Warnings: Violence, dark themes, adult themes, strong language, etc.
Author’s Note: Surprise! The first chapter of “Black Rose” is finally here! Please let me know what you think and thanks so much for supporting my work. As a warning, this project includes violence, adult themes, strong language and other possibly triggering subjects. Please read at own your risk. - V. 💜
Tag Team: @peakyrogers @marvelmusing @persephonescottage @lilisangel
Black Rose - Masterlist 🖤
====
2013
Cyrus Hugo
"Three things cannot long stay hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth." - Buddha
“Got something for you, man.” Drew offered an envelope before sitting down across from me.
Music thumped out loud from all the way downstairs and signaled another great weekend in the city. Up here on the top level, floor to ceiling windows showed lights that blinked from different buildings seen outside.
“If it’s not money, I don’t care.” I said.
“You never changed. Is it another noise complaint from the cops?” Drew joked. We met for the first time as kids in the neighborhood and followed all the way up to college graduation, never looking back ever since.
“Better not be anyone from law enforcement. The weekend’s started and clubs are open. We’re not breakin’ any rules.” I scoffed, finishing off beer and setting down the empty bottle.
“Not yet.” Drew winked before lighting up another cigarette.
“Shut up.” Glancing between him and the envelope I chuckled halfway, ripping it open with my finger as a loud tearing noise echoed through walls.
“Brother you never had.” Drew handed out his usual banter, but the last few words of any conversation always tried to remind me of our friendship.
This random note or letter that I found inside was typed and short, but its message sounded nothing close to sweet:
Wanna know who shot Underwood? I’m calling your phone soon. - Moretti
“Watch the clock.” I lifted my phone while eyeing Drew out of habit. “If Moretti doesn’t call in the next five minutes, he’s bluffing.”
“Jesus.” Drew sighed, rubbing down his face with one hand. “Life would be so much easier if he still rotted in prison.”
“Rocking suits doesn’t mean shit if you don’t know what you’re doing. Eric’s been a fraud for as long as I can remember.” I sat in the chair and talked to Drew, but listened out for my phone to start ringing.
“Didn’t he serve in the military, Bro?” Drew narrowed his eyes while asking that reasonable question.
“Yeah, not discounting his service. I just…” I glanced between Drew and my phone, still anxious despite giving out a stone face right now.
“What? We can’t take him down for good this time if you don’t tell me more.” Drew tried his best and I knew that he was.
“We’ll talk another time. Right now, wait for Eric.” I shook my head, knowing that another deep conversation wouldn’t be important now.
“Got you.” Drew took the note away from me and folded it, setting down in one drawer placed behind us. Out of sight. Out of mind. For now at least.
Just when I believed that it was all another stupid joke tonight, my phone lit up almost immediately.
“Cy.” I picked up the call, of course waiting to hear Eric’s voice.
“Nice place.” Eric spoke up on the other line. His accent muffled out loud right away, telling me the truth of this phone call. He wasn’t bluffing tonight.
“Hold up, what the hell are you doing out of prison on my turf?” I answered Eric, shouldering the phone. Across this room, Drew watched in silence, but never left my side.
“Last I checked, Shadow was open to everybody, Cyrus. Thought I’d walk through to see if the place was still standing.” Eric still taunted and acted like I hadn’t loved this in its heyday, back when we were all twenty-somethings wanting to have fun.
“Who killed Underwood? If it was you, believe me when I say that you’ll never wake up again.” Fed up, I went for the jugular and tried to end this phone call as quickly as possible. If Underwood’s murder was finally solved, our city could heal the wound that surrounded this club
“That’d be too easy.” Eric replied back, scoffing on the other line as if my threat wasn’t serious.
“Who was it?” I barked, gripping the phone even tighter.
“Get off your high horse and talk to me in person like a man this time. I’m downstairs.” Eric stopped the phone call, cutting me off.
“D, round up some of the guards and come with me as soon as you can. Eric wants to talk downstairs.” I lowered my voice, but Drew already left his chair and made calls to my guys from all around the club.
______
We found him smoking a cigarette in one of the back rooms located downstairs.
“Get the hell off of that chair before I whoop your ass!” Even Drew clenched his teeth while facing Eric and standing in the doorway. Guards of the club settled in near us just in case.
“Fine. A deal is a deal.” Eric stood up and I closed the door behind all of us.“Want to hear the truth, Cyrus?”
“That’s what I came here for, Eric. Tell me the truth and get out of here.” I put my foot down, no longer as patient of course. “I’ll ask you one more time: Who killed Underwood?”
“Your father.” Eric revealed, not once scoffing this time.
Author’s Note: This chapter includes violence, strong language, angst, dark themes, and other possibly triggering content. Please read at your own risk.
Not long after the wedding, I returned home, already trying to bring back some semblance of one normal life. Over that weekend, I hid near outskirts of the beach while Cyrus married an angel. My brother smiled with her more than ever before.
“What do you want?” My therapist, this bookworm counselor who sat across from me while sitting in the room, scribbling notes in some journal that backlogged with old information. If it wasn’t for my military background, I would’ve never gone.
“Peace.” I clipped the word, still struggling to respond without giving too much away. Explaining trauma to a stranger made no sense, especially when this so-called professional knew next to nothing about my own life. Talking to mirages.
