Wedding Date, Part One

“Love recognizes no barriers.  It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” ~ Maya Angelou

Vanessa Monroe

Wednesday, May 29

“Can you believe it?” Tabitha stretches out across the bed, her long legs swinging up and down.  “This time tomorrow you’re going to be a married woman.”

My cheeks flush at the thought.  I can barely believe it myself. I’m getting married, and this time it feels right.  

“I know,” I laugh.  “If you’d told me after our first date that we’d be here, I would’ve told you that you were crazy.”

The bed shakes as we laugh at the memory.  Tabitha’s hand covers her mouth, muffling her giggles while her face reddens.  Tears prick the corners of my eyes. I laugh so hard I roll onto my side, burying my face in the fluffy white pillows.

“Shh!”  Tabitha holds a finger to her mouth.  “We don’t want to wake the neighbors.”

I struggle to catch my breath, but I can’t control myself.  Tabitha’s face is beet red as she rolls on her back. Thankfully, the only neighbor we have is Alicia and her family.  I pray this hotel suite has thick walls.

Alicia was here an hour ago, but left to put her kids to bed.  If Tabitha and I wake up my nieces and nephews, Alicia’s going to be pissed.  She won’t care if it’s my wedding day or not.

Tabitha pushes herself off the queen size bed.  The pink ballet slippers on her feet scuff across the carpeted floor as she heads over to the leather bag she brought into my room.  Her back is to me as her delicate hands rummage through it, pulling out a bottle of Shiraz.

This is our third bottle of wine.  I should rein it in if I want to get up on time looking refreshed;  but before I can protest, the cork pops and Tabitha pours way too much in both of our glasses.

“Even though you two didn’t start off on the right foot,” she begins as she hands me a glass, “you were able to redirect your course.”

Tabitha clinks her glass against mine, and wine dribbles on the comforter.  “Congratulations, V. I’m really happy for you and Kento.”

“Thanks, Tab,” I chirp after drinking a third of the wine.  My body becomes warm as the red liquid cruises through my bloodstream.

“Your love has lasted against all odds,” she continues.  “You’re destined to be together.”

Closing my eyes, I lean against the padded headboard.  Tabitha’s words replay in my mind. Kento and I have faced some challenges; a few were more difficult than others.  In spite of the trials, we focused on our love for each other. I truly believe God created Kento specifically for me, and I refuse to let anything or anyone stand between us.  

 

Friday, January 19

“Hey, sis!”  Nate, my brother-in-law, ushers us in through the front door.

My giggles echo in the large foyer.  A big grin spreads across his dark brown face, revealing bright, white teeth.  His outstretched arms welcome me into one of his brotherly bear hugs.

I adore Nate.  Since he met my sister in college, he’s been a constant presence in my life.  When it comes to receiving advice about men from a man – other than my dad – Nate is the only one whose opinion I respect.  He looks out for me like a big brother would. He’s earned the right to play the mediator if Alicia and I have a disagreement.  Sometimes it seems like he’s the good cop to Alicia’s bad cop.

“Hi, Nate,” I reach back for Kento.  “This is my boyfriend, Kento. Kento meet Nate.”

Nate’s large hand grasps Kento’s and gives it a firm shake, bringing him in for a hug.  Kento blinks rapidly and laughs nervously. I warned him that Nate is a hugger, but he’s still caught off guard.  Maybe his nerves are getting the better of him.

“Is that my fabulous baby sister I hear?” chimes Alicia.  Her wide smile showcases her dimples, which will always make her appear cute and younger than her true age.    

Alicia glides into the entranceway.  Her chocolate brown, high heel ankle boots resound against the maple wood floors. The woman before me is strictly business in her midnight blue blazer with three-quarter sleeves, white blouse, and black skinny pants.  Her coily hair has been straightened to hang long and loose down her back.

This is supposed to be a dinner, not an interview.  I should’ve known she’d be out for blood. Alicia gives me a tight squeeze.  When she’s about to let go, I tighten my grasp.

“Be nice,” I whisper before releasing her.  

Alicia smirks, “I can’t make any promises.”

She steps around me.  “You must be Kento. I’m Vanessa’s older sister, Alicia.”

Frowning at Nate, I brace myself for what’s to come.  He shrugs his shoulders. Kento has to walk a fine line tonight.  He has to stand up for himself without offending my family.

Kento shakes Alicia’s hand, smiling at her like she’s the only woman in the room.  “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well,” she grins.  “I was wondering when I was going to meet the man who swept my sister off her feet.”

This is how it begins.  Alicia is friendly with her prey, giving them the impression she likes them.  Then, without warning, she swoops in for the kill. She’s not even trying to be on her best behavior tonight.

“Let me show you around the house,” Nate steps forward, reading my mind.  “I’ll show you my man cave so we can leave the women to do whatever it is they do.”

Kento chuckles as I take his coat to hang in the closet.  Nate guides him through the expansive home. Alicia loops her arm around mine and leads me into her chef’s kitchen.

“He’s hot,” she whispers.  “I see why you gave him another chance.”

I giggle, “That may have had something to do with it.”

Alicia hands me an apron and then strolls over to the opposite side of the massive island.  The makings of tonight’s dessert are spread across the glacier white countertop. The pendant lights shine brightly above us.  

I tie the apron around my waist while watching Alicia break a dark chocolate bar into chunks.  Her hands move quickly from one bar to the next. Even though it appears the ingredients in front of her have her undivided attention, I know better.  Squaring my shoulders, I brace myself for the inquisition that’s on its way.

“Has he told his parents about the black woman he’s dating?” she asks.  Her brown, round eyes are focused on the chocolate pieces landing in the huge mixing bowl.

“Not yet.”  I reply, nibbling on one of the strawberries I’m supposed to be slicing.

“Why not?” she asks.  “How long is he going to drag this out?  Does he think maw and paw will be more receptive the longer he’s with you?”

