the love heist | t.r

thirteen |

"I still think I should've hired a maid or something," Sajaír said after Maya finished running the vacuum up and downstairs. She shook her head to dispute what he said, rolling her eyes. "I'm pregnant, not crippled," Maya laughed, putting the vacuum in the utilities closet.

It was August 1st, 26 days from her birthday and the month that she had gotten shot, as well. In early celebration of life, she had called a large dinner and game night with her friends and her family. Invitations had gone out soon after they renovated her daughter's room, but planned a week further out so they wouldn't be inhaling the smell of paint the entire time. "You need to be getting ready, everybody will be here in three hours." Maya said, going to clean the kitchen with a mask on one more time. Her fiancé rolled his eyes, retreating upstairs as she had suggested. She removed her cleaning gloves and mask off when her phone buzzed in her apron pocket.

Le'Lani. ✨: I can bring Amber, right?
M. 🦋: Of course you're can. Is she staying the night?
Le'Lani. ✨: Yes, if that's fine with you.
M. 🦋: Mhm! Drive safe on the way here.

When she heard the shower start to run upstairs, she took one last look at the dinner table area and the living room area. When the caterers arrived, Maya let them take over the kitchen and went upstairs to join her husband in the shower.

"Aunt Kamari and her boyfriend Anderson will be joining us," Maya said, sitting at the bed with a towel while she watched Sajaír change. She had no idea what she was going to wear, but it would be appropriate for her growing belly and cute for tonight's events. Sajaír was sticking to his usual, probably a tucked in silk shirt and fancy shoes. He looked good in whatever, though.

"Have we met this Anderson?" Sajaír asked, going to get himself together in the mirror. Maya walked in her part of the closet. She ended up picking an off the shoulder bodysuit, blue jeans overalls and some socks to wear around the house. "Yes, on FaceTime. He's handsome and he's sweet to her, Lani tells me." Maya said, putting her diamond earrings in. She looked back to the clock, knowing that at any minute their guests would be arriving.

- -

"Okay auntie, show them the dance movies!" Maya said, laughing while Sajaír held her from the back. She was currently watching Anderson and Kamari dance, grinding up against each other like they were young again. The food had been delayed, so everybody but Maya, Jasmyn and Lani had taken some drinks to knock the hunger off. Outside on the porch, they listened to music and socialized until it was time to eat. Maya tried to ignore the tension between Nicholas and Jasmyn, but it was hard because Elijah was a very nice man. He had brought gifts for Maya's baby and even promised to take her maternity pictures. She was warming up to him and so was Sajaír, but Nicholas wasn't having it.

When the caterers called for the food to be done, everyone went inside and took their places at the large table in the dining room. Lani was instructed to lead prayer and it was quick, everyone digging into their food soon after. "So Anderson, what do you like about Auntie KK?" Lani said, looking up from her macaroni and wiping her mouth.

Anderson was shocked to be put on the spot, but he wiped his mouth and smiled at Kamari. "It's different when you're dating a retired model," He started, locking hands with Kamari.

"This family looks so good," Amber praised to herself, shaking her head.

"But, I get the blessing of seeing the exclusive Kamari Wright. She's beautiful in the morning, at night, when she's yelling," The table laughed at Anderson. "I had to admit I was nervous meeting you all today, but I'm enjoying myself very much." He said and Lani went to harass him with more questions. Maya shushed her, wiping her mouth to pull out a planner.