“How are things going with Cyrus?” The therapist asked, nodding through silence before scribbling in that journal again.
“As well as you can get. I wasn’t invited to the wedding, but we’re a lot better off now. He moved in with his wife, too.” I attempted, sitting up in the chair and clearing my throat.
“And your mother?” The therapy went, not scribbling much this time. Another round of silence reached the room.
“Okay, I guess. No major fights.” I kept the answer vague, but knew that Toby and Cyrus would always be Mom’s golden boys.
“What about you and Troy?” Another question, this time probing my childhood best friend.
“To be honest, I’m probably the most solid with Troy than anyone else that you just mentioned.” I almost scoffed. “He’s more like family to me than Russ at this point.”
“That’s good.” The therapist understood, but wrote down more details. I could only imagine what had been summed up.
“Look, I’ve booked an hour with you ever since the court mandated this shit after my service. If you can’t crack the code, I might as well leave. Feels like we’re wasting time.” I simmered within, hoping to speed up the process quickly instead.
“I move at your pace, Eric. The more you’re willing to tell me, the more likely you can heal. Help me move along the process with you.” The therapist finally offered insight, giving clarity.
“Where do I start, Doc? If we even look at my old notes, you’ve probably seen hundreds of foster kid tales and armed service backstories anyway. What’s the point of me speaking up again?” I shook my head, but didn’t overreact.
“You still have a voice, Eric. Know that speaking up matters, even when other people describe similar things.” The therapist went on, advising me once more. “Are you jealous of your brothers?”
“Yeah. I’ve always wondered why Mom favored them over me. Hell, Cyrus is only the middle child between all three of us and she acts as if he’s the First Born.” I lowered my voice, trying not to lose composure. “Now, it’s like Mom treats me as a stranger. We act kind to each other, but she doesn’t feel like my parent.”
“Have you ever asked your mother why the dynamics could be so different?” My therapist questioned.
“Everyone loves people in different ways, but I feel left alone, always have been. It’s difficult to talk with her because we don’t even see each other very often.” I offered the truth.
“Maybe you could try reaching out more often.” Doc continued, but handed over this brief smile. “Take small steps.”
“Even a phone call from me might spook her. My mother’s more likely to pick up when Bianca sends out text messages, y’know?” I cringed, knowing that her daughter-in-law bonded more than me, her own biological son.
“Do you believe that your mother is still afraid to connect with you on a deeper level because of your father’s passing?” Doc finally reached for the jugular and hit one benchmark.
“Yes.” I affirmed.
________
“Russ?” I dialed a few days later, taking small steps with my brother before even attempting to reach Mom right away.
“Hey. I’m at the grocery store with B. What’s going on?” Cyrus beamed on the other line and I could only imagine how his smile looked in person since the wedding.
“Don’t wanna take up too much of your time, but I was wondering if you two wanted to join me and a few friends for dinner this weekend.” I offered that genuine question and tried to smile on my own despite sitting in the living room by myself.
“Thanks for the offer, but Drew’s birthday is coming up and we’re all going out for dinner then. Maybe next time, E.” Russ declined, but at least sounded grateful.
“Oh, no problem.” I stayed cordial. “Sending birthday wishes for Drew. Bye.” I hung up this phone call, feeling slightly defeated.
_______
With no other choice but to brush off that call with Cyrus, I found out that Drew earned quite the birthday celebration based on social media posts. Russ offered access due to our small steps, which allowed me to “follow” his friends in return.
In videos or photos, glasses clinked while everyone grinned, proving just how much Cyrus and Drew were linked. The Butler family and friends join in, beaming as if Cyrus was actually born with Drew in the same ward. Even Bianca laughed along.
All I ever wanted was to feel openly included with him like that, accepted near him instead of dodged. Friends would come and go, but family meant something to me, especially when Russ and Tobias were still alive. Happy, too.
While cooking dinner alone, I noticed that subtle turns of my front door had echoed from behind.
I didn’t know what to think, but cut off the stove and picked up my nearest firearm, secretly permitted to carry as long as no one called out my criminal past.
I’d only given one spare apartment key to Troy, so someone else must've tried to pick the lock this time around.
“You should really get that door fixed, Eric. Put the gun down.” Ray Hugo showed the audacity to stand in the middle of my living room and lift up one bobby pin.
“What are you doing here?” I lowered my voice, but unloaded the gun as he requested. There was no need to fight back and risk getting killed for good.
“Wanted to talk, especially since you didn’t help me out last weekend.”
“Told you before Ray, I wasn’t going to ruin the best day of their lives. Russ deserves to be happy. Why don’t you understand that?” I defended my brother, trying to reason with the monster who stood in front of me. This same monster hurt Mom and killed my father.
“Look, your mother only coddled him because of where we lived. To be honest with you kid, I never really liked our city anyway.” Ray dared to scoff, pacing back and forth.
“Coddled?” I furrowed my brow. “Russ is one of the toughest men I’ve ever met, with or without family ties.”
“He only turned into this wannabe thug because it’s the only way folks didn’t kill you on sight.” Ray uttered bullshit, completely skipping over how much people bullied him growing up.
“Are you saying that he appropriated culture?” I questioned.