I clench my jaw, “No.  We’ve only been dating for six months. It’s too soon to meet each other’s parents.”

Alicia fixes her eyes on me.  “Did he at least tell them he’s dating someone?  He can’t hide you forever.”

“He’s not hiding me,” I sigh.  “I know you mean well, but can we not get into this now?”

Her light brown eyes soften.  “Fine.”

For several minutes we work in silence.  I decorate each bowl of chocolate mousse with homemade whipped cream.  Alicia chops the chocolate into fine pieces then sprinkles them over the mousse.  When she’s done, I add a slice of strawberry and a mint leaf to each bowl.

Normally, I love being in the kitchen with my sister, preparing meals and desserts for the family.  Tonight, however, there’s a light fog of tension in the air. My sister wants answers I’m unable to provide.  The less I can give, the more she distrusts Kento. If she doesn’t think his motives are pure, then she won’t hesitate to make it known.  Alicia’s opinion matters to me. I want my sister to like the man I care about.

I follow Alicia into the dining room as we prepare for tonight’s interrogation.  She places the pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions in the center of the table.  I place the mixed green salad next to the main course.

Right when I set down a bottle of Cabernet, Nate enters the dining room.  I look up in time to see Kento. He winks at me before giving me a sly smile.  So far so good. I never thought Nate would be an obstacle. He’s the good cop after all.

Alicia returns with the wine opener.  When she sees Nate and Kento, she smiles, “I hope you guys are hungry.”

“Starving,” Nate says, rubbing his flat stomach.  “Everything looks great, babe.”

Nate snakes an arm around Alicia, bringing her in for a kiss.

“Thank you,” she blushes.  “I hope it tastes as good as it looks.”

“I’m sure it’s delicious,” Kento ventures.  

Alicia does a double take, unprepared for Kento’s compliment.  He just made it a little harder for her to be mean to him. One point for Kento.  I smile at Alicia when she glances at me. She smirks in response.

Kento pulls out my chair before seating himself next to me.  My sister glares at Nate, waiting for him to follow my boyfriend’s lead.  Nate gives a questioning look before catching on, and I chuckle under my breath.  

After everyone’s seated, Alicia takes my hand and Nate’s so we can say grace.  Kento takes hold of mine and bows his head without missing a beat. Kento has always believed in God, but he’s never had a relationship with him.  When he found out my strict preference for marrying a Christian man, he started going to church and seeking God on his own.

Nate blesses our meal before we dig in.  We catch up on what we’ve been up to the past week.  Kento gives them some details about his job at USC, but he’s most excited about an art project he’s been working on.  Everything’s moving along smoothly until all hell breaks loose.

“Nessa says you’re from Des Moines.  What’s it like living in the Midwest?”  Alicia asks before swallowing the last bit of Cabernet in her glass.

Kento rests his arm on the back of my chair,  his fingers caressing my shoulder as he replies,  “It was nice and quiet.”

“Did you have trouble adjusting?” she inquires while pouring more wine in her glass.  “From what I understand, there isn’t a large Asian population in Des Moines?”

Nate and I glare at Alicia.  Nate sets his forearms on the table.  “Alicia, not now,” his usual lighthearted voice grows deep.

“Ignore Alicia.  Her curiosity is misleading,” I lay my hand on Kento’s leg, trying to reassure him.

“It’s no problem,” Kento smiles tightly.  “There weren’t a lot of Asians in my neighborhood.  That’s why I moved to LA.”

“You sure it wasn’t so you could date black women without mommy and daddy finding out?”  Alicia blurts out as she sips her wine, glaring at Kento.

“Alicia!” I shout, my eyes widening in disbelief.

Kento doesn’t even flinch.  It’s like he didn’t hear a word she said.  I, on the other hand, heard everything from Alicia’s snarky, patronizing tone to her humiliating implication.  If Kento weren’t here, I’d strangle her.

“We’re not getting into this,” I say, shaking my head.  “Enough is enough.”

Alicia continues staring at Kento, waiting for his response.  She seems more bothered by what happened six months ago than I am, and I’m the one who’s dating him.  She wasn’t always this watchful over me. It wasn’t until I started dating Brandon, my ex-fiancé, that she became so suspicious.

Finally, Alicia looks at me, “I’m just trying to get to know the man you brought into my home.”  

“Our home,” Nate corrects her.  “Nessa’s right. Enough already.  Kento is our guest.  We don’t treat people like this.”

Alicia crosses her arms, rolling her eyes at Nate, “If he wants to date my sister, he needs to know the crap he pulled on their first date won’t stand in this family.”

“But it’s not your place to check him,” I snap at her.

Kento gently squeezes my knee and I remember he’s still here.  I relax in the chair while he rubs my leg.

Nate clears his throat, “Alicia, can I speak to you in the kitchen?”

“It’s okay,” Kento smiles.  

I know this smile.  It’s the one he gives when he’s about to be condescending.  God, please don’t let him take the bait. I already fell for it.  He has to be the mature one.

“I came here to pursue my passion without having anyone tell me to find a more serious career.  Did I date black women? No, not until I met Vanessa.”

My sister silently waits for Kento to crack under her stare.  Believe it or not, I’ve succumbed to that look many times.

Kento sits straighter in the chair.  “I know you don’t like me because of the way I treated Vanessa on our first date.  I don’t blame you. I had some issues I’d been dealing with and I took them out on your sister.  I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I hope you will. I adore your sister. I made a mistake and she forgave me.  Now we’re moving on.”

The room is silent except for the ticking of the clock hanging on the wall.  I knew tonight was going to be interesting, but I didn’t know it would turn out like this.  I close my eyes trying to simmer down, but my body is screaming for me to leave.

“I don’t know what you hoped to accomplish tonight,” I begin, “but all you did was embarrass yourself.”

