Six
DeAndre
DeAndre sat the last bouquet of long-stem roses next to Avery’s bedside. In the bathroom, he rechecked his work, making sure the rose petals were arranged in a perfectly centered heart around the clawfoot tub.
His cell phone rang in the kitchen, and he left the bathroom to catch it in case it was Avery calling him.
The word ‘Best friend’ was populated across the screen. He answered.
“Evening, pops. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. I’m calling to check on you and Avery.”
A grin spread across DeAndre’s face. “Oh…. We are… I’m not sure yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s not home.” DeAndre glanced at the clock over the stove. “She should be here any minute, but I couldn’t get her on the line today.”
“Hmmm.” The modification in Leslie’s voice told DeAndre that he’d shifted the phone. “This argument between you two, isn’t serious, is it?”
“Not by a long shot.”
“Okay, then I can sleep tonight knowing you two will be okay.”
“Absolutely. If it were that serious, I would’ve told you earlier.”
“I hope so.”
“Without question. But I did mean to ask you if you and mom had plans for your anniversary.”
“Yes! You know your mother. She’s planning a masquerade ball.”
“Masquerade?”
“Yeah, she and Edna have been whispering about it for a while now. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it would be bigger than the New Year's Eve soirée she hosts.”
“That’s huge.”
“Tell me about it.”
“She doesn’t usually invite a bunch of outside guests for your anniversary. Are you saying this time will be different?”
“I believe so. I’ll know the full details when she’s putting the final touches on her plans.”
“Why don’t you ever add to these plans? I have to know.”
“It’s her love, son. It brightens her day. Hosting makes her feel like the Belle of the ball, so I leave it to her to do what she wishes.”
DeAndre nodded. “But do you ever want to help or?”
“Whenever I have any ideas, I’ll tell her, but only if she asks, and she always does. The thing about your mother is that even though she wants to take care of the party herself, she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to ask me if I have any ideas. That’s her way of including me; if I do, she’ll add them, and all is well.”
DeAndre smiled. His parents were the best example of how to navigate a relationship and avoid pitfalls if at all costs.
The front door opened, and DeAndre rushed to speak.
“My wife is here. I’ll talk to you soon, pops.”