“I’m sure. There’s no sense in running from it. They might as well know about it tonight.” Janessa put her arms around Tempest and embraced her. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m stressed the hell out, but I love you the same as ever.”
“I love you too, sis.”
Janessa forced a smile as she walked backward up the front walk. “You know you’re my shero.”
Tempest managed to giggle, even though she didn’t feel like much of a superhero that night.
“Take it easy, Janessa,” Geren said. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
Janessa winked at him and shook her finger. “Yeah, I know where to find you, aiight! Up in Tempest’s bed!” Geren blushed, and then she added, “On the real, though, thanks for the ride home.”
“Not a problem. Anytime.”
“More importantly, thanks for trying to talk to Dvontè on my behalf.”
Geren diverted his eyes to the ground briefly, ashamed that he had failed at his task. “I just wish things had gone better.”
Janessa unlocked the front door and waved. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Tempest called, repressing the urge to run after her and make her come back.
Geren said, “Peace,” as Janessa disappeared inside and closed the door.
Geren waited patiently for Tempest to get back in his car so he could close her door but she didn’t budge.
“You’re really worried about her, huh?”
“That’s an understatement. Don’t be surprised when I have black bags underneath my eyes from lack of sleep and patches of my hair start falling out.”
Geren wrapped his arms tightly around Tempest from behind. He kissed her on her left earlobe. “Oh, baby, everything’s going to be okay.”
No sooner had the words left his lips when the shouting started. They could hear the words heathen, whore, and slut being thrown around interchangeably by Janessa’s parents.
“I’m going in there!” Tempest yelled out, breaking away from Geren and speed-walking to the door.
Geren caught up to her midway and pulled her back toward the car. “No, Tempest. Janessa said she wanted to talk to them alone.”
“That’s her prerogative, but they better not lay a finger on her. I respect Janessa’s parents, but I will get in their asses if need be.”
Geren tried to prod Tempest to get in the car. “Let’s just go. This is only upsetting you.”
“Can we just stay for a few more minutes?”
Geren was about to say no when he spotted a tear in the corner of her eye. He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “If it’ll make you feel better.”
Tempest buried her head in Geren’s chest, listening to the ruckus coming from within and trying to hold back the rest of her tears.
25
the confession
tempest stared out of the beveled window of their suite at the Pines Bed and Breakfast Inn in Portland, Maine. The view was magnificent, but Tempest was lost in thought, dreading the moments to come.
Geren had insisted on the weekend getaway, making plane reservations before she could blink twice. He told her that he had something important to ask her. They both knew the deal. The only thing left was a formality.
Geren couldn’t have chosen a more romantic place to pop the question. Their suite was adorned with antique furniture well over a hundred years old. A wooden sleigh bed on a three-step riser was the main attraction of the suite.
Geren came into the bedroom, smelling fresh from the shower and clad only in a towel around his waist. “Shall we have dinner in the room tonight, or would you like to go out? I heard there’s a great seafood restaurant a few blocks away with a deck overlooking the ocean.” He got no response. “Tempest?”