Page 58

“I…good luck, bro,” I pat him on the back and chug my beer, leaving that conversation right there. In the past, I probably would’ve laughed in his face. But now, I’ll just trust the nigga’s vision. At least he has a…plan. Everybody should have one. I suppose.

“But now that we’re here, seriously though, why did you need so much money in the past?”

Rayne releases a heavy sigh, almost like he’s letting go of regret.

“Let’s just say, some bets shouldn’t be made.”

That sounds dangerous. Why didn’t he mention this before?

“Something I need to help you with?”

“Nah,” he smiles fearlessly and confidently, “I’ve got it this time.”

“You sure?’

“I’m fuckin’ positive.”

“Aight then, little bro. Just remember, I’m always here when you need me.”

“Fasho. Same here big bro.”

We officially leave it there. Focusing back on bonding and shooting the breeze. I’m with him for about an hour. Lately, I’ve just wanted to be home with my wife. Especially after everything we’ve endured. She’s been admittedly stressed since Syren skipped town. Eating more. Waking up in the middle of the night in cold sweats. Throwing up. Changing moods. It’s been unlike her.

I think it’s because she blames herself. I’ve talked her off the ledge as much as possible. Telling her everything will be alright. It hasn’t helped much. But I won’t give up. It all starts with chivalry. I stop at the store to pick up some Dandelions and wine for her, since they always calm her. And I need her to be as calm as possible.

It’s hell escaping traffic, but I finally get home right before the Sun’s down. Morgan is already at the door with her arms behind her. For once in a long time, she’s wearing a smile.

“Hey, Big Daddy,” she sings, “How are you feeling? Physically and mentally?” I close the door behind me, removing my shoes.

“Mentally, I’m even better now after seeing you smile. Physically, I’m ready to be inside you.” I stop in front of her, kissing her on the lips. The smile still hasn’t left her face. Something’s up. “Hmm. Well, I think we should talk about that,” she says, her lips start to quiver.

“Talk about what, baby?”

From behind her back, she then pulls out a pregnancy test. A positive pregnancy test. Tears are coming down her face in a consistent stream.

“About what happens in Ecstasy Island.”

Epilogue

ECSTASY’S END

Damien

In the far, far away future…

“Here’s to you, baby. Cheers.”

The entire room raises tequila-filled shot glasses in the air before taking a swig, a celebratory salute to my latest venture.

The Ross Gold Cafe app is used for home delivery and pre-order purposes citywide. Everyone is drinking except Morgan; she’s not drinking anything but water. She stands next to me, smiling and proud, holding tightly onto my hand. We’re surrounded by most of our closest loved ones. My parents. Tyesha. Dime. Destiny and Skizzy. Pretty much everybody but Rayne, who’s late as usual. Unsurprisingly. That nigga would be late to his own damn funeral.

With the tequila still burning a hole in our stomachs, Destiny moves towards the center of the room, clearing her throat. She’s in her Erykah Badu phase nowadays. Long faux locs done by Tyesha, tied with a red scarf. The engagement ring on her finger is glistening like the Milwaukee River at night.

“Um… Attention, attention!” She takes a nearby knife, tapping it lightly against her glass. The room quiets under the clinking.

“Oh, wow. That actually worked,” she laughs to herself before continuing, “Well, alright then. Guess it’s my turn to speak.”

She turns right to me, teary-eyed already. Forever the biggest crybaby in our family.