110. The Fireworks 🎆

After emptying the duffle bag and giving back the clothes that Monica and I wore to Cathy, I returned A.B.'s call like I told him I would.

"How are you, Jamie?" The baritone voice asked me.

I grinned as I sat on my bed. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Zeke's parents know the truth about everything, and they're going to help me when it comes to suing RiSe Records."

"Really?" A.B. inquired.

"Yes."

A.B. stated, "I'm really glad to hear that. I'll be praying that this doesn't get dragged on, and it works out in your favor. I know it's been hard for you, but you've made a lot of progress in a short amount of time. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, A.B." I stood up.

"Jamie, I have to be honest with you, even though I'd rather tell you this in-person, I have to tell you this before the year ends. I haven't shown you the best representation of a man led by God. If anything, I've confused you, and I may've pushed you away unintentionally. I just want you to know that our friendship has meant a lot to me. Our intimacy and banter has had me daydreaming a few times while working."

I giggled.

"The truth is my last relationship hurt me more than I realized, and you deserve better. You're an incredible woman who doesn't deserve to be played with. I recognize my wrongs, and I hope that you can forgive me for them. I will see you tomorrow night, but I hope you have a great New Year celebration with the Rivers and Monica."

I guess today is apology day. "I forgive you for any and everything as long as you can forgive me for my behavior and actions that haven't been really mature. Yes, I like you, but it was something about you that gave me such boldness. You said that you haven't shown that you're a man of God, but I beg to differ. You have so much confidence when you walk into a room, and when I'm with you, I know it rubs off on me. You don't ever seem distracted when we're together. Like, you look at me and listen to me without getting bored or annoyed."

A.B. chuckled, "I could say the same for you."

I smiled, "All I know is if I had never met you, I would not have learned so much about God, this world, and myself. I thank God for placing you in my life at this time of my life. You're an amazing person, and I hope you'll always be in my life."

"Jamie, I appreciate that. I know you have somewhere to be, but I expect us to spend a lot of time together when I get to L.A."

I agreed, "We will."

"Have a good time and a good night."

I said to him, "You, too."

We ended the call.

Downstairs, the dinner table was set. It seemed there were a lot of people, but the elaborate decorations, hired people, and the Rivers family standing around made it appear that way. Monica and Zell were doing a two-step, dancing side-by-side. That was when I realized there was music playing.

Zack and his mother was dancing and singing together. It was cute to see them like that.

Zeke was on the phone, talking while sitting at the table. Then, he put it away. I walked over to him.

"You know everyone is dancing except for you?"

He looked up at me. "Jamie, will you dance with me?"

I pretended to be shocked. "Oh! Why yes, Mr. Ezekiel Rivers. I've dreamt about this moment all my life."

Zeke stood to his feet. "I know you did. Deonte said you were a fan of ours."

"Like I told him, I was a kid," I stated.

Zeke took my hand in his as we stepped away from the table. He put his hands on my waist. I put my hands on his shoulders. We began to slow dance.

"Monica told me you were nervous to call me when I gave you my number this summer. Can you believe that was six months ago?"

"The past is the past," I chuckled.

Zeke lightly laughed, "Thanks for making the call."

"Thanks for giving me your number."

Monica loudly laughed.

We both looked in her direction to see Zell stuck on the floor in a semi-split position.

"Zell, what is wrong with you?" Cathy ran to her husband's aide.

"Mon thought I couldn't do the split anymore. So, I had to show her that I still got it." Zell slowly got on his knees while Monica and Cathy helped him to stand.

Cathy shook her head. "This is why I believe we didn't have a daughter. Monica already has you wrapped around her finger."

Zell took a seat at the table.

"Your family loves Monica," I said to Zeke.

"They love you, too. Monica just knows how to make friends with anybody."

"Admit it. You got hypnotized by those hips." I teased him.

Zeke smiled, "Honestly, her personality wakes me up. I never thought a woman like her existed."

Yeah, that's the safe answer. I really can't stand them! I stepped away from Zeke. "Sir, go get your woman."

Zeke chuckled before walking over to Monica.

Zell hit his champagne glass with a fork to get everyone's attention.

Zack turned off the music, using his phone.

"Everyone, it's time to eat," Zell announced.

We all sat down in our original seats and the food was soon served. After we ate, we shared small talk. With ten minutes until countdown, we all went upstairs to Zack's "apartment" room. Through two doors, we went outside on a balcony. I never knew this existed and I was upset about it. I could see over the entire backyard. It was beautiful. I could even see the maze, and that weird statue.

I looked to my left to see Zack. "Sir, this view says a lot about you."

He smirked, "You could've seen it if you came to see me more often."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Let's be clear. You and I will never be for anything other than acquaintances."

"Man, it's like that?" He asked me.

"You made it like that," I admitted.

Zack shrugged his shoulders. "Not everyone can handle my tenacity."

I side-eyed him. "That's what you call it? I call it a little disrespectful; especially, in today's climate."

"I'm a flirt, Jamie. It won't hurt for you to let your hair down from time-to-time." He turned his body to me.

I sighed, "I'm not going to win this argument."

"I'm too prideful," Zack told me.

"That you are."

"Drinks for the celebration." A man from the catering business held a black circular tray with several champagne glasses on top. He walked around to everyone, and each person took a glass in their hands.