I get up and smile solemnly at Nate who looks like he’d rather be somewhere else.  I’m too pissed to look at my sister. I stomp over to the closet, yanking our jackets off the hangers.  I overhear Kento thanking Alicia and Nate for dinner. He enters the foyer just as I put on my coat.

I’m too upset and humiliated to look at him.  Kento watches me fumble with the buttons. He holds my hands still and pulls me into his embrace.  I shut my eyes tight, willing myself to stop trembling. He kisses the top of my head, holding me close.  

“Let’s go home,” he whispers before we turn and walk out the front door.    

 

Kento Parsons

Wednesday, May 29

“Can I get another rum and coke?” Aaron asks Frank, our dark-haired bartender.

“Sure,” Frank’s tired voice grates over the soulful jazz tune playing in the background.

Leaning against the bar, my eyes scan the nearly empty hotel dining room.  It looks like we’re going to close the place down. The plan was to have a few drinks after the rehearsal dinner then head upstairs for bed, but I was too wound up afterwards.  The guys decided to have a drink with me. One drink led to another, and now we’re on drink number too-damn-many.

“Are you ready for the big day?” Mateo asks, taking a swig of beer.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, sipping my drink.  The brown liquor burns as it coats my throat.

“Hmmm,” Zeke smirks.  “You sure you’re not nervous?”

Three pairs of eyes stare at me, patiently waiting for the truth.  If I’m honest, I didn’t think I’d ever get married, even though it’s what I’ve always wanted.  My lifestyle revealed a bachelor set in his ways. When I met Vanessa, all of that changed. I’m getting what I’ve always wanted and it scares the shit out of me.  I gulp down the remains in my glass, working up the courage to say something.

“Yeah, he’s nervous,” Mateo snickers.

“You’re not getting cold feet, are you?” Aaron asks, furrowing his brows.

“No,” I shake my head.  “I just realized I’m marrying the woman of my dreams.  Guys like me aren’t that lucky. There has to be a catch.”

“Why can’t a reformed player find happiness?” Zeke chuckles.

“Yeah,” Aaron agrees.  “Why can’t good things happen to someone like you?”

“I wasn’t the only one who changed women like I changed my boxers,” I glare at them.

Aaron looks down at the floor, clearing his throat.  Mateo whistles as he looks at the ceiling. My eyes wander over to my left to see how Zeke plans on worming his way out of this.

“Don’t look at me,” he shakes his head.  “I’m married.”

“Yeah, for like a year,” Mateo clarifies.  “Before that, you were in the streets like the rest of us.”

“That was then,” Zeke smiles, sticking out his chest.  “Now, I’m a changed man.”

“See Kento,” Aaron points at Zeke, “if good things can come to his cocky ass, surely they can come to you.”

Our raucous laughter fills the room.  Frank has a lopsided grin on his ruddy face as he wipes down the bar.  He’s been subjected to our colorful conversation for the past three or four hours.  I need to make sure he gets a great tip for putting up with us the whole night.

“Seriously,” Aaron peers over at me, “you and Vanessa are made for each other.  She challenges you to be better. If it weren’t for her, you’d still be chasing after a life you never wanted.”

“You’re right,” I say, turning my empty glass over in my hand.

“She’s actually my favorite,” Aaron confesses, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Your favorite?” I frown at him.  

“Mine too,” Mateo nods.

“What do you mean she’s your favorite?” I ask.

“Not like that,” Aaron puts up his hands.  “Out of all the women you’ve been with, she’s the only one I like.”

“She makes you look good,” Zeke laughs.  “You’re still an asshole, but a smaller one.”  

 

Saturday, January 20

Cairo’s yodeling before I reach Vanessa’s front door.  That dog is hilarious. When I first started dating Vanessa, he wasn’t sure how to behave around me.  One minute he loved me and the next he didn’t. He deemed me worthy of petting him and playing fetch with him, but I wasn’t good enough to get close to Vanessa.

Now that he’s warmed up to me, he still reminds me he’s the number one man in Vanessa’s life and I’m a paltry second.  One of these days, I’m going to win him over completely; but right now, I only want to brighten Vanessa’s day.

I ring the bell, laughing to myself at Cairo singing his song.  Any second Vanessa’s going to shush him, and like the independent dog he is, he’ll ignore her.  Bitter winds whip around me while I wait for her to answer.  Shivering, I flip up the collar of my gray trench coat.

“For heaven’s sake,” I hear Vanessa say, “will you please shut up?!”

I wince at the tone of her voice.  She’s definitely not in a good mood.  I’ve never heard her snap at her beloved pooch before.  I feel responsible for her sour mood, since I was the one who was persistent about meeting Alicia and Nate.  She said it was too soon, but I didn’t listen.

The door swings open and I’m greeted with a scowl.  A beautiful scowl, if there is such a thing. I would give anything to be the man who gets to put a smile on her face for the rest of her life.

“Hey,” she says, her mouth pulling into a weak smile.  “Isn’t our date tomorrow? Don’t tell me I got the days mixed up.”  Vanessa backs into the living room to let me in. She picks up her cell from the coffee table and scrolls through her calendar.  

“No, it’s still tomorrow,” I reply, taking the phone out of her hand.  I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss the tip of her nose. “I had a feeling you’d need cheering up, so I made plans for us to do something fun.”

Vanessa frowns, “Please tell me we’re not hang gliding.”

“No, we’re not hang gliding,” I chuckle as I rub her back.  “Do people still do that?”

“I don’t know, but it seems like something you’d do,” she says as she smiles up at me.

There it is – her gorgeous smile.  Lifting her chin, I kiss her softly.  The taste of honey dances across my tongue.  When she pulls away, I gaze into her sexy eyes and smile.

“I’m sorry about last night,” she whispers.  “My sister…”

Shaking my head, I say, “Don’t apologize.  Alicia’s just protecting you. I get it.”

