The Other Side of the Pillow

Since we were so close to the White House, we partially discussed that topic over dinner. Tevin was not big on talking politics but Floyd and I were, and Courtney was neutral.

“Hillary’s going to win in twenty-sixteen,” I said with much confidence.

“Hmm, I don’t know about all of that,” Floyd replied. “We don’t need a woman running this country. Too much at stake.”

“That’s my male chauvinist husband,” Courtney joked as she sliced into her rib eye with a steak knife.

“Floyd, you can miss me with all that,” I said. “Let’s have this same discussion after she wins.”

“Biden will beat her in the primary,” Floyd added. “And you can take that to the bank.”

Tevin smirked. “We sure have a lot of fortune tellers at this table.”

I tapped Tevin lightly on the arm and then picked up a forkful of my Trout Parmesan. “It’s not being a seer, baby. It’s common sense. It’s Hillary all the way, boo.”

“Women have a place in this world. That is it and that is all,” Floyd stated with much sarcasm. “Accept your role and everything is all good.”

He’s getting on my last fucking nerve! Rat bastard!

I tensed up and Tevin must have felt it all through my body beside him. I really, really wanted to burst Floyd’s bubble right there at the table. Call him out on his shit. Tevin must have sensed it. He changed the subject.

“Hey, you two,” he said, addressing Floyd and Courtney. “Jemistry and I are thinking about spending New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. You should join us.”

Courtney looked concern. “Jemistry, can you travel that far, with the pregnancy and all? When are you due again?”

“Close to Valentine’s Day,” I replied. “February seventeenth to be exact, but we all know that it’s not going to go down like that.”

Everyone at the table laughed.

“Oh no, little man is going to make his appearance when he is good and ready,” Tevin said.

“But to answer your other question, Dr. Horton said that everything is fine with the baby, so I can fly.” I reached over and took Tevin by the hand. “Besides, you know from experience, it pays to be married to a doctor so you always have emergency medical care.”

“No doubt,” she said.

Tevin pulled his hand away. “Yeah, it does pay to be married to a doctor.”

I was stunned that he would come at me like that in front of them. “Tevin, please don’t. Not tonight.”

“Okay, whatever,” he replied and took a sip of his Arnold Palmer.

“You really need to make my boy an honest man,” Floyd interjected.

Nobody asked you shit! And you are far from honest!

“Let me put everyone out of their misery, speculation, and need to express opinions. I was hoping that the trip to New Orleans, which was my suggestion, could also serve as our honeymoon. I honestly had no idea that Tevin planned to invite you, but that’s cool. The more the merrier.”

Everyone fell silent.

I looked at Tevin. “Did you hear what I said? Can we get married in December and go on our

honeymoon?”

Tevin grinned. “You already know my answer. I only wish we could do it sooner.”

What the hell! Cave in and get it over with!

“Fine. I love you, I want to marry you, so you pick the date and I’m there.”