“Of course. Without the tattoos, a Black wife, and so-called mafia power in the city, he’s just another White Boy, no different than you.” Ray lowered his voice, still giving out nonsense.
“Sounds like you're insecure, Ray. My therapist says that folks start projecting onto other people when they don’t like reality.” I folded both arms, admitting the truth.
“Don’t give me that psychological bullshit. No amount of time with some bookworm shrink could excuse your sins. Deal with God like everyone else, kid.” Ray shook his head.
“You have no idea what I’ve been through. Now, I know exactly why Mom left your ass.” I backpedaled from him, still feeling pissed off. “Only think about yourself.”
“No. If it wasn’t for you being born, I’d have my family back.” Ray was almost delusional now and blamed me for Mom’s happiness after their divorce.
“You’ve lost your mind.” I said.
“Not yet.” Out of nowhere, Ray took out his cell phone and slid it towards me across the coffee table.
At that moment, I lifted the phone and realized that there was a picture of Cyrus cuddling a puppy with the biggest smile on his face. Even his wedding band gleamed while his knuckle showed.
“What did you do to my brother?” I nearly growled. Enough was enough. “What the hell do you even want from us?”
Just when I believed that Ray would finally give me an answer, one piercing gunshot ran out.
His dying body almost immediately fell backward and thudded right onto my carpeted floor.
I glanced over my shoulder to see Bianca holding the firearm.
Author’s Note: Chapter 2 is here! As a warning, this chapter includes dark themes, strong language, angst and other possibly triggering subjects. Please read at your own risk. - V. 💜
Tag Team: @peakyrogers @marvelmusing @persephonescottage @lilisangel
“What?” I backed away from Eric, still processing what the hell he just said. Drew and even some of these guards looked puzzled, knowing damn-well that I had never met my father to begin with.
“Don’t shoot the messenger. I’m just telling you what I know.” Eric lifted both hands in surrender, but I’d changed my mind and wouldn’t let him leave until we learned more. So much more.
“What else do you know?” I lowered my voice and folded both arms, watching Drew sit down in another chair found here in the room.
“Last I checked, your father’s in prison now because of other shit, but the public still doesn’t know about his connection to Underwood’s murder.” Eric gestured, explaining more.
“Go on.” Despite this storm of emotions, anger had mostly reached my mind. “Tell me as much as you know.”
“Sorry, man. That’s all I’ve got for now. Going into more detail risks too much privacy for inmates.” Eric shook his head.
“All right. Just know something: If you turn your back on helping me, it’s not gonna end well.” I stepped closer, sending out this threat. “Now get out.”
“Fine. I’ll call you.” Speaking up for his last time tonight, Eric walked out and slammed the door behind him to depart immediately.
“Shit!” I shouted, already pacing and completely ignoring everyone else who stood in the room with me, including Drew for once.
“Cy…” Drew mumbled behind me.
“You and the fellas can go, man.” I answered without facing him.
“Come on. Everybody out and back on watch.” Behind me, Drew aimed for everyone else to walk out to leave me alone.
_____
“Cy, you good?” A few minutes before closing, Drew ended up knocking on the door again.
“How the fuck is this possible?” I rubbed down my face, still pissed off because of what we just learned from Eric.
“Remember those news reports from back in the day? That gunman wasn’t out in the open and we never saw pictures of an actual face. Could’ve been anyone, so your father might’ve been slick enough to get away with it.” Drew cut on the brightest service lights, sending us into reality rather than partying like before.
“Damn, you’re right. We could search for him now, but I don’t even know his name. Mom raised me alone, remember?” I answered, trying not to remember how lonely life was in the house if I wasn’t already hanging out with Drew as a kid.
“You two weren’t alone. We invited you around all the time.” Drew mentioned his family and tried to smile. His own parents were still happily married now and even his siblings lived all over the place.
“I know.” I sniffled without tears, choosing to look away from him again.
“I won’t let you do this by yourself, man. When have I ever let you down?” Drew patted my shoulder and I soon turned to face him out of respect.
“Never. Now what?” I said, knowing that it was true.
“I can make a few more calls if you want to start now.” Drew offered his advice to help without needing Eric to intervene right away.
“Not until next week. A lot happened tonight, so let’s rest up and start everything on a blank slate. Enjoy your weekend, D.” I really wanted to slow down and try to sleep on it. Too many questions still raced in my head.
“All right. You know how to find me.” Drew opened and closed the door, leaving as quickly as he had walked through to help me deal with Eric.
_____
Coming back to this apartment alone was probably the worst part. Not that actually I’d want more people to risk their lives around me, but even silence in the living room felt strange. Solitude was one thing, but this was another monster altogether.
No amount of material shit eased what I felt when the lights went down. It was a miracle to even sit here in one piece, but if I wasn’t entirely pissed off, my thoughts creeped right through. I was soon haunted with memories.
_____
I tossed and turned in bed, hardly able to stop thinking of how much Mom struggled to raise while I grew up years ago.
Of course, Drew and his family might have helped Mom and me time and time again, but nothing changed the fact that my father was never there. Even before his supposed lockup, he was never around and not once cared about us.
To make matters worse, I didn’t even know what he looked like.