Before she can reply, I press my mouth against hers.  The tension leaves her body as she leans into me, running her fingers through my hair.  I shrug off my coat just before I find my way under her shirt like I always do. Any moment I expect her to stop me from going too far, but she doesn’t.

She tugs on the collar of my sweater.  Reaching back, I pull it over my head and let it fall to the floor.  Vanessa grips on the waistband of my jeans, pressing her hips against mine.  She moans lightly as I caress her back, crushing her against my chest. Forgetting why I’m really here, I unhook her bra.  Her bare skin feels warm underneath my hands. She arches her back and I take this as a sign to keep going, so I push up her shirt.  I’m so close to removing the barrier separating us when she pulls away from me.

“I need to get dressed,” she says, her chest rising and falling with each breath.

Vanessa turns down the hall before I can say anything.  I watch her walk away and close the bedroom door. My heart is racing, and I can’t seem to get it under control.  I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I know she’s celibate and I respect that, but I didn’t think it would be this hard.  Literally. My dick doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going.

I smooth down my shirt then pull on my sweater.  I drape my coat over the arm of the sofa before plopping down with a sigh.  Leaning back against the cushions, I listen to Vanessa open and close dresser drawers.  I haven’t been celibate since I was a virgin. I haven’t had sex in a year, and I’m going through serious withdrawals.   

I stand to my feet when I hear the bedroom door creak open.  Grinning, she walks toward me looking like a completely different woman than the one who answered the door.  Her voluminous hair hangs down her back in tight waves, the way I like, and long necklaces hang low against a black turtleneck bodysuit.  Her curvy hips fit snugly in a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, and the plum ankle boots add two inches of height, putting her lips that much closer to mine.

She makes her way into my arms, pecking me on the mouth.  “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

I slip my fingers through hers while we stroll down the paved walkway.  It seems like everyone has the same idea today. Bicyclists ride down the bike paths.  Children squeal as they chase each other through the park. Most of the picnic tables are occupied with couples and families while the benches are home to the singles and a transient or two.

“Wow, you really knew I needed some cheering up,” Vanessa glances at me.  “Thank you.”

“Well, I knew some fresh air would do you good,” I state, “and I seem to remember on our second date you mentioned something about a walk in the park.”

She bursts out laughing as she wraps her arm around my side.  I caress her arm, kissing her gently. A cool breeze flows through Vanessa’s hair, filling my nose with a light pomegranate fragrance.  She pulls her long, beige blazer coat around her.

“Are you cold?” I ask, taking off my scarf and wrapping it around her neck.

“You’re so attentive,” she states, arranging her hair over the scarf.  “I’m not used to a man who’s very aware of me. It’s like you anticipate my needs before I realize there’s even a need.  I really like that about you.”

“I love you,” I kiss the back of her hand.  “You have a piece of my heart. There’s no way I’m not going to know how you feel or what you need.”

Vanessa comes to a stop in the middle of the walkway.  I gaze into her sparkling eyes when she drapes her arms over my shoulders.

“You love me?” she smiles just as she presses her body against mine and kisses me.

The voices of the people around us are drowned out by the pounding of my heart.  Her hands make there way into my hair. Heat rises up my neck, making me long for a cool breeze.  Someone on a bike comes close to hitting me when I feel the flutter of my jacket.

“I love you too,” Vanessa whispers.  “You survived dinner with my sister.”

We continue walking down the path, reaching an area that’s littered with more people.  There’s an intense chess game between two middle-aged men and a pack of women in yoga pants sprint by us as we head towards a whitewash stone wall.  I set Vanessa on top of the wall, then I hop up next to her. A little girl across from us giggles while her dad tickles her. Vanessa smiles at them.  

“Do you want children?” she asks.

“I thought about settling down someday and having a family, but my lifestyle never seemed to line up with the idea,” I reply.

“Hmm,” she ponders, “and now?”

Now, I have no idea if I want children.  Having a family seems like the logical thing, but that doesn’t mean that’s the right step for me.  I dated with no intentions on settling down. It seemed like the woman for me didn’t existed until I laid eyes on Vanessa.  She’s changed everything.

“Eventually,” I answer.  “You?”

Her mouth pulls into a warm smile.  The father-daughter duo has captured her attention again.  I glance in their direction, wondering what she’s thinking as the little girl chases her father around a tree.

“Yeah,” she replies. “Someday.”

 

Thursday, May 30

It’s well after one o’clock in the morning.  In less than twelve hours, I’ll be marrying my beautiful muse in front of our friends and family – well, most of our family.  I smile at the thought of spending my life with the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.

“Hey, bro,” Katsuo, my little brother, elbows me.  “I see you’re closing down the bar.”

“I started to think you weren’t coming back,” I say, waving Frank over to pour him a glass.

“What,” Katsuo’s forehead furrows, “and miss this?  You’re getting married. I’m here to celebrate you and Vanessa.  Plus, it’s been awhile since I hung out with your friends. I just needed to let the wife know I was staying out later.”

Aaron joins us, patting Katsuo on the arm.  “Where’s Taro? He didn’t check out on us did he?”

“He’s on his way,” Katsuo smirks.  “You know he’s on a tight leash.”

I give a half-smile and shake my head, knowing how controlling Amy, my sister-in-law, can be.  For years, I envied him, until Amy’s true colors began to show. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great woman, but she has some major insecurity issues.

“What’s that about a tight leash?” Taro walks up behind Katsuo, smacking him on the head.

“Ow,” Katsuo grimaces, rubbing the back of his scalp.

My boys laugh at my brothers as they go back and forth.  It reminds me of when we were kids. Those two were always at it.  I, on the other hand, stayed under the radar, doing my own thing. Mom always had to break them up.  Tonight, however, that’s not going to happen.

“A-hem,” Frank clears his throat.

“Sorry, Frank,” Taro smiles apologetically.

Katsuo straightens his polo shirt, then says, “You’re lucky there are witnesses.”

Taro and I cut an eye at him.  We both know he wouldn’t stand a chance against Taro.  

