Page 99 of Certified Pressure 4
When she caught me starin’, she smiled and mouthed, “You drunk.”
I lifted my cup and pointed back. “Married drunk!”
She laughed and shook her head, comin’ toward me slow. “You need to sit down before you fall down,” she said when she reached me, her hand on my chest.
I put my hand over hers and grinned. “I can’t fall if you holdin’ me.”
She rolled her eyes but kissed me anyway. “Come on, Pressure. You done celebrated enough.”
“Nah, not yet,” I said, tryna move past her, but Renza caught me again.
“Aye, chill out, bro. You gon’ pass out on the damn floor.”
The room was spinnin’ now. The lights blurred into gold streaks and the music felt like it was inside my chest instead of comin’ from the speakers. My jacket was gone, my tie was gone, and I’m pretty sure my top two buttons had disappeared somewhere in the night.
Pluto laughed while helpin’ me walk toward the exit. “Look at you,” she said softly.
“I’m happy,” I told her. “I’m real happy.”
“I know, baby,” she said, smilin’ as she brushed her hand against my cheek. “You deserve it.”
By the time we reached the doors, Renza and Blaqson was right behind us, helpin’ hold me up ‘cause I could barely keep my balance.
“Y’all done turned this reception into a damn club,” Pluto said, laughin’ as she walked beside me.
Kay’Lo was still talkin’ behind us, shoutin’, “Best weddin’ I ever been to!” and people was cheerin’ in agreement.
The air outside felt cool on my skin. I leaned against the car while Renza opened the door. Pluto helped me in, her hand on my chest the whole time like she was makin’ sure I ain’t fall over.
“I love you,” I said, slurrin’ it bad but meanin’ it heavy.
She smiled and kissed my forehead. “I love you too, Mr. Mensah.”
I laughed low, lettin’ my head fall back against the seat. “Mr. and Mrs. Mensah,” I said. “Yeah, that sound right.”
The door closed and the city lights reflected off the car windows as we pulled off with a driver. My brothers was laughin’ in the front, still loud and hype from the party, but my eyes was already gettin’ heavy.
It hit me all at once—the liquor, the love, the whole damn day.
I reached for Pluto’s hand and kissed her palm before lettin’ it rest on my chest. “Best day of my life,” I whispered, my eyes half-closed.
She smiled and rubbed her thumb over my skin. “Mine too, Pressure,” she said.
And just like that, the night faded slow, full of laughter, music, and love that felt like it was gon’ last forever.
The Garden of Kings
After makin’ sure my nigga got home safe with his bride, I walked back through the reception hall, still feelin’ that high from the whole day. The room smelled like champagne and perfume, confetti stickin’ to the floor, and slow songs playin’ now that the turn-up had died down. Empty glasses sat on tables, half-eaten cake, heels kicked off in corners. It was the kind of mess that meant a good night. My dog really did it. Pressure got married.
I shook my head with a grin, still hearin’ the crowd cheer when he kissed Pluto. I ain’t never seen him cry like that, not Pressure. The same nigga who used to clown everybody for gettin’ emotional at weddings. But tonight, I felt that shit. It hit different seein’ somebody like him finally at peace. The man hadbeen through hell, shot, heartbroken, betrayed, but he came out that fire better than ever. That’s my brother, for real.
I looked around one last time, makin’ sure he ain’t leave none of his shit behind. His chain was on, his ring was on, watch too. I checked his chair just in case, then glanced over to the gift table. He was good, and I knew Blaqson was takin’ care of the rest.
Renza had already dipped out a few minutes ago, talkin’ about he was takin’ his drunk ass to get some sleep. I told him I would lock everything down. I walked slow through the place, takin’ it all in, the lights still glowin’ low, the DJ packin’ up and the bartenders cleanin’ bottles. It felt good, like a real night of love.
I leaned against the bar and let out a deep breath, runnin’ a hand over my fresh haircut. My line-up was sharp, and my suit still crisp even though the buttons was undone from all that damn dancin’. My chain felt heavy around my neck, and my chest felt heavier from everything on my mind.
All night, I kept thinkin’ about my parents. I tried to keep it cool, but it still burned me how my pops came at Toni that day. Said she wasn’t worthy of bein’ in our family, like she wasn’t the woman I loved. He hurt me with that one. I always respected my pops and, still do, but the moment he disrespected her, it was over. I ain’t talk to that nigga for months.
