Page 86 of Serenity
“You’re in love,” Tori gushed.
“Hell yeah, she’s in love. Look at her face,” Blair teased.
“Duke is… him,” I blushed.
“So, no weirdness with the age difference?” Robyn probed.
“Not at all. Twelve years was outside of my comfort zone, but that doesn’t bother me at all. It’s not like I wake up every day and say, ‘Oh my God, he’s so much older than me.’ It barely crosses my mind until someone brings it up.” I cut my eyes at her for emphasis. “I was worried about how other people might receive us, but the cat’s out of the bag now. I don’t think my family cares as much as I thought they would. I couldn’t find another man like him if I scoured the earth.”
“You deserve it, boo. It looks like you’ve finally found your person.” That was Tori.
“Supreme and I are twelve years apart. A decade doesn’t do much for these men aside from bringing them up to our speed. Giving them a level of maturity they might need to meet us where we’re at,” Sadie said, adding her two cents. “Sometimes.”
“Yeah, I can’t attest to that. I didn’t know the younger Duke. He likes to enjoy himself just as I do. We love to travel. We’re both workaholics. We have a lot in common.”
“You don’t have to make me a believer, love. I’m happy for you. He sounds like he’s exactly what you need,” Blair gushed.
“Wasn’t he married to that washed model chick?” Robyn asked.
Of course, she had to sprinkle her dose of negativity. Maybe shit hadn’t gone as well between her and Gray since that night at the auction.
“I know he’s divorced. I didn’t do much digging into his ex-wife.”
“You should,” she countered. “Knowing a person’s romantic history can be enlightening. Especially in a new relationship.”
Robyn was doing her damnedest to play devil’s advocate, but I wasn’t going.
“I know he caught her cheating. I don’t need to know anything else. She fumbled. Her loss. My win.”
A thousand times, I’d walked the high-contrast halls of my parents’ house. It never ceased to amaze me how wonderful the décor of their home was. Well into their sixties, they maintained the home, keeping it clutter-free and beautiful with the help of housekeeping staff. The black and white fixtures adorning their home rivaled the most contemporary gallery. I stared at them all, marveling at the collection as if I’d never seen the shit before.
It was Thanksgiving Day. After slaving with a seemingly endless amount of flour, butter, and cream, I cleared the counters of the inevitable mess. The distinguished buttermilk biscuits known to be Sarah Miller’s recipe were slowly being plundered into something of my own creation.
“Anything else, ma?”
The traditional fixings had long since been prepared with the assistance of my mother’s kitchen staff, but I’d be remiss not to assure any remaining necessary tasks were complete. Helping in the kitchen on Thanksgiving was a given.
The scent of yams, greens, mashed potato, and an array of meats seasoned the interior of the house. It smelled like heaven.
“I think that’s it, Reni. Go and get yourself cleaned up. I intend to do the same,” she announced, dragging an apron from around her hips.
The family would all be joined together for the holiday. The illustrious three Dukes would also be in attendance. With expanding feelings and a budding relationship, it was only fitting that we spent the holiday together. After the run-in with Supreme at Greek Geek, it had been settled. Duke would be present for Thanksgiving. It would be the first of many, I hoped.
Formally, it would be my first time meeting Duke’s grandfather and father. Needless to say, I was nervous. Deep breaths easily combated the anxious energy. The long shower I’d taken immediately after was a godsend as well. Dressed to kill in a rust McQueen number paired with Jimmy Choos, I strutted my way out into the living room. Saint, Tori, and their daughters had yet to surface but were undeniably en route. Already, Pre and Sadie had arrived with the kids. Nerves went rampant and rabid thinking of my initial introduction to Duke’s family.
Breathe, Serenity. Deep breaths. Breathe. Closing my eyes, I inhaled.
“Teach me some of that yoga shit.”
Dragging me from my thoughts and breathing exercises was a moping Sincere. Plopping his husky ass down beside me, the scent of Brandy or whisky snitched of his overconsumption. The unpleasant odor forced my features into a frown, issuing him a sobering look.
“What’s wrong with you?” Cutting my eyes in his direction, I floated the question. Seldom had I seen my brother become irresponsible with his drinking. His current behavior was uncharacteristic and alarming.
Glancing at me, he redirected his gaze as if his world had begun to dissipate before his eyes.
Sincere’s face collapsed into his hands. “This shit with Luna. It hasn’t gotten any better.” Solemnly, he made the admission, shaking his head full of untamed locs.
Unkept was unusual for my brother. Handsome and manicured were his defaults. Maintenance of his appearance was a constant. The rift he was experiencing with his ex was worrisome, taking a toll on his self-care routine. Taking the seat beside him, I placed a hand on his knee.