“Anyway,” Taro rolls his eyes, then looks over at me, “you ready for tomorrow?”

“Why does everybody keep asking me that?” I mumble.

“I don’t know about everyone else,” Taro’s small, dark brown eyes glance at my friends, “but I’m not asking about you and Vanessa.  I know your relationship is solid.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“You already know what,” he says in a low voice.

 

Tuesday, January 30

It’s been almost two weeks since I met Vanessa’s sister and brother-in-law.  I didn’t expect Alicia to let me off the hook, but I didn’t think she’d come for me as soon as I walked through the door.  Honestly, it could’ve been worse. After learning about Vanessa’s history with men, I can understand Alicia’s suspicions.

At this point, I don’t expect to win her over, and I’m okay with that.  The only person who matters to me is Vanessa. I’ll do anything to show her how much I love her, even endure a tense dinner.  

Speaking of tension, there are two more people I need to battle.  Vanessa hasn’t brought it up, but I know she’s wondering when I’ll talk to my parents about her.  I’ve been dreading this conversation. I enjoy living in a bubble with Vanessa. Alicia couldn’t burst it, but my parents might.

Either way, I need to get it over with.  I grab my cell off the kitchen counter. It’s now or never.  I dial the number I want. The phone rings four times before she answers.

“Hello?” Her light melodious voice makes me miss her even more.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Kento,” she sings.  “It’s so good to hear from you.  I miss you. How’s my son doing?”

“I miss you too.”  I can’t help but smile.  “I’m doing well.”

“That’s good to hear,” she says.  “How’s work? You’ve been busy?”

“Work is okay,” I explain.  “It’s getting a little monotonous.”

I really do miss our conversations.  I used to call home every week and went home a few times a year.  Since last summer my contact with them has been a little spotty. I wish things were different.  I should be able to fall in love with someone and easily share that with my family. It shouldn’t be this difficult.  Hopefully time and space has mellowed them out.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.  Maybe you should consider doing something else.  You’re very talented, Kento. That job keeps you in a box.”

“Thanks Mom,” I smile.  “I’ve thought about selling a few of my art pieces, but I don’t know if they’re any good.”

She laughs, “Of course you don’t.  You’ve always been hard on yourself.  Ever since you were a kid. If you want to create art and sell it, then do it.”

I can always count on her to be my personal cheerleader.  She’d know better than anyone how stifled I feel. If she can understand my creativity, then I hope she can understand my heart.

“Well , I’ll keep that in mind,” I say as my smile fades.  

My nerves start to rev up.  I walk over to my living room window and look at nothing in particular.  What will I do if neither of them wants to have anything to do with me? Can it be that easy to disown a child because they fell in love?  I really hope I’m imagining the worst case and my parents prove me wrong. Regardless, I need to be honest so I can get from underneath the weight of their expectations.

Clearing my throat, I begin, “Hey Mom, I actually called to talk to you and Dad about something important.  Is now a good time?”

“Yes, yes.”  I hear her slippers slide across the floor.  “Are you okay? Would you like to speak to your father?”

“Uh, not yet.”  My mother isn’t as rigid as my father.  Telling her first is the best way to go about this.  “I know I haven’t been back home or called you as often as I used to.”

“No, you haven’t” she says softly.  “Kento, is everything okay?”

I turn to look at the portrait I painted of Vanessa and smile.  Everything’s more than okay.  There’s this amazing woman who accepts me and my hang ups, but calls me out on my crap.  I’m in love with her, and you should get over your prejudices so you can fall in love with her too.

“Kento?” A hint of anxiety creeps in my mother’s voice.

“Umm, honestly, everything’s great,” I finally say.  “I met someone.”

“Oh, Kento!  That’s wonderful!” she shouts.  “Is she the reason why you don’t have time for your family?”

You don’t know the half of it, but you’re about to find out.

“Well, yes,” I reply, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans.  “I wanted to take my time getting to know her, to find out if there’s anything serious between us.”

“And?” she asks impatiently.

My mouth pulls into a half-smile.  Her excitement begins to put me at ease. I cross my fingers hoping her elation will remain after I deliver my news.  I imagine my mom sitting at the kitchen table in her bathrobe and slippers with a cup of tea. “Well, it’s serious. She’s -”

Loud squeals interrupt me.  Wow, she really was concerned about me meeting someone.  I try to settle her down before she starts planning a wedding.  Especially when she finds out that my nice girl is a black woman.

“Her name’s Vanessa and she’s an art curator,” I begin.  “She’s talented and funny.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”  I picture her waving her hands.  “Is she pretty?”

I stare at Vanessa’s portrait, then answer, “She’s breathtaking.”

“Well, I guess it’s a good thing you moved to Los Angeles.  There’s nothing breathtaking out here,” she quips.

“I want to bring her home to meet the family.”  The words shoot out like rapid fire. Am I being to hasty?

“Of course.  We’d love to meet her.”

“Great,” I shut my eyes tight.  “There is one thing.”

“Oh, what’s that?” she asks.

She’s not who you pictured for me.  Her attitude and behavior are contrary to the lies you and Dad filled my head with.  You’re excited now, but something tells me your narrow-mindedness will get the better of you, causing your high energy to falter.  I fear you’ll prove me right, and I’ll have to live my life without you.

“She’s black.”  I brace myself for the inevitable.

There, I said it.  My mother is quiet for several seconds.  There’s no witty banter or giggles, just complete silence.  I pad over to the canvas of my beauty, wishing she were here instead of at work.  

Finally, my mother speaks, “Does she make you happy?”

“Yes, she does,” I answer quietly.  “I’ve never been this happy in my life.  I love her.”

“I know you do,” she says.  “You wouldn’t have kept her to yourself if you didn’t.”

There she goes again.  Proving how well she knows me.  She must’ve known I’d rebel against their house rules.  Who I’ve chosen to be in a relationship with shouldn’t surprise her.  

