the love heist | t.r

seventeen |

The dinner place, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, was more packed than usual. Even though Sage had agreed to book the banquet room for the remaining of the night, the manager had pulled a fast one on him and booked it for the night after.

"I can wait to speak to corporate if you're willing to lose all of this," He said to the white man, Thomas, who was the manager. He wasn't impressed, but Maya knew that hanging on Sage's arm to keep him calm? He was deadass serious.

"Baby, it's not worth it. They said it'll be ours in 20 minutes, okay?" She said, placing her head on his shoulder and looking up to him with her eyelashes batting. She rubbed her hand at her stomach before all in all pulling him away from the manager.

He said his last few curse words and then they finally returned outside where the rest of their party remained, in shades and all. The sun was setting and Maya had everything to be thankful. Friends and family who weren't able to make it and had plans had managed to come - Emily and Anika, especially.

Anika took a first class flight to be able to make it back in time tonight and Maya had been discussing the entire day that Sage needed to give her a break. She had already been here for her celebration last night, flew out this morning, met with Sage, flew out and THEN made it for dinner. She was beyond grateful.

There was one person that she was missing in her entourage, but she couldn't keep getting her hopes up behind her. Although she was missed, her absence for all the events covered the sweet memories that they shared. Reign was starting to even believe that fighting for a relationship with Amirah was hard, seeing as her phone was on and not working the next. Whatever she was allowing to consume her life ultimately consumed her friendships.

Soon after 20 minutes, the party that occupied the banquet room was walking away with their To-Go plates. They were full of joyful laughter and it seemed as though they were celebrating a birthday as well. A waitress had come out to greet them behind the party.

"We're working on getting the tables cleaned and re-arranged how you wanted them, Mr. James," She said, smiling to Maya as well. That's how you do it, Maya thought. Some of the waitresses they had encountered thought they stood a chance with her husband, but they would have to get through her. Pregnant and all.

"That's fine. Do what you must," He said, hands in his suit pockets with a nod before turning his head to the sky. The attire was casual, but formal. Jasmyn had found another photographer to take pictures of the event, just for memories. Maya had on a jumpsuit that accented her pregnant belly, a pair of cute shoes with it. Her hair had been silk pressed, healthily. She was worried it wouldn't last tonight due to the rain, but it was doing its part.

"Thank you for this, baby," She said to Sage off near the curb of the parking lot. He looked down to her, most of his frustration fading as she beamed up at him. He cupped her face in his hands, giving her a sweet and soft kiss before embracing her.

"Anything for you," He said and she knew he meant it. Her head returned to his shoulder, looking throughout her friends. Nicholas and Jasmyn had been engaging in small conversation, laughing amongst each other and whatnot. It was good to see that their friendship was healthy and that her best friend was attempting to heal. Trying to, at least. While Nicholas was actively dating, Jasmyn was locking herself in the studio to get an album released. Many contracts had been offered, but she was fine with remaining independent until further of.

Although Maya had been interested in opening an art gallery, University was still on her mind. She would finish attending when the rest of the shit between the James had been settled. It was too dangerous to have her name in any informational systems right now. Nicholas would be having a discussion with her later about that, she reminded herself.