Mom kept green eyes and dark hair because of my grandmother, but was I blond because of Dad? What did his voice even sound like? What was the dream before death crossed his mind?
But most of all: why did this man give up on me, his own son?
____
Morning reached the blinds before I could have actually fallen asleep. There was no other choice but for me to keep moving, even if it was something as simple as getting out of bed now.
Make the bed. Brush my teeth. Pick out clothes. Try to find breakfast here or visit a coffee shop in an effort to leave this place.
Take one day at a time.
Just when I planned to walk out for groceries, my cell phone buzzed out of nowhere. It was Drew sending out a text message:
DREW: You’re not gonna believe who just walked into the coffee shop.
CYRUS: Who, Santa Claus? While texting him back, I tried my best to joke around as a sign for Drew that things felt somewhat better than last night.
DREW: Better. Drew handed out another joke to upgrade our guesses.
CYRUS: If they’re better than Santa, tell me. Who is it? I quickly rolled my eyes, but answered back with a question this time around.
DREW: Bianca.
Once Drew mentioned that name, her name, I almost dropped my phone.
“Mommy, Aunt Bee looks like a princess.” One of my nieces had gaped and squealed after finally seeing my gown. Natalie held her daughter on one hip in an effort to make room in the bridal suite.
“I know, Sweetheart. Don’t touch her dress, okay?” Natalie gently handed over that warning.
“Okay, Mommy.” In return, my niece nodded, shaking her twisted curls in response.
“See you later. Wait for me and please don’t tell anyone about my magic.” Wearing this gown, I carefully walked over to my niece and lifted one finger. She giggled soon after, mimicking the need to hush.
______
“Ready?” Mom hugged me as we stood in this full-length mirror together. Just beyond glass windows, ocean waves crashed and birds circled through sunlight found directly above.
“Yeah, Ma.” I affirmed. Enough games. No second-guessing. I’d love someone with all my heart and allow myself to be happy.
Mom, my sisters, and best friends all had worn beautifully light shades of purple as violet flowers decorated this bridal suite. We were all on location at this shoreline, ready to begin the rest of my life soon.
Others would’ve called me crazy for giving Russ this second chance. Yet, he learned from countless mistakes. He promised to be so much better, no matter any cost. If not, we’d spend eternity wishing for joy, losing the one connection that people dreamed of.
No one could take our bond away from me.
Someone from Mom’s church played the “Bridal March” with an organ when mahogany doors opened to reveal the beach. I walked arm and arm with my father Timothy, beaming as guests stood for me. Sunlight rounded overhead, flawless.
“I love you.” Dad walked along in his pristine tuxedo, showing off this proud smile and of course ready to lift my veil.
“I love you too, Dad.” Genuinely content, I almost teared up as soon as we had met our footsteps at the altar.
Cyrus stood right there, beaming with one rare smile that finally reached his face. His perfect hazels focused on me, innocent and no longer filled with exhaustion. His blondish hair slicked back once more, but strands fell due to this ongoing summer.
He, my soulmate, even braved current heat by sporting one dapper tuxedo that crossed with an adorable bowtie at its center. Even then, not one hint of tattoo ink had lined his clothed body out of respect. I’d felt so proud of him, smiling again.
“Hi,” Cy took my hands, but ended up turning red as his New York accent quietly whispered.
“Hi,” I nodded towards Cyrus and mouthed that greeting back, waiting for the Bridal March to stop playing. The officiant, one of our longtime pastors, kicked off the ceremony first.
“Dearly Beloved, we have gathered here this afternoon in the name of matrimony. May God bless this union, no matter the obstacle. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.” Members of the ceregration echoed their agreement, hoping for our marriage to succeed.
We agreed to write our own vows and Cyrus ended up speaking first. I smiled once more, quietly encouraging my best friends. Everyone else also cheered without acting too rowdy, especially with family around.
“Bianca, words cannot express how I feel. When we met for the first time, I had no idea that you would change my world. The future may not be perfect, but I cannot wait to spend my life with you. I love you so much, Angel. Forever yours, Cyrus.” Cyrus went on, subtly fighting an urge to tear up. Applause filled this space, showing support. Even Drew cheered, beaming this time around.
Gina, my childhood friend and Maid of Honor, handed over my own paper as expected. I then glanced between Cyrus and everyone else before clearing my throat.
Cyrus, there aren’t enough words or time in the world to explain how much I’ve loved you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for teaching me so much. You are one of the best people that I’ve ever known. I’ll always care for you. From this day forward, it’s us against the world. Love, B.”
“Thank you for offering such beautiful words to one another.” Our officiant spoke up again, beaming their own smile before going forward in the ceremony. “Now, it’s time to exchange the wedding bands.” Voices cheered from guests again.
Showing off typical Butler theatrics, Drew walked over, but still delicately traded our rings with the biggest smile on his face. Even a few guests applauded once more. Both Cyrus and I ended up laughing for the moment before focusing.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” Back to back, it wasn’t long before Cyrus and I lifted our voices over those crashing waves, speaking with more need than any outdoor sounds that afternoon.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Cyrus, you may now kiss the bride.” Our pastor declared this union, allowing our marriage to be cemented for all-time.