“After Shanice, I didn’t feel like I had a choice,” I say.

“Ah, Shanice,” she sighs.  “I knew we’d made a mistake the moment we had forbidden you from seeing her.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“We shouldn’t have interfered,” she replies.  “Your father and I truly believed we were doing what was best for you.  This world isn’t kind to everyone, and we wanted you to have a less complicated life.  A black woman would complicate things.”

I rake my hand through my hair as I pace the floor.  I get what she’s saying. It would’ve been better if they’d explained this when I was younger and let me make my own decisions.  Love is complicated enough before you add different races or cultures in the mix. But still, that’s no excuse to hate an entire group of people.   

“I understand you wanted the best for me, but I don’t get how telling me how to live was going to make things easier,” I state.  “Mom, do you and Dad really hate black people?”

“I don’t hate anyone,” she says.  “I’m the last person who should dislike someone because of their skin.  But I’m not naive to the way the world works.”

“What about Dad?” I’m leery about his reaction to my news.

She sighs, “Now your father’s a different story, but don’t worry about him.  If Vanessa makes you as happy as you sound, then I want to meet her.”

As much as it pleases me to hear that she wants to meet Vanessa, I’m still fairly apprehensive.  It sounds like she disagreed with him on this issue in the past, but didn’t stand up to him. By meeting Vanessa she’s publicly choosing a side; and it isn’t his.  I wonder what this means for our family.

“That means a lot to me,” I beam.  “I can’t wait for you to meet her. You’re going to love her.”

She giggles, “I’m sure I will.”

“Is Dad around?” I ask.  

“Yes, he’s in the garage.”  I hear the chair legs scrape followed by her feet sliding across the floor.  “Don’t worry too much, Kento. You can’t help who you love.”

I don’t respond.  I lean against the wall, preparing for a completely different reaction.  One I’ve dreaded for so long. It’s time I stand up to him regardless of the consequences.  I hear the door to the garage creak as it has for the past twenty-five years. There’s a quick exchange of muffled voices before my father comes on the line.  

“Kento!  It’s good to hear from you,” my father breathes heavily in my ear.  

“Hey, Dad,” I greet.  “What are you up to?”

“I just got finished changing the oil in your mother’s car.  I keep telling her to get rid of that hunk of junk, but you know how sentimental she can be.  How you been?”

“Good.  I was updating Mom on what’s been happening,” I hesitate.

“Oh, really?” he inquires.

I pick at a hangnail on my thumb.  One parent is on my side. There’s no way my father will shut me out of his life as long as mom refuses to let me go.  I need to quit stalling and get it over with.

“I met someone,” I reply.

“I knew it,” he cackles.  “So who’s the lucky girl?”

I let out a long breath as I run my hands through my hair.  “Her name’s Vanessa. She’s a curator at the Museum of African-American Fine Art.  I met -”

“Wait,” his gravelly voice interjects.  “She works at an African-American museum?  Why does she work there?”

Here it goes.  It’s now or never.  I have nothing to worry about.  His rejection won’t kill me. I’ll still have a relationship with my mother and, more importantly, Vanessa.

“Um, she could’ve worked anywhere, but she chose to concentrate on art for her community,” I explain.  “She works there because it’s her culture.”

“What do you mean, her culture?  Kento, please tell me she’s not black.”  He spits out the word black, like it disgusts him to say it.

My anger begins to rise, but I attempt to keep it at bay.  I don’t want to disrespect my father, but I won’t allow him to bully me.

“Yes, she’s black,” I state.  

“You’re kidding me, right?!  Dammit, Kento!” There’s a loud bang followed by a clattering sound on the other end.  “Why do you insist on defying me?!”

As much as I’d like to let Henry have it, I refrain from burning our bridge.  “Defying you? Dad, I’m not five years old. As much as I appreciate all you and mom did for me, my life is mine to live.”

“You did this just to spite me, didn’t you?”

His reaction doesn’t surprise me in the least.  It would be nice if he responded like a normal parent, but is there such a thing?  He’s managed to take something beautiful and turn it into an act of rebellion.

I shake my head, “This doesn’t have anything to do with you.  I called you out of respect. I wanted to let you know what’s been happening with me.  I didn’t reach out to you for your permission to date. I love this woman and nothing’s going to change that.”

He laughs, “If that’s the case, why bother calling me?”

“I want all of you to meet her,” I say.  “She makes -”

“No,” he growls.  “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, Kento, but you’re playing it by yourself.  She’s not welcomed here, and neither are you.”

Just like that, he’s gone.

 

Vanessa Monroe

Tuesday, January 30

“Knock, knock,” I announce as I enter Kento’s loft.  

I balance two bags of groceries in one arm and my purse in the other.  The moonlight peaks through the opening of the curtains over the enormous window.  I wait for my eyes to adjust to the darkness then walk to the couch. I set down my purse and reach for the lamp to switch on the light.

“Oh!” I jump back, almost dropping the ingredients for tonight’s dinner.  “You scared me.”

Kento sits on the floor behind the sofa, facing the exposed brick wall.  He doesn’t budge at the sound of my voice. His eyes are expressionless. Normally Kento stares into space when he’s ruminating over his artwork, but this seems like something else.  The glint of contemplation and wonder are missing from his dark brown eyes. Something’s definitely up.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, unloading the grocery bags before joining him on the floor.

The closest thing I get to an answer is a sigh escaping his mouth.  I hold his hand in my lap and rest my head on his shoulder.

“I can’t help if you don’t talk to me,” I whisper.

Lifting my chin, he stares into my eyes.  I search the mystery in them, trying to discover the origin of his solemn mood.

“I love you,” he says, pressing his lips to mine.

The air rushes out of my lungs as his tongue performs an all too familiar, yet exhilarating, dance with mine.  I’m close to melting in his arms when I remember why we’re sitting on this hard ass floor.

