babysitter and grocery store runner. I'd give everything to see my cousin Jesse playing the only parts of Wonderwall that he could remember while I try to sing along and the rest eat Yonnie's yucky peanut butter-raisin snacks. Thank God the food is better now but what I would give to have the whole crew back together again. With Yonnie in Florence, Jesse in San Francisco, and Riy in LA, it's just me left in our small town now but sometimes a nostalgic heart wants what used to be to be. I take in the evening air and wrap my arms around my waist. So much has changed yet so much is still the same.

"We still got it," Riy nudged me with a smile, "And look at the turnout. I didn't know Brandon and Amber Goldand were coming. Their little Henry is so cute. I can't handle the way he waddles when he runs. And look at Belinda and Romeo snuggling up. Wow, I can't believe who made it."

"Aren't they all just wonderful," I cradled my face in my hands in awe, "Brandon and Amber make the most adorable babies and I can't believe we finally got Austin to come."

"I can't either. Only took him about 3 years." Riy crossed her arms, breathing in the sweet aroma of the party, "I may have told him Cathy Bateman was coming to give him a bit more inspiration to come. But I can't believe it, he actually came."

"Riy no!"

"I have no shame." Riy smiled with pride, "At least you can see he's having a great time. Even if it's just chatting up little miss sweet Cathy Bateman."

"You're ruthless." I elbowed her in the side and she turned back at me with a playful finger of clarification.

"No I'm innovative and that is what makes a good old Hosh Posh" She smiled with pride. "I can't believe I was right about the flower shop owner having a fine ass son! Did you invite him?"

I nod but I keep my eyes forward.

"Well, aren't we excited?" Riy said blandly

"I'm avoiding excitement. I hear it gives you indigestion."

"Or possibly cause happy, hopeful emotions."

I shrug and she turned to watch the party with me. It's amazing how even over the music, you can hear Tia Lorena's entire conversation, well, mostly just her side of the conversation. I look over at Riy to make a joke about Tia Lo but catch her with a smile creeping across her face. I look to see what's got her so happy when I see Jackson walk through the gate. He looks fine as fuck; all black with black and white retros. His wildly curly hair looks more tame and controlled tonight. It's freshly coiled. A style not everyone can pull off but on him, his juicy curls look way too good. I watch as he takes in the party; searching almost. His beard is slightly more trimmed than it was earlier. It makes his face look more chiseled and cuts up from my stomach to my sternum.

I chew on the inside of my cheek wondering what he's looking for or who. The whole town is here and I don't know who he knows. I don't know him. As if he could hear me thinking of him, Jackson's honey-brown eyes meet mine. It's like something I've read once. The timing, the music, the locked eyes. The music shifts from salsa to R&B, letting Heart Don't Stand a Chance be the transition. My breath hitches in my chest and I wish I had a drink in my hand to hide behind. Cause Lord I needed a drink bad.