When Nikki gets to her parents house she finds her older brother Aaron, her husband Nigel and two of their childhood friends Marshall and Darrius sitting at the kitchen table.

"This takes me back." Nikki said standing in the kitchen doorway with her hands on her hips. "I would always find you guys like this when I came home."

"Hey girl." Aaron said. "What took you so long?"

"I had to drive here didn't I?" Nikki asked as she took off her coat.

"Nigel told us about that new car you just bought." Marshall said. "He said you fly in that thing."

"Shut up." Nikki said to Marshall. "Hey baby." She said before she kissed Nigel.

"So do I get one of those?" Darrius asked.

"No but you can have a hug." Nikki said holding her arms out for Darrius.

"Oh no you don't." Aaron said pushing Darrius out of the way. "I know you don't think you're gonna hug my sister before she greets me properly, do you?"

"Man stop playing. If you hadn't been so selfish with her before I would be you brother-in-law instead of Juli." Darrius said.

"Watch you mouth." Nigel said.

"You know it's true. She always had a major crush on me." Darrius said.

"Get real. She hated your guts." Aaron said.

"Then why is it that she always wanted to follow you when I was around?" Darrius asked.

"She followed me even when you weren't around."

"You two just keep fighting amongst yourselves." Nikki said e

embracing Marshall. "Hi Marshall how are you?"

"I'm fine. How about you?" Marshall said in his very quiet way.

"I've been good. What have you been up to?" Nikki asked.

"Just working hard. You know I'm getting married next year."

"Oh yeah?" Nikki said with surprise.

"Yeah." Marshall said blushing.

"To who?"

"Her name is Stephanie." Marshall said.

"Is she from around here?" Nikki asked.

"No she moved up here from Gaffney South Carolina." Marshall said.

"Yeah, he got himself a country girl." Darrius said.

"A country girl is better than the girl you have." Aaron said.

"Who are you with now?" Nikki asked Darrius.

"Darrius is still a player." Nigel said.

"Will you ever learn?" Nikki said. "How many children do you have now, 20?"

"No I only have two." Darrius said.

"No only two of you babies mothers could find your butt." Nigel said.

"And you are still messing around?" Nikki said and Darrius just laughed.

"Have you ever heard of condoms" Nikki asked. "Or better yet have you ever heard of abstinence?"

"That will never happen." Aaron said. "Now will you give me a hug before I get upset?"

"It's good to see you." Nikki said firmly squeezing her brother.

"If you came home more often..."

"Don't start it Aaron." Nikki warned.

"I'm not starting anything. I was just going to say that if you came home more often we'd see a lot more of each other."

"And you know what genius if you'd bring your butt to New York we'd see each other a lot more too."

"Yeah, why don't you ever come up to see us?" Nigel asked.

"I have to work." Aaron said.

"Like we don't." Nikki replied.

"You guys can afford to take time off when ever you want to." Aaron said.

"What ever. Darrius give me a hug before I have to knock my brother up side his head." Nikki said pushing her brother out of her way.

"Watch yourself." Nigel warned Darrius.

"What?" Darrius said to Nigel as he wrapped his arms around Nikki. "Afraid of a little competition?"

"There is no competition." Nikki said.

"Back to the matter at hand." Aaron said. "Between the two of you I bet you make about 100 thousand a year, right?"

"Something like that." Nigel said.

"Is it more or less than that?" Aaron asked.

"It's none of your business." Nigel said.

"Where's mamma?" Nikki asked sitting on Nigel's lap.

"She went to the store." Aaron answered.

"Did daddy go to the store with mommy?"

"Yes. He said something about her spending too much money when she goes to the store by herself."

"And where's Steven?"

"Your baby brother went out to play ball with some of his boys." Marshall said.

"So what have you two been up to?" Darrius asked Nikki and Nigel.

"Nothing really." Nigel said.

"It's nice to see you two doing so well after all these years." Marshall said.

"I still can't believe your mom and dad didn't kill you two when they found out you two were together." Darrius said.

"No. They would sill be in jail for murder if she was with you." Nigel said.

"Mom's loves me." Darrius said.