“What’s going on?” I ask, pulling away from him.

Kento bites his bottom lip, staring at the floor.  He closes his eyes, exhaling through his nose.

“I talked to my parents today,” he replies.

Why am I not surprised?  Nothing makes Kento more tense than his relationship with his parents.  I wait in silence for him to resume.

“I told my mom about you,” he glances at me, his head slowly nodding up and down.  “She was really excited to hear I’d met someone.”

“Really?” I stare at him in disbelief.

“At first she was excited, but then she went silent when I mentioned your beautiful brown skin,” a sly smile forms on his chiseled face.

Shaking my head, I roll my eyes and say, “Go on.”

“She asked if you made me happy,” he shrugs, “and she wants to meet you.”

“That’s it?” I ask, turning to face him.  “I expected her to be upset and disappointed.”

“So did I,” he furrows his brows, “but she was more concerned about my happiness.  It didn’t make sense, with all the years they spent hammering into me what kind of woman was acceptable.”

“Maybe she’s grown wiser,” I suggest as I slip off my pumps, “or grown tired of waiting for you to settle down.”

Kento twirls a lock of my hair around his finger.  Frowning, he says, “She didn’t want me dealing with the complications of dating a black woman.”

“I love that I’m a complication,” I smirk.  Kento’s about to disagree with me when I wave him off.  “No, I get it. Life’s hard enough. No sense in making it harder.”

“You’re not a complication,” he caresses my cheek.  “You’re a blessing.”

“That’s the corniest thing I’ve ever heard,” I giggle.

He pinches and tickles my side and  I fight to catch my breath. My squeals fill the loft as Kento gains the upper hand.  I collapse under the weight of his body, making it easier for him to pin my hands above my head.  Kento has me where he wants me – breathless and trapped. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.  Licking his lips he moves in to pick up where we left off just minutes ago.

“Nope,” I say, turning my head away from him.  “You’re not distracting me. We need to address the elephant in the room.”

He sighs, burying his face in my neck.  His shoulders slump, the weight of my words taking the wind out of his sails.  Kento groans and he pushes himself up.

“That didn’t go so well,” he mumbles, rubbing my leg.  “Like my mom, he was cool when I said I was seeing someone.”

“But…” I prod.

He turns his face away and looks out at the city.  To get his attention I sit on his lap, turning his chin toward me.

He smiles weakly, then continues, “I told him where you worked, which prompted him to wonder why you worked at an African-American museum.”

Closing his eyes, Kento pauses.  When he reopens them, he says, “Basically, I confirmed his worst fears and he was pissed.  Long story short, we’re not allowed in his home.”

“Hmm,” I stare at him.  “I appreciate the abridged version, but there’s nothing you can say that I haven’t already heard.”

“I know,” he admits, “but you shouldn’t have to hear it from me.  I love you too much to waste your time with that stuff.”

“What are you going to do?”

“My mom wants to meet you.”  His mouth pulls into a slight smile.  “So, if you want, we’re going to see her and my brothers.”

“Your brothers?” I ask.  “I didn’t know you told them about me.”

He chuckles, “I don’t have to.  I’m sure they’re getting an ear full from my dad.”

“Yeah, but how do you know they want to meet me?” I frown.  

“Because I did what they were too afraid to do,” he answers.  

“Which is?”

“Follow my heart,” he says bluntly.  

“As much as I enjoy you standing up to your father, I really don’t want to be in the middle of any family drama,” I say as I try to lift myself up.

Kento’s grip tightens around my waist.  I squirm under his steely gaze.

“You’re not a pawn, a joke, or part of a rebellious act,” he states.  “They care about me and they’d like to meet the woman who’s turned my world upside down.  V, if you don’t want to go, we don’t have to, but don’t assume I’m treating this like a game.”

Kento rarely talks to his brothers, but I know that has more to do with their busy schedules and family obligations.  He’s explained to me how different he is from Taro and Katsuo, so I assumed they’d tolerate our relationship. I never thought he’d want to introduce me to them, especially when everything seems to boil down to his parents.

“You’re worth it.  You know that?” he says in a low voice.  The displeasure in his eyes has disappeared.  “If I have to choose between you and anyone else, I’ll always choose you.”

 

Thursday, May 30

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Alicia smirks.

I frown and hold my aching forehead at the sound of her loud voice.  I enter the bridal suite with Tabitha lumbering behind me, looking the way I feel.  We had way too much to drink. I knew it was a bad idea; but when Tabitha and I get together, we always have a good time.

“Should I be offended that I wasn’t invited?” Jordyn asks as her big, brown eyes look us up and down.

“We did invite you, but somebody had to turn in early for no apparent reason,” Tabitha grumbles.

“I can’t help that I require at least eight hours of sleep,” Jordyn explains.

I plop down in the chair next to my sister who slaps my knee, laughing at my disheveled appearance.  She roars louder when I swat her hand away.

“Can you please cackle silently?” I ask, squeezing my eyes tight.  “How late am I?”

“Surprisingly,” Alicia glances at her watch, “you’re not late.  You just look like you had a really good time.  You sure you and ole boy didn’t start the festivities early?”

Jordyn and Alicia whoop it up at my expense.  Even Tabitha joins in. I shoot her a look. She’s supposed to be on my side.  Besides, I’m not the only one who looks like a madwoman. Tabitha tries not to laugh while holding her hands up in surrender.  It doesn’t last long before her shoulders begin shaking and she balls her lips up, fighting the giggles that threaten to spill out.

“Tab, just let it out,” I roll my eyes.

And boy does she.  I sit under a barrage of laughter from my sister and friends.  There’s supposed to be some pep talks and words of wisdom coming from these women.  Instead, I’m catching hell and, honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Don’t worry, V” Tabitha begins, “Mags will take care of us.”

Maggie, Tabitha’s makeup artist, winks at me as she pulls eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blushes out of her bag.  She’s worked with Tabitha on several photo shoots. Maggie is a wiz with the brush and can contour the hell out of anything.  

