Save the Date, page 15
Yeah, she knew that analogy was too simplistic. Her decision had nothing to do with money, the worth of a coin. Her decision was ultimately about right and wrong. Going through with the wedding when she felt this conflicted was wrong. Robyn deserved better from her.
“So woman up, Hamilton.” Rubbing her stomach, Aaliyah dropped on the sofa and forced herself to think about the practicalities involved in a split. She drifted off before she could figure out what to do about the four months remaining on the lease.
She woke to the sound of voices. Sitting up, she looked around to orient herself and discovered she’d never gone back to bed. The voices belonged to Robyn and the wedding planner. She stretched her stiff back, wondering what wedding emergency called for an early morning conversation. Hearing Robyn’s heels slapping against the hardwood floor, she figured she was about to find out. She took some solace from knowing whatever the problem, her confession was going to make it null and void. She immediately felt guilty.
“Today. I’ll make it happen.” Robyn stepped into the living room and came to an abrupt stop. She was wearing a form-fitting summer dress that showed off the curves Aaliyah was partial to. “I’ll call you back,” she said, then ended the call. “Aaliyah? You scared me for a minute. I thought you were already gone. What are you doing out here?”
“I, uh, I couldn’t sleep. Came out here so I wouldn’t disturb you.” Aaliyah checked her fitness watch, decided she had time to yank off the bandage. “Do you have a minute? We need to talk.”
“Okay.” Robyn sat in a chair across from the sofa. “Is this about what I said earlier?”
“Didn’t hear you.” She rubbed the grit from her eyes, trying to come up with the best way to say what had to be said. “I wish…I wish I didn’t need to tell you this. I wish things were different.”
“Are you sick? Did the eye doctor find something wrong with you?”
She shook her head, opened her mouth, closed it, then cleared her throat. “I can’t marry you, Robyn. I’m sorry as hell, but I can’t do it.”
Robyn reared back as if slapped. “What? What are you talking about?”
“I can’t marry you. It wouldn’t be right. I’m so sorry. I just…” She stopped, ran her hand over her braids, knowing there was nothing she could say to make things better.
“Really? How long have you known?” Robyn’s voice was remarkable even.
“Only since early this morning. I’ve been thinking it over, trying to find a way where you wouldn’t be hurt. I truly don’t want to hurt you, Robyn. I don’t. It’s…there’s no way I can do that. No possible way, and for that, I’m sorry.”
“I have…I have things to do.” Robyn hurried from the room.
“Just great.” Aaliyah covered her face and let the tears come, feeling like the lowest of the low. She was responsible for that expression on Robyn’s face, the tears in Robyn’s eyes. She didn’t bother to uncover her face when she heard Robyn’s footsteps return or when she heard the front door close. There was nothing she could’ve said, nothing she could’ve done.
* * *
Skye all but danced to the train station. She knew she’d slayed the job interview. There was no way they wouldn’t offer her the job, no possible way. Two days and she’d know for sure. They told her they had more interviews lined up, but she could tell she’d impressed the big boss and her future supervisor.
If there was a Goddess, she’d get the job. It was such a good fit for her IT skills, and bonus, the work vibe was more laid back than she’d expected. Bonus, bonus. She could work from home two to three days a week, depending on the need to consult with coworkers. That would give her more time to spend with Pops. Through Pat, she had the names of personal care workers who could stay with Pops when she had to go in to work, not that he thought he needed a babysitter.
They could argue about that when they argued about her moving in with him, she decided, and tapped her transit card for entrance. Her phone buzzed as she made her way down the stairs to the platform. Jac, of course. “Before you ask, it went really well. I’ll be surprised if I don’t get an offer. The train’s here. Call you later. We should go out, celebrate.” She dashed to the train and jumped on right before the doors closed.
As she moved toward a seat facing forward, she scanned the riders standing on the other side of the tracks. Chances were slim she’d be lucky enough to spot the woman from Monday, but she had to try. She continued scanning until the train cleared the station, then sighed. Despite the many things crowding her brain, that woman and the feelings she’d elicited stayed front and center, which was silly. Even if she managed to find the woman, nothing would come of it. A beautiful woman like that wouldn’t want a geeky nerd like her. Thinking the woman had been fixated on her was a pipe dream. Probably had more to do with lighting in the station than anything else.
