I was helping Ms. Nadine light the candle centerpieces cause we had about 10 minutes until show time. People had already shown up, but nobody was getting in until we were satisfied that everything was ready. Juan had just done his sound check and Leroi was getting dressed. We were still waiting on Navette who was not answering her phone.
“Nadine I think we got all of them.”
I smiled as I looked at the red, green, pink, and purple tables. Nadine had outdone herself. Even the confetti she had special made to say L&N for Leroi and Navette. We had made sure that everyone had their own masks even the children had special made masks with their initials on the said.
“Okay, well I think we had better hurry and change Juanita.”
I followed Nadine to the women’s restroom where we had our clothes hanging up on the coat hooks.
I started taking off my clothes careful not to mess up my hair that Sherelle had taken her time to spiral curl for me.
“Nadine you did a beautiful job, and I know that you are so proud of your baby.”
“Yeah Navette has been the mother that I always wished I had been. I am just so glad that she held no resentment for me.”
“I know how that resentment feels honey cause Juan just won’t talk to his daddy for nothin gin the world.”
She stopped pulling up her stockings,”What do you mean? I thought his father was deceased.”
I Pulled my dress down over my stomach “Girl, his daddy is dead to him. I mean he tried to be in Juan’s life, but Juan never got over our divorce, and felt like Landon just abandoned him.”
“That must have been rough, how old was he when you divorced?”
“Hmmmm he was around 12 I believe,” I said grabbing my makeup bag.
“Oh ok well I used to work with kids that were so damaged by divorce that it caused serious behavior problems.”
“Chile please Juan acted a damn fool you here me? He really started hanging out with Petey and Grayson real heavy, but I moved up out of them projects thinking that might change him, but he was already lost by then. By the time he was 18 he had been in and out of juvy so much they knew him by name.”
She shook her head and we hurriedly got dressed. I hadn’t thought about Landon in a long time. We never saw each other because he moved to New York after we got divorced. The last time I heard from him he had retired from the military and married a woman about 10 years his junior. I think they may even have kids. I shook the thought out of my head as I gathered me and Nadine’s things so that we could get this party started right.
Everything started so perfectly. The crowd was very while we got everything situated. First Leroi and Navette walked down the carpet as the cameras flashed and the song blaring from the speakers was Let’s Get Married. My baby looked beautiful in her short, strapless, pink and green cocktail dress, it fit her hips which has spread a little from pregnancy, and she was sowing just enough cleavage to keep it classy. I don’t know how she was able to walk in those skinny little heels, but the green peep toe Jimmy Choos were giving me everything. I was surprised that she just let her hang down because Sherelle was supposed to be fixing it, but she still looked amazing. Leroi was wearing a dark pink suit that matched her dress and I must say he was quite handsome with his dreads French braided to the back. He even had on the green gators that matched his green short. They kinda danced down the carpet and everybody laughed and clapped for them. The flashbulbs were blinding me, but I stood at the entrance to make sure everybody walked down in order. Everyone stopped and gave me a hug as the got to the end of the carpet. I couldn’t help but notice some discord when Juan and Sherelle walked down the carpet. When he hugged me I asked him if he was okay and he said he was fine, but he looked pissed, and Sherelle had her head down. Hmmm I would have to get the scoop later. I continued to greet everyone as Juanita was on stage getting ready to start the reception. Once everyone had arrived I radioed security to keep an eye on all entrances and I went in to join the party.
“I been knowing lil Leroi since he was in his mama’s womb. Me and Judy were pregnant at the same time although I had Juan first. I know she would be so proud of the man you have become. I scanned the front row, and saw Leroi and Navette sitting up front with him holding Shay. Next to him was an empty seat that had two roses which represented Shayla and Ms. Judy. I took my seat next to Navette and listened to Juanita’s speech. Of course she made everybody get all sentimental, and cry, but it was a very nice speech nonetheless. She gave out the order of the reception, and exited the stage as everyone was instructed to put on their masks and fill out their dining card. I didn’t want a free for all so I made up cards for the waiters to take to the buffet and make plates. Judging by the size of this crowd that was a good call.
“Mama how can I ever thank you enough for this?’
“Baby you are more than welcome thank you for letting me do it. “
I kissed her, Leroi, and my grandbaby before getting up to do my rounds. There was so much noise that I could not hear what was being radioed to me so I stepped outside through a side door. I listened to what my security officer said and I threw my hands up to the sky.
“Why oh why must people try me today,” I asked the heavens. I walked around to the front of the building and there before my very eyes was Detrick.
