Bouquet of Rose's

The Calm

  3 months before . . .

Dorinda

I tapped my hands against the wheel as I turned in LanierFalls. I was running late, but Rose knew I ran on CP time. She was having a little get together for my nephew. Being as she didn't have a baby shower.

I parked quickly, and gathered my gifts getting out the car. It was hot as hell outside, and I was eager to get in some Ac. I jogged up the steps, knocking on the double doors. Jamir answered the door and I greeted him with a smile.

"Haaaay. Where's my baby!?" I cheered, making my way inside. Mir shook his head, but chuckled quietly. "He's with his mother." He answered me, as I rolled my eyes. Jamir laughed louder, and I ignored him, shoving the bags in his hands.

"Put these away." I ordered, taking off my jean jacket. I looked around, but didn't see any guest. Their house was big, but frankly Rose just didn't know many people. "She's not here." spoke Jamir, playfully bumping past me.

I followed him towards the den, and heard light chatter. "Ain't nobody looking for her." I snapped, as he chuckled leaving me at the doorway. I saw Ms.Sharon sitting with Rose's mother. They were enjoying a light conversation by themselves.

I didn't know the woman, but she and Rose seemed to be getting closer. I was happy for her. Knowing how much my mother meant to me.

Suddenly I felt out of place. Awkwardly standing, scanning faces. Kailey and Scilla were here too. As well as Charity. Seemed like everyone in our small group were here. All except one.

I moved inside the room, speaking politely as I found a wall to hold up. Kailey came over, as Priscilla left the room. "Hey Rinda. Good to see you." She smiled, side hugging me. "Same to you hun. It's been awhile." I commented.

"How have ya been? And everything with the club?" She asked as I tucked my hands behind myself. "Things are great. I'm just getting settled into everything now." I answered her sweetly. "Gotta get my personal together next." I confessed as she nodded in understanding.

"I feel you girl." She folded her arms, switching her weight on her leg. "You just have to hang in there. Shit, welcome to the single life." she teased, as I faked a smile and agreed.

"Jeez Rinda. I was joking." She stated, not buying my aloofness. "Have you at least talked to her?" She asked, genuinely curious. I sighed before replying. "Not since I caught her ass moving out." I answered dryly. Not even bothering pretending not to know whom she was referring to.

"I know I broke up with her first, but she just cut me out. We've been in Detroit about 3 months now, and still nothing." I vented, as she nodded sympathetically.

"It's like it doesn't even faze her." I added, letting my emotions show. It's been hard not seeing Milla. I thought she would have one of her lackeys following me. Knowing how controlling she was.

ShaMilla seemed to always know what I was doing and where, but now I felt her absence. I missed her everyday, and I wondered if she missed me too. Even if she did, I wouldn't know. It would seem she wasn't trying to cross my path at all.

Kailey tried to comfort me, and I remembered where I was. This was an happy occasion, and I really needed to get out of my feelings. "Where's Rose?"