Zack cleared his throat. "Can I get everyone's attention?" He held his glass in the air.

"This year, I've learned a lot, I've grown a lot, and I've met a lot of people. I believe that this year was all about tying up loose ends in order to make a fresh start. I hope that it's the same for everyone here. Dad, if I can be half the man you are, I'd already accomplished everything I needed to. You make my friends jealous of me. Thanks for showing me how a father should be. Ma, thank you for being a great mother. You always listen. I pray to have a wife with your same qualities. I love you both. Little bro!" Zack pointed at his brother.

Zeke shook his head as Monica chuckled.

"As your big brother, sometimes, it feels like you're the oldest. You inspire me to do more than I think I can do. And because of you, I got to see a pure, talented, amazing, beautiful, and sexy artist emerge." Zack's eyes were on me.

I looked at Monica. Why did I do that?

She was about to hurt herself while trying her hardest not to laugh.

I  looked at the ground, shaking my head.

"It looks like we have one more minute before the New Year. So, I'll wrap this up. Congratulations, everyone! We made it another year. I hope to see even more from each of you in this new year. Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses to his. "Cheers!"

"Thirty seconds," Zell announced.

Monica ran over to me and locked my arm with hers. "Girl, you and A.B. need to hurry up and get together, because the men are fawning over you."

I shook my head. "I don't care if they're falling down, breaking their necks or giving me compliments, I am not interested. Is this alcohol?" I sniffed the drink in my hand.

Monica answered, "Welch's Sparkling Juice. The Rivers don't drink, but I saw Zack spike his own glass."

"Ten seconds!" Zell shouted.

Monica and I smiled at one another. Then, we looked at the night sky.

Everyone counted, "Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!"

The fireworks were right on time, looking like explosions in the sky.

"This is beautiful," I whispered to myself.

Monica took a sip of her drink. "Cousin, Happy New Year. I love you like a fat kid loves cake."

"You know my style. I say anything to make you smile," I added.

"Miss Monica Monday..."

We turned around to see Zeke on one knee. His family wore all smiles. The photographer began snapping picture. I could still hear the fireworks, but I was frozen in place.

Monica asked, "E, what are you doing?"

This was the most nervous I'd ever seen Zeke. Come to think of it, I've never seen him nervous. He wiped his forehead. "Umm..." He cleared his throat. "Excuse me. I've never gotten on one knee to propose to anyone before. I've n-never been in a relationship with a non-celebrity before. I've never... never fallen in love so fast before. I've never felt like this before."

I glanced at Monica who was speechless for the first time in her life.

Zeke continued, "Monica, since the first time I saw you, my eyes have been given an endless treat. I never want to see another day without waking up to your beautiful face."

Zeke dug in his pocket and took out a small white box. "Please... I, uh, I want you to know that I know what I'm doing. I know what I feel and how you make me feel. To some, this may be too soon, but to me it's perfect timing. I want you to be my wife. Even if you're not ready to get married, please say yes, because we can be engaged until your ready to get married."

I wiped my eyes. Then, a woman from the catering company brought a box of tissues to me. I grabbed a few and handed some to Monica as I wiped my eyes. Cathy rubbed Monica's back before taking her champagne glass to free up her hands.

Monica wiped her eyes. "I don't know what to say."

Everyone lightly laughed.

"First, let me ask you this question. Then, you can answer." Zeke smiled at her. "Monica, I love you. Will you marry me?"

"Yeeeessssss," Monica cried.

I immediately celebrated along with everyone else as Zeke put the biggest ring I've ever seen on my cousin's finger.

The fireworks seemed to get louder and faster.

Zeke stood up and kissed Monica like his life depended on it.

The photographer asked everyone to take a few steps back while he photographed Zeke and Monica on the balcony with the fireworks in the background. As I watched the two lovebirds, I finally understood how this all came together. Zeke had been planning for this with the help of his family and assistant - I'm sure. I'm just glad that my drama with RiSe Records didn't mess it up.

The photographer directed Monica and Zeke to turn their backs to him and look at the sky. He took more photos. Finally, the fireworks show was over. We all celebrated the soon-to-be husband and wife with group photos.

Afterwards, Cathy pulled Monica and I to the side. "This weekend, Zell and I are flying back with you and Zeke to meet your parents."

Monica shook her head, "My mom is going to cry non-stop. Oh, my goodness! I have to tell my parents."

Cathy said, "Zeke visited them and asked for their blessing a few weeks ago."

I spoke, "I did not see any of this coming, at least not now."

Monica agreed, "He's just trying to get to the honeymoon, because Victoria's Secret hasn't opened yet."

I arched a brow. "You've been acting like a Nun while forcing my love life to the bedroom."

Monica pointed at me. "Jamie, don't start. You know I was joking with you. Besides, I'm a virgin."

I quickly walked away as she chased after me.

Soon, the party went back downstairs. Zell and Cathy eventually retired to their room. Zack left the house to continue the New Year celebration. Zeke and Monica called her parents to give them the good news.

I went out to the side of the house where the pool is located. The quiet invited the peace as I looked at the pool. It reflected the lights all around, allowing me to see the bottom of it. As nice as it would be to have someone else here with me, I was enjoying the silence, this moment, my time alone. Nothing and no one bothered me as I stood outside by myself. Thank you, God, for it all.