Page 54 of Anything Goes

“What is it?”

“It’s about Tokyo. She wants you to come to the wedding.”

Throwing her hands up, she rolled her eyes. “Now you know damn well I’m not going to that wedding. If it were left up to me no one would be going. I’m surprised that you even agreed to it.”

“I’m doing it for her. That’s it.”

“Aw, that’s very brotherly of you,” she said sarcastically.

“Don’t be like that.”

“I’m just being real. I’m not going, and there isn’t anything that anyone can say to change my mind.”

“Okay, fine. Well, can you at least talk to her?”

“Why? We don’t have anything to talk about. She made her decision.”

“I know, but that shouldn’t stop you from communicating with her. That’s your daughter.”

“He’s right, Yvonne,” my father said, turning away from the grill. “At the end of the day, she’s still our child. We’re supposed to love her regardless of her mistakes.”

“I still love her. I’m just not going to sit back and watch her turn her life upside down for a man that’s beneath her. He can’t do shit but cause her a lifetime of heartache.”

Everything my mother said, I agreed with. But I couldn’t turn my back on Tokyo. It just didn’t feel right.

“Look, I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, Mama. But Tokyo needs you. Not only that, if you continue to go down this path, I think you’re going to regret it later.”

Blowing out a heavy breath, she turned away. I could tell that she was wrestling with what to do. Hopefully, she would change her mind and be there for Tokyo.

“Sweetheart,” my father said as he rested his hand on her shoulder, “being there for our daughter doesn’t mean you condone her relationship. It just proves that you will love her through whatever.”

“So, I’m just supposed to watch this man break her down? Because mark my words, if she marries him, that’s exactly what he’s going to do…bit by bit. I know his type. He’s just waiting for the right time to pounce on someone like her. I can feel it in my bones.”

“That’s not what we’re asking you to do,” my father said.

“Yes, it is, and I can’t do it.” Pulling away from him, she walked towards the house. “Y’all can pretend like everything is good, but I won’t be doing that. Not now. Not ever.”

I watched as she stormed into the house and slammed the door behind her. “Well, I guess that’s that.”

“It sure is,” my father replied.

18

Law

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re trying to butter me up for something?” Tokyo said while eyeing me suspiciously and scooting her chair under the table.

“Nah, it’s not even like that,” I lied. “What’s wrong? Can’t your little brother do something nice for you?”

“Yeah, he can. But this is out of the blue, and this place isn't cheap. If you're willing to spend your coins in here, something is definitely up.”

“Stop being so paranoid. Nothing’s up.”

Sadly, I was lying through my damn teeth. But she didn’t need to know all of that. After a few margaritas and a juicy steak, she should be on cloud nine and ready to hear what I had to say.

That was my hope.

“Mmhmm, whatever you say. Is this about Mama?”