"That's because you’re not with her daughter." Nigel teased.

"How long have you two been together?" Marshall asked. "16 years?"

"Almost." Nikki said beaming with pride.

"What surprises me is there was never a time when I thought they wouldn't make it." Aaron said.

"Most couples fight every once in a while or break up a few times." Darrius said. "But not you two."

"Oh we've had our share of blow outs." Nigel said. "But we worked them out before it got too serious."

"When did you guys decided to get together?" Marshall asked.

"The first day of school my senior year." Nigel said.

"But that's the first day you moved back home." Darrius said.

"Your family had moved to Texas the summer after our Jr. year and you didn't tell anybody you were coming back to stay with your grandmother for Senior. year." Aaron said.

"Yeah on the first day of school I see this fine, I do mean fine, girl walking down the hall to her locker." Nigel said.

"Then you ran into Nikki?" Aaron said.

"Ha Ha." Nikki said. "You are so funny."

"No it was Nikki." Nigel said. "I said excuse me and when she turned around I thought I would pass out. I still didn't recognize her until she hugged me and said hey Nigel when did you get back and why didn't you let us know you were coming back?"

"He had the nerve to say Jackie is that you? Knowing I hate to be called Jackie." Nikki said.

"Then she got smart and said its Jacquelene and yes it's me Julius." Nigel said.

"So when did you decided you wanted to take her out?" Aaron asked.

"When I saw her walk threw the kitchen door that evening in her cheer leading uniform." Nigel answered.

"So why did you wait until Prom to ask her out?" Darrius asked.

"I didn't. We talked for a long time and went out a few times. By the middle of the year she was my girlfriend. Prom is just when you found out." Nigel said.

"So was my sister still a virgin when you got married?" Aaron asked.

"Why don't you ask me?" Nikki said.

"I did and you told me that it was none of my business."

"So why would you ask my husband?"

"Because I want to know. That's why."

"You are not her father." Darrius said. "Leave her alone."

"I know I'm not her father, I still want to know."

"If you were her father you would already know." Nigel said.

"You mean you told him and you won't tell me?" Aaron said sound wounded.

"Your father and I had a long talk when Nikki and I got engaged." Nigel said. "That was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life."

"It wasn't that hard was it?" Nikki asked.

"It was. He asked me some tough questions and I had to answer them honestly."

"What did he ask you?" Aaron asked.

"Stuff like why did I choose Nikki and what plans I have for my life. and if she was still a virgin. Actually he asked me if she was pregnant then he asked me if she was still a virgin. H asked me about her still getting her degree and if I would have a problem with Nikki being at UCLA for at least four years."

"Well did you?" Nikki asked.

"At first I did but I got over it."

"When did you get over it?" Nikki asked.

"July 10th 1993." Nigel answered.

"But that's the day you guys got married." Darrius said.

"I know." Nigel said

"That's not right." Nikki said.

"But it's the truth." Nigel said.

"I don't doubt it but you know we're going to talk about this later." Nikki said.

"But there's nothing to talk about. The day we got married was the day I got over it." Nigel said.

"So let me get this straight. We are not going to talk about this because you don't feel there's anything else to talk about?" Nikki asked.

"That's no where near what I said." Nigel said.

"Jac leave the man alone." Aaron said. "He's sitting here chilling with his boys"

"Correction." Nikki said sounding like she was singing "He's chilling with his wife and his boys. So you shut up and don't ever call me Jac again. Now let us finish our conversation."

"You know what?" Darrius said. "We've been sitting here all day and no one offered to fix us anything to eat."

"Jac Why don't you fix us something to eat?" Aaron said.

"Why me?"

"Cause you're the only female here and it's your job to cook us men something to eat."

"You're joking right?" Nikki asked.

"No." Darrius said.

"See that's why you will never get a woman to marry you." Marshall said.

"Who in their right mind wants to be married?" Darrius said.

"Oh so everybody but you is crazy?" Nigel said.

"I didn't say that." Darrius said.

"Yes you did." Nikki said.

"No I didn't." Darrius said.

"What you said was who in their right mind would want to be married. Is that right?" Nigel said.

