Page 6 of Soft On Her
“Chill out,” I laughed. “Nobody called me damaged goods. But I won’t pretend that’s not what they whisper behind my back. The only reason they don’t want to say it is because of the way you disappeared your younger brother for calling me an abomination when you first announced I would eventually take over the business. Nobody wants those problems. The reality is, Deja and I are two castoffs forming a bullshit union.That’s why they are the only family willing to agree to such an arrangement.”
“That’s how most arranged marriages work, Sneaux. The families need to gain something out of the union,” my father shrugged, passing me the bottle of water. “We just celebrated your twenty-seventh birthday. We only have three years before thirty, the deadline for marriage.”
“Three years is plenty of time to find a better candidate. In the meantime, maybe my thoughts about Deja will change. I don’t know. When you did a deep dive on Deja’s life prior to her family relocating to Sand Cranes, nowhere did you find an ex-girlfriend.”
My father emitted a deep exhale and leaned against the wall, one ankle crossed over the other, eyes tracing my face.
“If someone did a deep dive on you, they wouldn’t find an ex-girlfriend either. Maybe she has commitment issues like you,” he shot back. I cut my eyes at him and offered an unamused expression. “It’s been nine years, Sneaux. If my people haven’t found Milani and Janice, they won’t be found. Either they don’t want to be found, or something went awry. I know that it’s hard, but you have to let go of the past and focus on the future,” he lectured me.
“I’m not holding onto the past,” I exhaled, climbing to my feet.
“Either way, you need to be married before your thirtieth birthday if you want to permanently claim that seat. I’ve bent a lot of rules for you, but that won’t be one of them. You’re going to get married, then you and your wife need to do whatever lesbians do to have children so our name can live on,” he recited his only demand that I’d heard at least a million times.
We exited the gym and descended the stairs. Deja stood near the last step with a black Chanel gift bag clasped tightly in her left hand and a box of treats from a bakery in the other.When our eyes connected, she lit up and a wide smile spread across her face. There was no denying that Deja was beautiful; her long, natural curls flowed past her shoulders, and the way her thighs spilled out of those denim shorts made me want to change my prior sentiments. Deja’s makeup looked like it was professionally done, and that surprised me, because she’d been barefaced during our last few brief encounters.
“I’ll give you guys some privacy,” my father stated before exiting the house.
“Good morning. You got your makeup done today? What’s the special occasion? I didn’t take you for the type of woman to wear makeup. You always have that natural glow when I see you.”
“I was just stopping by to say happy belated birthday and bring you some cupcakes. Sorry I had to cancel brunch before you and your family left for your birthday trip. I overslept. You know Ariel was up with a stomach virus the night before,” she apologized, referring to her three year old daughter.
“Thank you,” I smiled, accepting the gift bag and cupcakes. “I would hug you, but you look like you’re dressed up for the day and I’m all sweaty.” I motioned towards my sweat-slick body, my sports bra, and Nike Pro biker shorts sticking to me.
“It’s okay,” Deja grabbed my right cheek and came in close enough to kiss my left cheek. I almost leaned back and told her to keep her lips to herself, but my father’s mention of my standoffish demeanor stifled my natural reaction. “How was Thailand?”
“It was nice. The culture, white sand beaches, and turquoise water, what’s not to love? You ever been?”
“No, never. It’s definitely in my future plans though,” she bubbled.
“How is Ariel?” I inquired, leading Deja outside.
“She’s much better now. Back in daycare, so I’m getting back to work. If you’re not busy Sunday, I’d like to take you out for a belated birthday brunch. We can have a redo?”
“I already have plans. Chilling at my lounge with my best friend tonight, and I’ll be staying in Oland for the weekend.”
“Oh, are you DJing tonight?”
“If I feel like it when I pull up. I can’t say for sure yet,” I answered, taking a seat on the wicker bench to the left of the door. My late grandparents were on to something when they remodeled their home and added the veranda that stretched the length of the front of the house and wrapped around the sides. It always helped me relax and put my mind at ease. Even in their absence, I felt their presence. The sun warmed me instantly, and the sound of construction in the distance was a common occurrence ever since they broke ground on Levi and Terrel’s future residences.
“I didn’t even think you were listening while I talked about my hobbies during our little meet and greet last month,” I admitted.
“Why would you say that?”
“You were standoffish. Then you flaked on me when we were supposed to link.”
“If I was being standoffish, I apologize. I don’t remember it that way though. I also think that sometimes you’re so used to running around with Levi and Terrel that you don’t realize how cold and standoffish you can be. You looked at me like I had shit on my face when my father first introduced me,” Deja vented.
I chuckled because I knew I probably shot Deja the nastiest look when she walked in. One minute her father was discussing the price for our men to transport his products in our trucks, and the next he called his daughter in, suggesting an alliance with my father.
“Where did these cupcakes come from?” Deja interrupted the brief silence with her random question.
“How am I supposed to know?” I quipped, shrugging my shoulders. The lime green box was void of any logo to tell me where the sweet treats came from.
“Clearly, you were the one who wasn’t listening. They are from the bakery that I own. I told you all about it when we discussed hobbies.”
“Damn, my bad,” I hit her with the yikes face. She pulled a card I couldn’t refute, so I remained silent, pondering over our previous interactions. Most of the women I dealt with knew what it was and played their role. Maybe my pops was right; I was a part of the problem between us.
“You told our fathers that I’m standoffish when it’s really you. How about we start fresh? I can even come to your lounge tonight since you’ll be in my city. This will give me a chance to see if your skill level matches what I hear about you around town. My business partner Aniyah swears your lounge is her favorite spot when she is in the mood to hang out.”