I catch a glimpse of my appearance in the mirror.  Yesterday’s eyeliner and mascara have morphed me into something that resembles a raccoon.  My perfect red pout has become a bloody mess smeared around my mouth. My eyes look tired from lack of sleep or maybe too much.  

I can’t remember what time we went to bed.  Thankfully, I had enough sense to wrap my hair last night.  I remove the silk scarf and my hair spills around my shoulders.  My raccoon eyes widen in horror.

“Oh, Vanessa.”  Alicia covers her mouth with one hand while picking at my hair with the other.

“I thought you wrapped your hair,” Jordyn grimaces.

“So did I,” I sigh.

Apparently, intoxicated Vanessa thought piling her hair on top of her head and tying on a scarf was the same thing as wrapping it.  My hair looks like a bird’s nest. I’m getting married in a few hours. Bump Maggie’s magic, I need a miracle worker.

“Don’t worry, Nessa,” Alicia says, rubbing my arm.  “Shannon will take care of it.”

My hairstylist approaches me with a sympathetic smile.  She studies the catastrophe sitting on my head while her skilled hands pull and separate my strands into something more manageable.

“Believe it or not, this isn’t as bad as it looks,” Shannon reassures.  “Trust me, by the time Maggie and I are done, you’re going to look like a queen.”

I’m relieved at Shannon’s promise.  If anyone can find their way through this maze, it’s her.  I’m about to settle in my chair when Jordyn points out the obvious.

“You are going to wash your face and brush your teeth, right?”

Alicia chuckles as she flips through a magazine.  “Somebody’s nervous,” she sings low enough for me to hear.

“Just a little,” I glance at her.

“Remember the morning of my wedding day?” she giggles.  

“How can I forget?” I ask.  “You were so busy trying to make sure me and the bridesmaids were dressed and ready that you barely had enough time to get ready.”

“It didn’t hit me until that morning that I had no control over anyone but myself.  I had to rely on someone else and do this marriage thing with him. The success of our marriage was dependent on the both of us wanting it to work.  That scared the hell out of me.  So I made a last ditch effort to control whatever I could before I said ‘I do.’”

“Yeah, but you and Nate are fine,” I point out.

“True, but it’s not easy.  Next to parenting, it’s the hardest, most rewarding job ever,” she smiles to herself.  “It took us a few years to get the hang of it. We’ve been together for almost twenty years, and I feel like we’re still learning more about each other.”

“Do you think Kento and I will be okay?” I ask.

“The sun rises and sets on you,” she replies, “which tells me that you’re all he sees and will ever see.  That’s great and all, but it scares me a little.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Because if all he sees is you, then there’s no room for God,” she explains.  “The moment you put your faith in each other instead of God, you’ve lost.”

I stare down at my hands.  There’s not a doubt in my mind that Kento adores me.  He’d do anything for me. He’s never let me down. He knows what I need before I even ask.  He’s the most devoted man I’ve ever dated. We love each other. We’re going to be fine. We…  Oh no, Alicia’s right.

“Put God first, Vanessa,” she says, watching me.  “You can’t be each other’s everything. Don’t put that kind of pressure on yourselves.”

 

Friday, February 23

The last time I sat in this dining room, my sister embarrassed me.  Since then, we’ve kissed and made up. Between work and dating, I haven’t had time to hang out with Alicia and her family.  Plus, Kento’s working late at the studio, and I don’t want to be alone.

I’ve spent the last few hours chasing little people who have way too much energy; bathed said mini-humans; and braided my eight year old niece’s hair before bed.  I tucked them in, knowing damn well they wouldn’t fall asleep for another hour or so.

Now I sit next to Alicia at the table, eating homemade strawberry ice cream.  My sister has super powers. She can homeschool all of her children, keep her home clean, go to the gym, and make food from scratch.  

“I may not have a right to ask this, but how’s Kento?” she asks, scooping up a mouthful of ice cream.

“Alicia, you talked to that man like he was a boy, and now you want to know how he’s doing?” Nate frowns at her.

“I wasn’t that bad,” she shrugs.

I glare at her, thinking of how she spoke to Kento.  It’s ironic really. Kento was horribly insensitive on our first date.  Then, the first time he meets my sister, she’s insensitive as well. They might be more alike than they realize.

“He’s fine, all things considering,” I answer.  “Kento’s on spring break next month. We’re flying out to Des Moines to meet his parents.”

Nate grabs a handful of pretzels and pops a few in his mouth.  “How did they take it when they found out about you?”

Alicia quietly eats her ice cream.

“His father took it as expected, but his mom is happy for him.”

“Ness, are you sure you want to go there?” she asks worriedly.

“I’ll be fine,” I assure her.  “His parents haven’t seen him in awhile, so it’ll be good for them.”

Nate takes a swig of his beer.  “Do his parents know you’re coming?”

Kento said he was fine after speaking to his father, but I knew he was hurt.  Henry made it pretty clear that Kento and I aren’t welcomed in his home. This isn’t stopping Kento from taking me to meet the rest of his family.  Toshi assured him that he can always come home no matter what Henry says.

“His mom knows,” I stare into my bowl.

Nate’s eyes grow wide.  Alicia’s eyebrows knit together.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alicia asks.

“His dad doesn’t want me or Kento in his home,” I answer.

Nate clears his throat and says, “I’m confused.  Why are you going if this man doesn’t want you there?”

Alicia places her hand on Nate’s.  She smiles warmly, “If standing up to his father is something he feels he needs to do, then I understand.  Vanessa, we’re merely concerned about your safety.”

“Yeah, what she said,” Nate nods his head at my sister while he sits back in his chair.  “We’re not trying to get in your business, but you’re not going to the middle of nowhere without giving us some addresses and phone numbers.  If something happens, we’re coming to get you.”

 

~To be continued~