In that moment, Cyrus held my hands once more and leaned inward, kissing me as if I were extremely fragile. I could only smile against his lips and chuckle for a moment, especially since my nieces and nephews squealed from the audience.
Once Cyrus and I pulled away from this gentle kiss to interlock our fingers, everyone stood, applauding when our organist played The Wedding March. Countless people wiped away tears, including Drew and Russ’s other friends.
_____
“Come on!” I beamed. We could hardly wait in our limousine after pulling up the reception together.
This wide-spread and gorgeous venue perched near the shoreline. For the first time in quite a while, Cyrus dealt with my excitement by laughing out loud, almost echoing chuckles as we waited to make our entrance. There was no better feeling.
“Attention, everyone. It is my honor to introduce for the first time ever Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Hugo!” Our hired DJ picked their microphone and spoke with enthusiasm that rivaled times at so many other parties.
Everyone in here lost their minds and nearly shouted over the music. I glanced towards Cyrus and beamed another smile. Our reception had finally begun.
*****
Best Man to Maid of Honor speeches from Drew and Gina almost ruined my makeup that afternoon. Everything from hilarity to genuine childhood memories had been explained by each of our friends. Cyrus’s mother Tanya, my parents and sisters joined later, finishing their own words as this new chapter started for us here.
“In line with the tradition of these beautiful families, Cyrus and Bianca will share their very first dance as a married couple.” Our DJ offered another announcement, prompting Cyrus and I to carefully rise from our table and planned to dance.
Once Russ and I stood in the middle, that iconic guitar loop of “They Don’t Know” by Jon B played out loud.
“I knew it!” Drew lost it, happily freaking from one corner of the wide ballroom. Laughter echoed from everyone else, but Cyrus and I just kept smiling, thankful that the surprise worked out.
“He’s a mess.” I told Cyrus, still humored as the song progressed. In all truth, we had loved this record since the beginning, especially when we first started dating and things got tough.
“I love you.” Cyrus answered instead and scrunched up his nose before kissing me. I’d looped my arms around his neck as his palm to my waist, still swaying here on the floor.
“I love you, too.” I whispered back to Cyrus as Drew and others yelled to sing along before the song faded out.
Just minutes afterward, I grooved with Dad and Cyrus danced with his mother, finally cementing this switch of chapters in our lives. Not that we would never see our own parents again, but I knew that times were surely different decades later.
“And now, here is the moment that you’ve all waited for: the bridal party and all other invited guests may report to the dance floor at this time!” Our DJ kicked off that upcoming joy and proclaimed that everyone could join in, dancing tonight.
“Got a surprise set up today. Hold on for one second.” The moment double doors closed behind his mother and my parents, Cyrus whispered into my ear, slyly revealing an intention.
“What did you two plan?” I gestured between Cyus and the DJ, waiting to find out their upcoming scheme.
At that very moment, songs from the early 2000’s started playing and nostalgia kicked in for Cyrus and I. Rhythms still thumped to give more joy.
It wasn’t long before Gina, Carmen, and Ramona lifted hems of their own dresses to meet with me, forming a circle to jam through each passing track. Drew and others were just as enthusiastic and lost their minds again before dancing with us now.
I’d never forget that we all just grew up to be big kids who lived in a cruel world.
_______
When dancing calmed down after we had all partied like manics on the floor, Taylor, my youngest sister and freshman in college, caught my lavender bouquet. Now, it was time for the garter toss.
Drew, other single guests, and even a few new bartenders from Club Shadow huddled nearby to watch in anticipation. Cyrus had known better than to act up with me here, but it didn’t hurt to be a little sexy during this part of the night.
At least our parents aren’t here. I thought to myself while sitting in one chair at the center of this dance floor.
Music thumped again while Cyrus knelt before me and lifted his head, ghosting touches along my legs just before using his fingers to move that same caress higher.
Through dimness of the space, I bit my lip, waiting for him to pull down that fabric in question. Behind me, everyone squealed, hyping him up like spectators who ended up watching a basketball game
“Got it.” Cyrus mouthed towards me, pulling the fabric lower and it lower until I needed to hike my left leg upward. wolf whistles followed, encouraging us all around this room once more.
“Who do you think's going to catch it?” I joked.
“Drew.” Cyrus winked after standing up from the floor and twirling the gathered for a moment before finally tossing it over his broad shoulder.
“Who was it?” I asked.
When Cyrus turned around, our guess was completely wrong.
One of the bartenders from Club Shadow, Sean, celebrated and showed off the garter as he’d scored a touchdown. He was a young kid, fresh out of college and enjoying summer like everyone else. Letting him join us off-the-clock was a no brainer.
“Make good choices, Sean!” Cyrus yelled over the music.
“Yes, Sir!” Sean affirmed to my husband, cheering in full uniform as he had all day long. I’d worn two garters anyway, one for myself and the other for this part of the reception.
________
Cyrus would not smash cake into my face, but icing did smudge onto his lower lip for a second. Once that last moment of hilarity ended, we bid farewell to everyone, walking hand in hand out of the venue as our limousine pulled to the nearest curb.
“Bye! Congratulations.” Voices yelled out loud and people waved goodbye as the driver opened both the rear doors.
Once that door finally closed behind us, Russ scooted closer and rested his head onto the front of my dress, cuddling like a child.