But Jac noticed it, her inner optimist pointed out. So maybe she wasn’t so crazy to be searching train stations, restaurants, bars…hell, everywhere for the one who moved her heart. Maybe the other woman was out there searching for her. Maybe their meeting was fate. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the butt?
She looked up when the Peachtree Center station was announced and smiled, thinking of all the times she’d gotten off here to attend Dragon Con. This station was also where she’d met her first girlfriend, Sara. Sara who dressed as an elf, with bright red hair, a million freckles and Skye’s love for gaming and fantasy. They’d been madly in love as only teenagers could be. The relationship lasted six heady months until Sara’s family moved to Chicago.
Sighing, she wondered how she could have forgotten Sara or the joy of attending Dragon Con. Funny how she mostly focused on the Demon when she thought of Atlanta and not all the good times. More sad than funny because she’d let him steal them. She’d given him that power. After all, she’d gone around him and his archaic rules plenty of times. And hadn’t she learned to show indifference to the punishment, gotten satisfaction when that only made him madder? Getting thrown out turned out for the better. She got to live with Pops.
“Well, damn.” Why was she just now internalizing this? She’d beaten him. He was nothing, and it was time to treat him as such.
After figuratively flicking the Demon into the trash, other memories returned. Atlanta belonged to her, too. Instead of transferring to the eastbound train at the next stop, she was going to take the westbound train and explore another old haunt—Centennial Olympic Park. Too bad it wasn’t Christmas, as she’d enjoyed seeing the park decked out for the holiday. Instead, she’d enjoy visiting the aquarium she had yet to visit. After having an epiphany, watching the fish was good for the soul.
The park, built for the 1996 Olympics, spanned two long city blocks. It included a small amphitheater, green space as a relief from the surrounding concrete, and a water feature, ever popular with the kids. Skye took a moment to watch kids run in and out of the streams of water. She and Jac had last done that as teenagers, then stretched out on the grass to let the hot sun dry their clothes and talk about their future.
Remembering that wild and crazy summer day, she dialed Jac’s number. “You’ll never guess where I am.”
“The insane asylum from the sound of it.”
“Close. Centennial Park, the water fountain.”
“Centennial Park? What are you doing there?”
“Reminiscing. Started on the train at the Peachtree Center Station. Dragon Con and Sara the Elf. Then I realized I let that crazy SOB steal my good memories. Screw the Demon, Jac. He doesn’t get to define Atlanta for me. Not anymore.”
“Should I sing Hallelujah?”
“No. I feel too good to hear you warble. So good, I’m going to hit the Aquarium while I’m right here.”
“Just don’t go to the Civil Rights Museum without me.”
“I forgot it was around here. This must be a tourist attraction center now.” An extra loud shriek drew her attention back to the kids. “Oops. Some kid just— Oh my god, it’s her! Jac, it’s her! I’ll call you back.” She took off running in the direction where she’d caught a glimpse of the mystery woman. It had been like it was at the station, where everything seemed to stop, where her heart leapt in her chest. Pumping her legs, she headed for the crossing, hoping to catch the green light. Of course the light turned seconds before she could reach it. All she could do was watch as the blue shirt got farther away.
“Damn!” She was tempted to shake her fist at the cars keeping her from her goal.
The blue shirt had been absorbed into the crowd by the time the light changed. Despite that, Skye sprinted to the spot where she’d lost visual contact. Slowing to a walk, she realized she was at the World Congress Center with its many entrances and exits. Several conventions and meetings were going on, judging by the signs. She’d never find her in this maze of meeting rooms and exhibition spaces.
With a sigh, she rang Jac. “I lost her, damn it. If only I’d noticed her sooner.”
“Are you sure it was her?”
“Trust me, it was her. I was so close.”
“Third time will be…something or another, right?”
