Page 53 of I Changed for You
Erin hugged me, too. “Girl, please stop all that crying.”
I giggled and wiped my eyes. “Okay, I’ll stop.”
By the time they left for the night, I had the opportunity to hug each of my family members, which was something I hadn’t done in a while. I wanted to burst with the giddy feeling I felt, but I held it in. If only Jada and Camila were like my family, but I couldn’t beg them to like my man. Hell, I loved him, and that was enough.
Today wasthe grand opening for Melijah’s second car wash, and I didn’t know which one of us was more nervous. Since we had woken up this morning, he had been pacing the floor. He hadn’t even eaten either. Since the car wash was closer to his apartment, we decided to stay the night there. Making love only made him forget about the grand opening for a while, but then he was back worrying about it. I told him plenty of times that it would be a success. I’d be by his side along with his friends and family. My family even said they’d be showing up, which surprised the hell out of me.
I watched as Melijah paced back and forth in front of the bed, causing me to shift uncomfortably. Lately, I hadn’t been feeling well and wasn’t sure what the cause was. I didn’t want togo to the hospital in case nothing was seriously wrong. But my stomach had been balled up a lot. If it continued, I knew I’d have to go to the hospital.
“Can you please stop pacing?” I huffed with a shake of my head. “Everything will be fine. And if it isn’t, it’s out of your control. It’s like you’re looking for something to go wrong.”
Melijah stood pacing long enough to glance over at me. “Man, I’m just nervous as hell.”
I stood up and went to him. “You don’t need to be. Everyone loves you and speaks so highly of you. You’re going to do the best you can with this business as you do with your other one. Just know I’m going to be by your side through it all.”
He lowered his head and kissed my lips. “That’s why I love you. You know just what to say to have me tackle this with an iron fist. Are you ready to head out?”
I beamed happily. “Yes, I am.”
On the drive to the car wash, we were silent. I laid my head on the headrest and caressed my stomach. Baby boy had been moving around a lot today and had been on my bladder. I had gone to the bathroom a little too much for my liking, so he needed to chill out for a bit. Maybe he was as excited for his father as I was.
When we pulled up at the car wash, I was amazed at how many people were there to show their support for my man. Tears filled my eyes for him when I saw my family mingling with his. This was already a success given the sizeable crowd.
“Do you see that? You’re loved, baby. All these people are here to support you. There was no need for nervousness. You’ve already succeeded. Now, let’s go say hey to everyone.”
We stepped out of the car and made our way to the crowd. I squeezed his hand in mine, assuring him that everything would be okay. Who knew if he believed it or not? With allthese people standing around greeting and supporting him, he’d better believe it.
Melijah went around and greeted almost everyone, saving his family and mine for last. He gave my mother and sisters hugs and my father a bro hug. He then went to his family and gave each of them hugs too.
“Wassup? Thank you all for coming,” he told them.
He then stood before everyone with a bright smile on his face.
“I wasn’t expecting everyone to show up like this. I’m grateful to all of you who showed up for me. It’s appreciated. None of this is possible without each of you. I know my first car wash has been around for years, but this new one will be just as great one day soon... that I do believe. As a special offer for everyone here, if your car needs a wash, it’s free today only. Once again, I appreciate each one of you. Enjoy your day.” Melijah then cut the ribbon, and the crowd went wild.
“Surprise!” Everyone yelled out, nearly scaring me half to death. My heart jumped as I tried to catch my breath.
Melijah had a big smile on his face as he eyed his family and mine. My eyes nearly ballooned when I saw my family at his parents’ house.
“Man, what the hell...” Melijah said, making them laugh. “What is this?” he asked as he peered around the dining room.
It was set up like a dinner party. Also, there were congratulatory balloons with a banner that read,You Did It, Lijah!
“You thought you were going to have that grand opening and nobody was going to do anything afterward? You know that’s not how we get down,” his father stated.
Melijah dropped his head. “Man, I don’t even know what to say. Thanks.”
His mother stepped forward. “Is that all you have to say, son?” She turned her attention to me. “Now, introduce us to the woman in your life who’s making me a grandma.”
My cheeks burned as I smiled, hating being put on the spot.
Melijah stepped forward and made the introductions. “Family… It’s too many of y’all to name. I want you to meet the love of my life, Elianna Marshall. Eli, meet the fam. Y’all can introduce yourselves to each other. Like I said, it’s too many.”
I shook my head as everyone laughed at him. He was too much. Once the introductions were made, we all sat down to eat.
His father stood up and handed Melijah a card. “This is for you, son. I’m so proud of you and know you’ll do great with this new car wash, and you’re doing great with your other baby.”
Melijah accepted the card with a smile. “Thanks, Pops. This really means a lot to me.” He opened the card, and his eyes widened. “Whoa! It’s...”