There was nothing short of love found in his hazel eyes.
“Hi,” I whispered, looking down towards him with my own smile and smooth back his blondish hair. The limousine finally moved along.
“Hi, Baby.” His voice rasped as this beautiful man looked at me, no longer tarnished by pain. We even interlocked our ringed fingers and he kissed my knuckles.
By the time we returned to that beachfront hotel, he was already drifting in and out of sleep, peaceful at last.
I started working fresh out of college. Now, summer had already kicked by the time Club Shadow reopened. All different kinds of people showed up to enjoy weekends, but frequent clientele always knew what happened behind the scenes.
Almost every night, Russ chilled with other people on the highest floor, but sometimes headed downstairs with his crew to scope this premises for suspicious behavior. We’d also spot assholes who picked fights or even dared to spike drinks.
Never saw the cops. I’ve seen Russ dump countless glasses himself and tell our servers to give any upcoming drinks for free. Seconds later, his guards would charge out to plummet the same idiots who put guests at risk. No tolerance whatsoever.
And yet, tonight seemed vastly different. Even his recent birthday wouldn’t compare to what happened now. He cornered near my section of my bar while sitting down on one sofa with Drew and laughed. Genuinely laughing with his friend.
Even Drew had taken one selfie after another and he wasn’t even buzzed right now. I could only imagine what these two discussed if the music cut off and I could actually hear them speak with each other this time. Music still thumped out loud.
“Hey, Sean.” Someone greeted me over these rhythms. It wasn’t until I looked up that I realized exactly who had arrived.
Eric Morretti, in full form.
Rumors had swirled all over the place that he and Cyrus finally called for their much-needed truce. Still, we kept our guards up. On our end of the city, nothing had been even confirmed in the past few weeks, but animosity calmed down.
“What’s up, what can I get you?” I remained cordial, prepping to craft whatever drink he asked, just like everyone else.
“Whiskey on the rocks.” Eric said. His New York accent seemed thicker than Russ’s, but I never judged that voice, of course.
“You got it.” I affirmed, working as usual.
“You like working here, or is Russ paying everybody under the table?” While shifting my hands to make various drinks, Eric offered this sly question. Knowing better, I stopped myself from rolling both eyes.
“I’ve loved working here, but my pay is actually none of your business.” I lowered my voice, keeping myself away from bullshit of course. This place had to run with employees somehow.
“Do you even know who the previous owner was?” Eric cleared his throat and uttered the most obvious question.
“Underwood.” I clipped the name of that now dearly-departed man, but still handed over Eric his glass of whiskey. “Back then, my father was assigned to the murder investigation.”
“Wow.” Eric furrowed his brow, but took careful sips from the glass this time. “Did you pull some strings with Russ to get here?”
“Nah. This place was only struck with tragedy. Drew vetted everyone on staff before this relaunch, including bouncers.” I offered the truth.
“Do you know who Bianca is?” Eric finished off the drink and questioned me once more.
“Who doesn’t?” I scoffed, helping out different customers while still facing Eric in one way or another. “Don’t try anything.”
“I’m not stupid, kid. Cyrus would risk prison time for her, even if they never saw each other again.” Eric drummed his fingers against this wooden panel of the bar while looking at me.
“Someone sounds bitter.” I narrowed my eyes.
“So what?” Eric lowered his voice. “Cyrus worships the ground Bianca walks on and Drew treats her like family.”
“That’s a good thing. Why are you so annoyed, Eric?” I asked.
“Don’t be surprised if things change.” Eric paid for his drink, but tipped me as well before walking off.
Damn. I thought to myself. What’s his problem?
________
Not long after Eric visited Shadow again, Cyrus asked for a favor. I didn’t know what to think until one group of our bartenders was called off-shift and even paid upfront. This country club sprawled on greenery like almost my college campus.
“I don’t know what Cyrus is planning yet, but this place looks incredible, man.” One of my coworkers spoke up in one of the large-scale rooms. Meanwhile, this stone-crafted water fountain spruced like artwork just outside sunlight windows.
“Gotta pay top-dollar to cover membership alone.” I lowered my voice and whispered, remembering what Cyrus had detailed before this point. “He probably knows somebody who visits this place often.”
“That’s fair.” My coworker shrugged, but still moved elsewhere to keep working and assisting guests who visited this afternoon. Music gently played instead, especially when this live instrument band had been hired rather than Cyrus picking up a DJ.
“Excuse me. Hello, everyone.” Ms. Reynolds, Cyrus’s mother, tapped his glass of water to grab attention here in the room. “For those who don’t know, my name is Tanya Reynolds and I would like to thank everyone for joining us this afternoon.”
Joyful applause filled the space soon afterward and I couldn’t help smiling in anticipation. We all, including Drew, had traveled here on our own and hadn’t seen Russ in person at all today today, so he probably drove to this place with Bianca.
As if on cue here, more steps echoed into the room before long. Applause heightened when Cyrus and Bianca walked through. This couple looked dapper than expected since Russ slicked his hair and hid dark ink by sporting one tailored suit.
The couple waved happily towards everyone and greeted Cyrus’s mother. It wasn’t long before these two ended up sitting down together at a table located up front. Of course, I continued watching and beamed another smile near my coworkers now.