“Charm. Third time is the charm. And I certainly hope so. If for nothing else, to see why I have such an intense reaction to her. Which is kind of crazy seeing as I don’t even know her.”
“You will. It’s fate, Skye, so you’ll see her again.”
She clung to that sentiment on her way to the aquarium.
* * *
“This is getting to be a habit.” Tricia dropped down on the bench next to Aaliyah. “Lucky for you, I had a cancellation.”
“Hey, I have food.” She handed Tricia the bag containing a meatball sub, barbecue chips and a pickle.
“Well, what is it this time? An actual alien abduction?”
“Don’t I wish.” Aaliyah carefully unwrapped her Italian sub. “I called off the wedding,” she admitted reluctantly and wasn’t surprised by the look of horror on Tricia’s face.
“No, you didn’t! What the hell, Aaliyah? I thought we said you were going to sleep on it, get your head straight.”
“I sort of slept on it. Meaning I didn’t sleep until I reasoned out the right thing to do. I didn’t make this decision lightly, Tricia. I can’t marry Robyn, knowing what I know. It’s not right. I know you think it’s crazy, but it’s what I feel.” She patted her chest. “Here.”
“I can’t believe this. You’re giving up Robyn for a fantasy. You realize that, right? You don’t know this woman. You don’t know if you’ll even like her if, and that’s a big if, you do manage to find her.”
“And so what? I should take the bird in the hand? Play it safe?” She bent her head back, blew out a breath. “Think of how that sounds. How would you feel if Jen saw you as her bird in the hand, someone she was making do with?”
Tricia frowned, pulled at her bottom lip. “Well, damn. That would be fucked up. I won’t ask how she took it. So, what happens next?”
“I’m going to move in with Mom for a few months while I help Robyn with the rent. Figure I owe her that much.”
“Why not move into the other bedroom?”
“You didn’t see her face after I dropped the bomb. There’s no way she wants to see my mug for the next four months. I sure wouldn’t if the situation were reversed.” She looked out over Centennial Park, at all the other lunchgoers. “I know I did the right thing, and still I feel like such a shit. She literally reared back like I slapped her, Tricia. They never show that side in those Hallmark movies Jen makes us watch.”
“So, will living with your mother make you a scrub? You know, like in that song TLC sings.”
“Damn you, Tricia. Now that song’s going to be stuck in my head.”
* * *
Skye halfway listened to Pops once again go on and on about how he didn’t want her to rearrange her life for him. “Listen old man,” she finally said. “Save your breath. I got the job, sent off my letter of resignation. Done deal.”
“You’re as hardheaded as your grandmother. I never could tell Luna a damn thing either.”
“That’s why you loved her, Pops. And me. It’s like I told you Tuesday. I’m seriously enjoying being back. You won’t believe how much this part of Intown has changed. I can’t wait to show you.”
“Are you sure you can do this, Skye? Be honest with me. Last I heard, that poor excuse for a man was still around.”
“I really can, Pops. He doesn’t matter. I won’t let him matter. On the plus side, my dinner with Renee went well. I think we can forge a good relationship. Not mother-daughter because we never were, but friends. We can be friends. I think you’ll like who she’s become.”
“We’ll see. What’d you find out about that church of hers?” The suspicion in his voice came through loud and clear.
“I talked to Jac’s mom, did my own research and it’s nothing like her old excuse for a church. For starters, it’s all are welcome, even the gays. They feed the poor, provide all sorts of resources for members and nonmembers. They do stuff I guess churches should do. She’s changed, Pops, believe me.”
“Okay, then. You always were good at reading people, girl. But do this old man a favor and make sure your eyes and ears stay open. I don’t want you hurt again.”
“My eyes and ears are wide open.”
“That’s my girl. Now how soon does that new job of yours start?”
She smiled, knowing she’d won the battle. “I’ve got some leeway. They know I need to get an old man settled. Thanks to your network of friends, we have a house we can rent until yours becomes available. They really want you back, Pops.”
