Count my blessings. I run out of fingers, out of hands, out of ways to count all the good in my life.
“We’re here,” Iris says, her sweet, deep voice jolting me out of my thoughts.
She squeezes my thigh and trails kisses under my jaw. “And remember we’re not staying long.”
Our gazes hold, our eyes making promises for later tonight. I scoop up Sarai and she yawns so wide and long her eyes water.
“We don’t have to go to the party,” I tell her, smoothing her hair back. “If you’re too tired.”
“No, I want to go,” she says, forcefully perking up.
“Okay, but we can’t stay long.” I fake a yawn to match hers. “Daddy needs to rest. I’m so tired.”
“You are?” Surprise widens her sleepy eyes.
“I am, and we gotta be up early tomorrow for our flight back to California.”
“Good. It’s cold here,” she mumbles into the wool of my coat. “I want my swimming pool.”
“I know, baby.” I shift her on my hip and take Iris’ hand when we enter the hotel.
“That looks like our tree.” Sarai points to the center of the lobby.
“It’s beautiful,” Iris says, looking around the lobby, outfitted for Christmas with lights and a brightly decorated tree. Ahead of us, a hotel attendant waits at a stand with a list. He checks our names off, walks us to the private elevator and punches in a code.
“Oh!” Iris says, holding the elevator door. “Can you make sure Lotus DuPree and guest are on your list?”
The attendance consults his list, confirming with a nod and a smile.
“Aunt Lo’s coming?” Sarai asks, perking up. Those two have a special connection. Iris is just praying Lotus doesn’t teach our daughter any of her voodoo tricks when we’re not looking.
“Yes.” Iris fixes her eyes on the illuminated ascending numbers. “For a little bit.”
It seems half the San Diego Waves team is here, along with several guys from the front office. I spot Deck with his arm around Avery Hughes. He and the SportsCo anchor no longer hide their relationship, and I’d lay bets we’ll be hearing wedding bells for those two soon.
Every corner of the penthouse suite is decorated and occupied. I count three Christmas trees, two bars, and I’ve stopped counting people.
“Full house,” Iris says, taking Sarai’s hand when I set her on her feet. “Oh, good. There’s a few other wives and kids here.”
“Will you have to play on Christmas next year, Daddy?” Sarai asks.
“Let’s hope so.” I offer a wry grin. “It usually means people want to see your team play, and I hope people keep wanting to see the Waves.”
“We’ll just cross our fingers that next year will be in San Diego,” Iris says, smiling and stroking Sarai’s hair. “You sleepy, Princess?”
“Not anymore,” Sarai replies, her eyes roving the sparkling room stuffed with well-dressed adults laughing, talking, even a few gathered around a baby grand at the other end of the suite and singing Christmas songs. We listen to a few carols, make the rounds and talk to mostly people from the team, grazing food and sipping drinks.
“Remember we’re only staying for a little bit,” I tell Sarai, but look meaningfully at Iris. I don’t want all this Christmas cheer to derail the hot fuck we’ve penciled in.
Iris tosses me an amused glance, and twists her lips into a knowing wry curve.
“Bo!”
Iris’ head turns sharply at the nickname only Lotus uses. Her face lights up as soon as she spots her cousin, who’s more like a sister.
“Lo!” she calls back. The cousins close the space separating them with a few quick strides, arms outstretched.
“Heyyyyy, girl.” Lotus returns Iris’ squeeze, closing her eyes and burying her face in my wife’s hair for a second. Their embrace goes beyond the typical greeting. Even so physically different, there is something about them that is the same. Iris, with her lighter skin and long, silky hair, still seems somehow genetically connected to Lotus with her golden brown skin and trademark platinum braids gathered into a low side knot at her neck. Connected by more than genetics, but by something deeper. Both swipe at tears and sniff even as they smile into each other’s eyes. Lotus pulls back, inspecting Iris’ face with such intent you’d think she’s reading a diary entry.