Just then, two other people stood up from their table. One man cleared throat to introduce himself. “Hello, everyone. My name is Timothy Martin. I’m here with my wife Eartha and we are Bianca’s parents. We’ve also brought along our daughters, Bianca’s sisters Natalie and Taylor.”
“Thank you, Tim.” Cyrus’s mother spoke up again once Bianca’s family sat back down at their own tables. “And now, here’s the movement you’ve all waited for this afternoon. Cyrus, I love you beyond words. Go on. You may take the lead, Son.”
Cheering amplified out of nowhere once and Cyrus and Bianca had risen from their table again. Cyrus then reached to take Bianca’s hand. I didn’t even realize at first that one small but hidden microphone clipped onto the lapel of his own suit today.
“When we met for the first time, I had no idea that you would’ve meant so much to me later on. I’ve lost you once, but if you give me another chance, I will never make that mistake again. I will love you with all my heart, no matter what.” Cyrus affirmed his words, hyped by everyone who almost cheered out loud in the room.
“Yes, Sir. Tell her, man!” Drew shouted from one corner of this space, prompting brief laughter now.
“Bianca Denise Martin, I should’ve asked this question years ago, but….” Cyrus trailed off the question. Once he knelt onto this marble floor and it all clicked, everyone else lost their minds, started screaming like children.
“About time! Let’s go, ya’ll.” Even some of his longtime goons from the club wouldn’t stay composed for once.
One of my coworkers handed tissues to us. Even I quickly tried to dry tears of my own before Russ finished asking that ultimate question.
“Baby, will you marry me?” His voice nearly trembled as Cyrus glanced up towards Bianca. In all honesty, I’d never seen this man look so vulnerable before during the short time that we knew each other.
Collective but needed silence fell into the room, waiting to break due to Bianca’s upcoming answer.
“Yes.” Bianca smiled downward and blinked away her own tears, nodding almost feverishly before Cyrus slipped this gorgeous engagement ring onto her finger.
“Let’s go out tonight.” Gina crossed both arms while standing in front of me. I jokingly rolled my eyes, knowing that summertime was finally here and she planned on acting up in true Thomas fashion.
“Why, so you can play matchmaker for me again? We’re still young, Gina. What’s the point of rushing into a relationship?” I offered that reasonable question, but she sat down at the foot of my bed before laying on her back and looking up at me.
“I’m not saying that you’ll have to marry anyone right away. It’s just…” Gina sighed, eyeing my poster of Beyonce from an upside angle.
“What?” I glanced down towards her and put my laptop to the side.
“Shouldn’t spend the rest of your life alone. You still deserve to be happy.” Gina replied before long.
“Who says that I’m not happy now?” I shook my head.
“Don’t get me wrong. Quiet nights can be really helpful, but you haven’t left the house in weeks. If it wasn’t for me stopping by every so often, you’d probably never leave for anything other than essentials.” Gina worried like a Mom as usual.
“Girl, I’m fine.” I said. “Have fun with the girls tonight and text when you’re back at home.”
“We’re not leaving without you. Not this time.” Gina slid off the bed and picked up her cell phone, dialing a phone number.
_________
I didn’t even realize where we were going until the taxi cab pulled up to an iconic building. Club Shadow opened many years ago and is still filled to capacity to this day. I dropped my jaw, silenced because of genuine excitement and lack of words.
“How did you do it, Gina?” I asked my best friend, holding her hand as we passed the bouncers and finally walked over its threshold. Ramona and Carmen surprised me hours earlier by stopping by. Soon, we got dressed together, ready for tonight.
“Just pulled some strings.” Gina winked. I knew that she had quite a few tricks up her sleeve, but kept my mouth shut. Maybe another surprise would come along this evening.
With each passing moment, music thumped in all directions and we headed to the dance floor first. It was stepping into a music video and we let loose, free to enjoy summer at last. I’d tripped for nothing, allowing myself to do something different.
“Wanna get a drink?” Gina asked me the question a few songs in, speaking towards my ear. Both Carmen and Ramona were close, of course ready to join us near the bar. Tables were near for us to avoid cramming around the stools with others.
“Sure.” I nodded and followed my friend along.
________
“If we leave this place early enough, do you wanna grab takeout from that new Carribean spot?” I questioned everyone at the table.
“Hell yeah.” Carmen and Ramona were united, beaming with slight tipsy smiles of their own.
“Ah-ah. Nobody else on the planet makes better oxtails than my Mom. Watch yourself, B.” Gina warned and pointed her one of her manicured nails across the table.
“I know.” I joked right back with her. We shared this small platter of food together between drinks, but laughter from not far away caught my attention.
Two guys were in the middle of returning to their table near us. One of these fellas stopped me midway, almost freezing in place when he noticed me.
I finished off this drink and excused myself from the girls, walking over towards these strangers before anyone could stop me. At least my friends were still nearby if this plan went South.
“Oh, I know we haven’t met before, but is everything okay? You seem a little nervous.” I felt genuinely worried, especially since this guy looked pale in the face despite the flickering of strobe nights and so many other noises around here.