“That’s good ’cause I’m really ready to be back. And having you there with me? That’s just gravy. You’ve brought so much joy to my life. Don’t ever forget that, Skye. I love you.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Love you back, Pops.”
Skye set her phone on the table and gave a happy sigh. Everything was working out. She had a new job, a new place, and the beginnings of a relationship with Renee. She could add the possibilities of connecting with the mystery woman, but that might be asking for too much.
* * *
Aaliyah experienced a brain fart as she approached Renee and Doug’s house. Obviously, her brain had been on simmer earlier when she helped set up for the wedding. Otherwise it would’ve occurred to her that since she’d recently torpedoed her own wedding, she should not be attending anyone else’s wedding. Talk about your bad mojo.
“Shit!” She took out her talisman, twined it through her fingers and paced. There was little doubt she was, at best, carrying dubious wedding vibes. Would her presence at the wedding cause them to be released and doom Doug and Renee’s marriage before it started?
“Aaliyah? What are you doing out here?”
She jumped, not having heard the door open. “Renee. Hey. I was thinking of…stuff.”
“I want to thank you again for the wonderful job you, Jen, and Tricia did in the backyard. I was just telling Doug we couldn’t have done better using pros.”
“It was fun.” The kind of thing she could see doing for her own wedding. “You look great, by the way. That dress is perfect for a backyard wedding.”
Renee smoothed a hand down her full-length, tie-dye dress in all the colors of the rainbow. “Thanks. It reminded me of my mother. Makes me feel like she’s here.”
“Wait. You didn’t let Doug see you like, in it, did you? Isn’t it supposed to be bad luck for the groom to see the wedding dress before the wedding?”
Renee laughed. “Doug and I make our own luck. And frankly, I’ve had enough bad luck already to last me a lifetime.” She put a hand on Aaliyah’s arm. “I meant to ask earlier if you’re okay coming to the ceremony. I imagine this might be hard for you so soon after your wedding got called off.”
“That’s funny. I was just thinking my attendance at your wedding so soon after I called off my own would mess you guys up. Leftover bad vibes, you know?”
“Not one bit,” Renee assured her. “I’m not that superstitious. Although I confess, I am wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue to cover all bases.”
“I wonder…” She looked down at Renee’s ballerina flats, thought about the coin in her hand. It had helped her, why not someone else? “Would you like to wear my sixpence in your shoe? Supposedly it brings brides good health, wealth, and prosperity. Another base covered, so to speak.”
“You wouldn’t mind? I hear that coin is special to you.”
“Positive. Might even cancel out any bad vibes I’m carrying. You put it in your left shoe.”
Renee stood on her tiptoes and kissed Aaliyah’s cheek. “I’d be honored.” She toed off her left shoe.
“Let me.” She knelt, slipped the coin into Renee’s shoe and felt all her nerves settle. “Now what else can I help with?”
* * *
Skye stepped onto the walkway leading to the bright yellow door of the house Renee shared with Douglas, and mentally called up her party persona. Being around Pops and his thousands of friends and acquaintances, she’d learned to do it seamlessly. She and Renee had agreed Skye would skip the actual ceremony, to be attended by only a few family members, and attend the bigger after party. She wouldn’t stand out as much.
She looked down at her colorful, tie-dye shirt, her best pair of jeans, hoping Renee would see the shirt as a tribute to Luna Skye Newman-Manns before she rang the bell. She was taken aback when a white woman about her age opened the door. Did she have the wrong address? Surely not, given the voices and music coming from the back.
“I uh, I’m here for the party?” Skye held up the bouquet of flowers she’d picked up on impulse. “Renee invited me,” she added at the blank look.
The blonde smiled. “Right. I thought I knew everyone who was coming. Come in, come in. I’m Jennifer Burks. Doug’s daughter.”
She hoped her surprise wasn’t written on her face. Her mother had married a white guy. Remembering the Demon’s reaction to her consorting with white people, she bit back a laugh. How the times have changed. She almost wished he was around. His head would surely explode. “I’m Skye. I’m, uh, I knew Renee when I was younger.”
