Chapter 14

I tookthe deepest of breaths as I pulled into my best friend's driveway.

We'd been back in town for a few days, and I knew I couldn't let too many days go by without facing her and taking the curse out I knew was coming my way. Gathering my nerves, I opened my car door and climbed out.

It seemed to take forever to walk up these seven steps. Every time I lifted my feet, my stomach did flips. I made it to the front door and stopped. Even though I had a key, I decided to ring the doorbell. A few seconds later the door opened, and Myra stood with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face.

"You raggedy bitch. You have some nerve showing up here after I've been trying to contact you for a week."

She slammed the door so hard in my face that I jumped. For a moment, I just stood there contemplating what to do. Did I leave? Dare I try to reason with her? Before I could make my decision, it was made for me. She opened the door, still frowning.

"Get your ass in here."

She walked away but left the door open. I stood there for a moment before stepping over the threshold and into her home. She was upset with me. She would probably need wine, so I tracked to the kitchen. Sure enough, she had a big ass glass preparing to fill it to the brim with her favorite wine.

I took a seat at the kitchen island and watched as she took several big gulps of the alcoholic beverage. Nervously I twiddled my thumbs, waiting for her to say something. She placed the glass on the counter and crossed her arms as she stared at me.

"Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" she spat.

"I—"

"How could you get married and not tell me? We talk every day, Chelly. We have lunch three times a week. I've been in your presence way too many times for you to omit the fact that you were getting married. And to a stranger! What were you thinking!"

"I—"

"And then you don't invite me. Me! Your best friend. That hurt, Kachelle."

"It was never my intention to hurt you, Myra. I was already dealing with my parents and Ebony bashing my choices. I had to get ready by myself with help from my makeup artist. Daddy refused to walk me down the aisle. They sat there the entire time with frowns on their faces, Myra. I was hurt and embarrassed. I didn't wanna add you and your bluntness to the stress I was dealing with. You know how you can be, My."

Her face softened slightly. She dropped her hands and leaned across the counter to grab mine.

"I know I can be brutally honest at times. But you could have talked to me, Chelly. That was one of the most important days of your life. I would have been there for you and stood right by your side. You didn't have to go through this alone."

Tears pooled in my eyes. Hearing her say that made me feel horrible. I assumed she wouldn't be supportive because the people closest to me weren't.

"Come here," she said, rounding the counter.

She pulled me to my feet and into her arms. The moment she enclosed me, I broke into tears. She hugged me tightly and stroked my back as she kissed my cheek.

"Don't cry, boo," she said softly. "I love you, Kachelle. I know your family loves you, too. They'll come around."

"I don't know about that. They are adamant about not supporting this marriage. Daddy basically called me desperate and told me to get an annulment."

"Damn. That's harsh."

I shrugged. "It is what it is at this point, My. I'm just gonna keep my distance for a while."

She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "I know that's gonna be hard, but if it's what you have to do to protect your peace, I get it."

She walked back around the counter and grabbed another glass from the cabinet to pour me a drink as well. She slid it across the counter then climbed her ass on top of it.

"So… tell me about the mister. I saw the pictures. He's fine as hell, and he's loc'd up like me. You know I love a dreadhead."

I giggled as I told her everything I knew about Jacob so far. She got to clapping when I told her how he checked both of our parents before we left the reception. Then I told her about our wedding night and our time spent in Santorini. Even though it had only been a few days since we touched back down in the States, I was dying for another getaway with my husband.

"He's… everything, My. I don't think I could have gotten a more perfect match."

I couldn't help but blush as I spoke. Jacob and I had really been in our own little bubble the last couple days. We'd barely left my apartment. I was sure it would be the same once we migrated to his place for the week.

"You're glowing," Myra stated. "Like radiating. I guess good dick will do that to you."

"The dick is amazing, girl. It absolutely makes up for the voluntary drought I subjected myself to."

"I know that snapback had you feeling like a virgin again."

I giggled. "Girl, the first time he slid into me, I damn near lost my breath."

"I don't know why you even played with that man by taking your ass in that second bedroom in the first place. It was your wedding night. The first thing I would have done is consummate!"

"I was nervous! This whole thing was so untraditional. I wasn't sure if I should sleep with him the first night."

"The bed of marriage is undefiled."

"That's what I told myself!" I exclaimed.

We shared a laugh as she poured another glass of wine.

"So, the sister? You think you two will continue to get along?"

"I think so. They're really close, so I expect her to be around a lot. She was hesitant at first, but I think she's just protective over him. She said she's seen bitches take advantage of his kind nature, so I can understand that. Honestly, I look forward to spending time with her. It might be fun having a little sister instead of being the little sister."

"Well, I can't wait to meet Mr. Mitchell. Damn, I have to get used to you having a man on me, bitch! We were supposed to be in these single streets together."

"I mean… Arranged Hearts has a ninety-seven percent success rate. We can find you a husband, too."

She waved me off. "No, thank you. I'd rather meet my man the old fashion way. With my luck, I'll be in the three percent, and then I'll be in jail cause run me my money back."

I rolled my eyes.

"For real though, Chelly… what made you choose this crazy ass way of getting married?"

I sighed. "I'm getting older. The dating pool has been real shallow, and the pickings have been slim. I got tired of running into the same niggas in different bodies, My. I was beginning to think something was wrong with me. I'll be honest: when I saw the ad for Arranged Hearts, my initial thought was you'd have to be crazy to marry a complete stranger. Then I fell down the rabbit hole doing research on their process and packages. I read samples of their questionnaires, and they ask the shit we need to be asking these niggas. They went so much deeper than what attracts you to a person. They really want to match their clients based on compatibility first."

"Sounds interesting. Well, you know I love you and if he ever gets outta line and you need an alibi, I got you."

I shook my head as I giggled. "Thanks, girl."

"Don't thank me yet. I'm still mad you didn't tell me anything, but I'm not gonna let it ruin our friendship. Even with that being said, you have a lot of making up to do. I'm thinking we can start with the next month of lunch dates on you and work our way from there."

I rolled my eyes. "That's fair."

"And I'ma need a spa day."

"I got you."

"And—"

"You running the fuck out now!"

She laughed loudly. "Last one. I promise. You have to let me throw you a proper post-bachelorette party, and I don't wanna hear no shit. You didn't let me be a part of the process, so I deserve this."

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Fine, My. Have at it."

She clapped her hands in excitement. "Great! Wait until you see what I plan! We're getting fucked up!"

I was a little nervous about that. Myra loved to party, and I was no stranger to her "lituations". Whenever we got together for a turn-up, it was always a vibe. I guess I did owe her for keeping her out of the loop. I'd go along with her madness and pray she didn't get me into too much trouble.