He then cleared his throat by lifting one balled fist upwards. The sleeves of one dark dress shirt had rolled up, exposing dark tattoo ink that seemed to ran along his own skin. From what I could tell at this slightly distant angle, his blondish hair beamed underneath every light in the club.
“Are we in your way?” He asked, still sounded a little anxious for whatever reason.
“No, no.” I reassured him. “I just heard somebody laughing earlier and got a little nosey.” I joked, hoping that this stranger or even his supposed friend would chuckle.
“Don’t worry. We weren’t talking about you.” His smile didn’t exactly reach his entire face, but he looked amused.
“That’s a relief.” I encouraged him. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Cryus, and this is Drew.” The stranger seemed to hold his heart while introducing himself. On the other hand, his friend waved almost frantically towards me, as if he were a kid all over again.
“Hey fellas,” I acknowledged both of them before walking back towards my friends. “Have a good night.”
“You too.” Cyrus was the only person speaking over that loud music this time.
“You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.” - Jodi Picoult
No more skeletons. No more secrets. No more pain. When Bianca killed my father that night in Eric’s apartment, the rest of our lives began.
An immediate return to prison would’ve been just another trap for my father to escape once more and this horrible cycle of looking over our shoulders would’ve started all over again. Enough was enough.
Instead, the moment our case affirmed self-defense, my wife remained innocent and free, giving us another chance to live without fear.
Club Shadow boarded for good not long ago. Its premises had been demolished to become one large outlet mall in the city. Most of the bartenders were employed elsewhere, but kept in touch with me and showed no malice, especially Sean.
Now, five years later, Drew and I stood in the basement of his house, playing pool. Bianca braided our niece’s hair while on one nearby sofa. Just outside, Toby grilled in the backyard and chatted with Eric, who’d just popped off this cap from his beer.
“All done.” Bianca cheered.
“Thank you, Aunt Bee.” Our niece slid away from the couch and walked in small shoes towards her mother, Gina.
After playing around for so long, Gina had finally settled down and ended up taking a chance with Drew. Meanwhile, no matter what player energy went on in the past, D always crushed on her and finally allowed himself to be happy this time around.
“Any plans tomorrow?” Drew questioned me after we put the cues away and sat down together with our beers.
“Not really, why?” I shrugged.
“No reason. I was just curious.” Drew fibbed. I knew something was up.
“Nah. What’s going on?” I asked.
“All right, what are we doing for E’s birthday next weekend?” Drew leaned inward as if giving out the biggest secret. Even his daughter peaked through, making me smile.
“Another barbeque like this sounds good, especially since he loves it when the kids are around.” I said.
“That’s good. Should we order that cheesecake from the bakery or do you want me to whip something up?” Drew suggested, finally enjoying his love for cooking and baking.
“Do whatever you want.” I smiled.
“All right.” Drew beamed.
_______
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Eric.
Happy birthday to you!
We only sang “Happy Birthday” for Eric because our niece insisted. She said that grownups deserved to have fun too. My youngest closed both eyes while holding our niece on his hip, carefully leaning down to blow out these glowing candles.
“What did you wish for, Uncle Eric?” Our niece asked him, beaming with another toothy smile.
“Can’t tell you or it won’t come true. Okay?” Eric told her. She nodded almost feverishly as a way of understanding before being set down on the floor to stand with her parents, Drew and Gina.
“He’s happy.” Bianca whispered to me as we stood eating cake not long afterward.
“Who, Eric?” I questioned between bites of homemade cheesecake.
“Yeah. Mom would be so proud of him.” she affirmed, gesturing her fork towards the ceiling for a moment.
I nodded, silently praying.
________
One evening, not long after I’d taken Shiloh out for tonight’s last walk and planned for bed, my cell phone rang unexpectedly on the nightstand.
“Hello?” I shouldered the phone, trying to figure out who the hell called me from an unknown number this late at night.
“Cyrus?” The voice questioned me, sounding quite unfamiliar this time around. The inflections didn’t even remind me of anyone from the past.
“Yes, Sir? This is Cyrus. Who am I speaking with?” I answered with respect and waited for more clarity.
“I’m sorry for the late phone call, but this is David Palmetto. We went to High School together.” David offered more, but kept that response cordial at the beginning.
“David? Wow. I haven’t heard from you in years. Sorry for the worried question, but it’s late, man. Is everything all right?” I somehow laughed and scoffed all at once, but could only imagine why else he called out of nowhere .
“Unfortunately, no. That’s why I wanted to call, Cyrus.” David struggled, probably whispering to avoid spooking others around him.
“Go on. I’m listening.” I encouraged David. Bianca was still in the shower, so she definitely couldn’t hear our conversation well enough.
“I’ve worked as a prosecution attorney for several years and it was best to let you know what is going on.” David cleared his throat.
“Please tell me what the problem is.” I asked, gently trying to remain calm. No other choice.
“Remember Frankie?” David seemed to cringe on the other line.
“Are you kidding me, man? Of course I do. He used to beat us up almost every day after school once buses were out of sight.” I shook my head.
“Well, you actually might want to keep your eye on the news at this point because he’ll be on trial very soon.” David continued speaking and I nearly gaped.
“For what?” I asked, trying not to yell out loud.
“Murder.” David lowered his voice while answering my question, but I dropped the phone.
