The 2 Minute Engagement

Chapter 20

Chapter 20
Luke

2016

It is perfect.

The masterpiece is exactly what I wanted and more for my LuLu's ring. The two triangular opal stones cradle the oval alexandrite stone in the middle. The 18K white gold band is fitted perfectly with white, Blue Nile Signature cut diamonds that spiral the entire band and connect the birthstones in the center. It is everything and perfect. Exactly what I want to have to purpose to Lucy with. And it isn't a horribly expensive ring.

"It's perfect," I tell the owner of XIV Karats as I look over the ring. "Even the inscription. You got it done so fast."

"Anything for the First Family of R-n-B and their friends. I'll have an assistant ring you up." He tells me before disappearing in the back.

I go to the register with my girl's engagement ring. I pay for it and walk out to my car with the biggest smile on my face.

"Got it?" Woody asks from the backseat.

"I wanna see. I didn't get to go when y'all drew it up." Keith reaches for the bag as soon as I sit down.

"Nigga," I slap his hand away like he's a child. I look around the car at Algee and Elijah next to Woody. "Do y'all wanna see the ring?"

"When we get back to your place." Elijah says. I place the ring in the glove compartment before starting the car.

"Yazz is keeping the girls busy. Apparently they're going to be on Empire for its next season," Algee says as he looks at his phone. He stops to think. "I'm taking Kim on a date the day after tomorrow."

We all snort with laughter. "That's going to work." Keith's voice drips with sarcasm.

"Why y'all hating, man?" Algee sucks his teeth.

"We aren't hating. Just seeing the truth," Elijah says. "We could ask Yazz. He is her best friend. He'll tell you better than we can."

Algee just stares out of the window. We let him gather his thoughts for a moment. "Why is she being such a hard nut to crack? What did I do?"

"It's nothing you did, Al. You just auditioned for a role to play her father. And she plays her mother. It's weird," Woody says while tapping on his phone. "Just give her time. Keep in contact. Let her know she's the only one. Tell her you're always available for her. Casually bring up a date or two."

"Damn, Woody," I look at my bro through the rear view mirror at a red light. "Who you been trying to get at?"

"Nobody. That's from my freshmen year of high school. Before I became a fuckboy." Woody answers and we all laugh.

I continue to drive toward my place as they talk about anything that comes to mind. I park outside my home where LuLu's and Bryshere's cars are parked.

"My baby is here," I smile as I get out of the car. I frown quickly. "Hide the ring."

Woody grabs the ring from Keith and puts in in his pocket. We walk into the house to see the three girls and Bryshere laughing. But not any laughing: Gut-grabbing, loud-clapping, silent laughter.

I smile at Lucy's big smile. She looks up and her smile widens when she sees me. "Luke!" My LuLu jumps up and runs into my arms.