Page 46 of Not About That Life
Six
The vibe when we enter the townhome is a lot different from when we left. Ian is a lot more cheerful and happier. His blue eyes dance with each sentence and he’s slightly tipsy. He takes off his shoes and I follow suit, and Ian leads me into an impromptu dance while he sings Anita Baker’s “Caught in the Rapture” to me.
This is a rare moment of peace between us in a hard month for him. I know the upcoming days and weeks will be difficult on him. I just hope things won’t be so bad and I can somehow ease the pain and torment he feels.
Ian spins me around and dips me, smiling at me. “Did you have fun tonight?”
He lifts me back up and I can’t wipe the smile off my face. “I had an amazing time. I was surrounded by great friends and family, plus I was with the love of my life.”
Ian walks into the kitchen and takes out a bottle of Ace of Spades. It’s one of the most expensive champagnes in the world and Ian naturally has a few dozen bottles, though most of them are for his restaurants. He pops it open and pours two glasses.
“To my future wife,” he hands me a glass, “to my everything.”
I lightly gasp and I feel my eyes water. “You’re my everything, baby.” We clink glasses and take sips. The champagne is light and fruity, with notes of peach. It’s already my new favorite.
We walk over to the sofas and I settle into his body as he relaxes. Feeling his body pressed against mine is every bit of fantasy I could ever want. I feel the soft thumping of his heartbeat. The calmness of his breathing. The relaxation of his mind as his body is more at ease.
It oddly feels like the calm before the storm.
I push the thoughts out of my mind. I’ll deal with Ian’s meltdown when it comes. Now, I just want to relax with my fiancée and enjoy the rest of our evening.
“Why were you getting the ring appraised?”
His question jars me out of my chill AF mood. I honestly had forgotten I told him about how I’ve met Kwesi. “I wanted to insure it.” I reply.
“It’s already insured, angel.” He sips his champagne.
“I didn’t know that but I wanted to insure it myself. I was also looking at getting a cheaper ring in case I had to close up late at the shop.” I reply.
“You have Courtney,” he calmly replies, “I’m paying her a lot of money to ensure your safety at all times.”
I set my glass down and turn to him. “Are you mad?”
He stares back at me with the same relaxed look from before. “No. I was just wondering, that’s all.”
My mind travels back to that fateful day in the jewelry store. I didn’t leave with any pieces of jewelry I wanted but I couldn’t help but to remember how Kwesi stood behind me and stared at me through the mirror. It felt like he was lookingthroughme, reading my soul, and placing his stamp on my heart.
Then again, he’s a prince. I’m sure he’s done with a lot of other girls and I was just the lucky one at the time. I just don’t like how there’s still an impact on me.
“So what was that thing about at the gala tonight?” I glance down at the engagement ring. “You didn’t want to make an announcement for a while.”
“I still don’t,” he admits, “but I wanted him to know you’re going to be a Ferguson.”
“He knows that already. I told him.”
“There’s a difference between knowing something,” he takes another sip of champagne, “and making sure you’re never going to forget it.”
The message was subtle but loud and clear to Kwesi – back off. No room for misinterpretation of that.
“How are you feeling?” He asks me. “Are my actions making you uncomfortable?”
“No,” I look up at him. I’m surprised to still see the smile in his eyes. Now I just have to keep them there for the remainder of the month. “I’m still getting used to the Ian treatment.”
“The Ian Treatment?” He replies with a bemused chuckle. “And what is that?”
The ring. The quiet excess.My black ass on the slopes.“All of this,” I softly gesticulate. “I’ve never been spoiled like this so it’s brand new to me.”
“Get used to it.” It comes out as a directive, though it feels more like a warning. “I will give you everything you want.”
