Onika Maraj, a successful actress, thought she'd left the past behind-until she reunites with Beyoncé, the woman she once loved. As old feelings resurface, they must confront their past and decide if their future holds a second chance or if some thi...
a cute lil filler chapter. might be a lil boring, LET ME COOK...
BEYONCÉ KNOWLES.
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If you had told me six years ago I'd be a bridesmaid, I would've laughed. I never saw myself as the bridesmaid type. Sure, I've gone to plenty of weddings—family, coworkers, friends—but I've always been the guest who snuck out just after cake but before the bouquet toss. Now, here I was, helping Robyn plan her big day and wearing the title of bridesmaid like it was something I'd been preparing for all my life.
It's funny how life works.
Robyn and I didn't start out as best friends. Back in college, we were more like acquaintances, linked together by Kelly and Onika. But when Onika left for Europe, that created space in the group, and Robyn and I naturally gravitated toward each other. It wasn't some dramatic shift; it was quiet and natural, like falling into step with someone you didn't realize you'd been walking beside all along. She became one of my closest friends, someone I could talk to, laugh with, and lean on when things got tough.
Now, years later, Robyn was getting married, and I couldn't be happier for her. She deserved all the joy that came with this new chapter in her life. Which is why, when she asked me to be her bridesmaid, I didn't hesitate. It wasn't a question of if I could make time—it was a question of how I could make this as special for her as possible.
The best part? Mei was spending the weekend with her grandma, so for once, I wasn't juggling mom duties and work responsibilities. I had the rare luxury of a kid-free, work-free weekend. No urgent emails, no client meetings, no half-eaten cereal bowls left on the counter. It was just me, my girls, and Robyn's bachelorette weekend.
ˏˋ ❀ 'ˎ
Robyn, Kelly, Mel, Ciara and I arrived at the vineyard just after noon. The sun was warm, but not the kind of heat that makes you sweat—it was that gentle, late-summer warmth that makes you want to lay in the grass and do nothing. I took a deep breath as we walked through the gates, soaking in the peaceful vibes.
The vineyard stretched out in front of us, rows of green vines lined the hills, and the air smelled like earth and grapes. If we weren't here for a bachelorette weekend, I'd say this was the perfect spot for quiet reflection. But quiet and reflection weren't exactly on the itinerary today.
Robyn was glowing. She had that pre-wedding aura, the one that made her seem almost otherworldly. Her skin practically shimmered in the sunlight, and her smile was so wide it felt contagious. It was hard not to be happy around her.
"I'm telling y'all," Kelly said as we walked toward the tasting area, "we're about to have the time of our lives."
I gave her a look, already sensing where this was going. "Kelly, it's a wine tasting. Try to act like you've been somewhere before."
