Page 140 of The Promise

One night, Mr. Jealous Baby’s Daddy pulled up to my club and called me to the gated parking lot behind a dumpster where he fucked me against the building wall. It was gross and, without reservation, one of my best sexual experiences to date. Did I mention Jas left me against that brick wall, hopped in his truck, and continued to his date with Josie? I knew it was a way to lowkey snub Sergio who he knew was likely at work that night. Maybe I shouldn’t have admitted to bringing Serge on to make Jas jealous.

Yup.

The perfect storm.

Part III

August | Three Years Later

Jas assisted me out of the car, keeping my heels in mind as I stood and straightened my sleeveless gown. The sun was still setting, creating an orangey glow as the cars lined up to allow guests out of their vehicles in the circular driveway. I didn’t want to take too long now that ours was one of those being let out at the entrance.

My God…

The entryway was breathtaking. A massive shrubbery arch revealed the hues of a garden. I held on to Jas’ hard and sturdy arm as we gaited over the stone walkway carefully paved against perfectly green grass. It was like a village; the maze we’d embarked on was filled with beautiful decorative touches like cemented benches, waterfalls, and cast concrete flowerpots. The landscaping was impeccable, opening to a massive garden filled with even larger water fountains.

There was a line we found ourselves in. The flow was steady, but there was a stop-and-go pace. Stopping allowed me to peruse the absolute beauty ofElliswoods Palace, a town I’d never heard of in Hunterdon County, NJ. Taking it all in, I could see what had to be the main house, considering its expansive size. The other small structures were dispersed, and just like the primary building, they all had a theme of low-pitched tiles, construction-made stone, and doorways with deep arches and tall windows. The property was lit with bulbs creating a soft radiance as the sun retreated for the day. Soft, string music flowed over the lush greenery, sparking a charge of energy I quickly decided I was good with.

“Tuscany,” I whispered upward to Jas.

His ear descended a little. “Huhn?”

“This property. It’s giving Tuscan vibes. The arches, stone exterior, and clay-like roofing tiles,” I whispered as much as possible.

Jas straightened, bobbing his head as though understanding my assessment of the sprawling land.

We moved up in the line, and into view came a seasoned couple.

“And look at this muthafucka,” the older gentleman croaked, a crooked grin playing at the corner of his mouth.

He was fair-skinned with thin lips. His hair was low, grayed, and curly. Overall, the man was handsome in a full suit, tie, and shoes. The woman at his side was full-figured with the richest syrupy casing in a red-hued sequence gown. She, too, possessed an unusual feature. Her hair was blonde, which seemed odd, weirdly perfect against her deep mocha skin. She giggled with half-mast eyes expressing fondness.

“Don’t let the old man do me like that, Mrs. E,” Jas playfully groaned before going in for a kiss on her cheek.

With her free arm, she hugged as much of Jas’ broad back as she could. “Hi, there, baby,” she chortled between words.

“Slick muthafucka,” the man gruffed again, eyes going between what he could see of Jas and straight ahead.

This was their dance. Mr. Ellis, Sadik’s father, was expressively fond of Jas, and often to the point of jeering with him.

When Mrs. Ellis released Jas, her attention transitioned to me. “The artful dancer.” Her smile was warm as she examined me from head to toe. “You’re incredibly stunning tonight, love.”

I beamed, shoulders lifting with modesty. Suddenly, I felt like Chi-Chi.

“Mrs. Ellis…” My following words flowed without a preamble. “…may I have my wedding on your estate?”

The Ellises fell into laughter. Tonight was my third visit toElliswoods Palaceover the years, and each time its beauty and elegance raised goosebumps on my arms. Jas shook his head petulantly.

“Who you gon’ marry, young lady?” Mr. Ellis inquired. “Not this clown. He can’t be trusted if he ain’t clink you yet.” He winked at me in that ‘cat daddy’ way. Earl Ellis’ swag had not aged a bit. It was as seasoned as the food they served here.

“Ah, man,” Jas mumbled. “Knock it off, old man.”

Giggling, Irene Ellis took both Jas and I by the hand and wagered, “Whenever you two are ready, I’d happily host your special day. It would be my absolute pleasure.”

My heart melted.

“Thank you, Queen Ellis. I’m looking forward to it.” I bowed at my waist. “Happy anniversary to you two.”

“Happy anniversary,” Jas parroted the sentiment as he pulled out an envelope from the inner pocket of his tux and dropped it into the decorative box just behind the Ellises.

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