"Yes that is exactly what I said." Darrius said boastfully.

"If that is what you said and you have admitted that you said that verbatim is that correct?" Nigel asked in the same manner he used when he cross examined his witnesses.

"Get him honey." Nikki said knowing what was coming next. She was used to hearing that tone of voice. She would sit in the courtroom as often as she could when Nigel was trying a case because he always excited her.

"I am baby don't worry." Nigel said and kissed Nikki on the cheek.

"That is what I said but I didn't say that everybody is crazy." Darrius said.

"OK, let me break it down for you. If you say that anybody who wants to be married is out of there mind, and you did admit that you said that. In fact you admitted to saying it twice, and Nikki and I are married therefore we want to be married. Marshall is engaged, therefore he wants to be married. Aaron was engaged therefore proving that he wants to be married. Now that we've established that everyone at this table wants to be married except you the statement you made applies to everyone who wants to be married and since the statement you admitted to making, the statement that you made in front of 4 other people, says that people who want to be married are out of there mind and being out of your mind means being crazy you did call every one at this table crazy." Nigel concluded with a semi bow to punctuate his conclusion.

"Remind me not to make jokes around you anymore." Darrius said.

"If you don't know the rules don't try to play the game." Marshall said.

"My baby is fierce." Nikki said.

"So I said all that and we've established that you're fierce but I'm still hungry." Darrius said to Nigel. "So why don't you get your woman to raise up and fix me something to eat?"

"I would but Nikki does her best cooking over the phone or at a drive up window." Nigel said.

"You are going to regret that when I go on strike." Nikki warned.

"Jac you know you never could cook." Aaron said.

"I could always cook. I just didn't want to cook. I figured if my cooking got bad enough you would stop asking me to cook for you. But your greedy butt never did."

"I know that's why I kept asking you to cook for me." Aaron said.

"I will never cook for you again." Nikki said. "And stop calling me Jac!"

“What about your husband?” Darrius asked. “Are you going to cook for him?”

“Are you hungry, Nigel?” Nikki asked.

“A little.” he answered.

“You think your mother cooked yet?” Nikki asked.

“I don’t know I haven’t called her yet.”

“You mean you haven’t called your mother yet?”

“I got caught up.”

“You mean you started running your mouth with your boys.” Nikki said.

“Isn’t that what he said?” Marshall asked.

Vaguely.” Nikki said.

“So leave him alone about it then.” Darrius said.

“Nigel do you want me to call your mother or are you going to?” Nikki asked.

“Yes Juli call you Mommy ’cause your wife said so.” Darrius teased.

“Lets just go over there.” Nigel said. “And leave these boys over here hungry.”

“Tell Momma and daddy and Steven that we’ll be back before we go to the hotel.” Nikki said.

“Come on Jac don’t leave us hungry.” Darrius said.

“First of all stop calling me Jac. My name is Jacqueline. But you have my permission to call me Nikki. Second if you were all that hungry you would either have called one of you r many girlfriends or got up to fix yourself something to eat.” Nikki said.

“What about Marshall? He has not done anything to you. Why would you leave him hungry?” Darrius argued.

“Don’t put me in it. My girl is fixing dinner for me right now.” Marshall said. “So you are the only one who’s short.”

“Why don’t you call Stephanie and asked her if I can come over for dinner too?”

“No!”

“My mom will be home soon. You can have dinner with us.”

“Bye guys.” Nikki said.

“You are cold!” Darrius said.

“Don’t worry about it man.” Aaron said. “I know how to fix her. I’ll just make sure Momma forgets to make her Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving dinner.”

“My mother would never do that to me.” Nikki said.

“Mine would.” Aaron said.

When Nikki and Nigel got to his parents house Gereldene, Nigel’s mother, was in the kitchen doing the prep work for her Thanksgiving meal.

“I thought you guys would never get her.” She said never looking up from her pie crust.

“Hi Ma.” Nigel said kissing his mother on the cheek. “How are you felling?”

“I’m OK.” She sighed wiping her hand s on her apron. “But your father’s pressure is up. and the twins are giving TJ a fit. But you would know that if you called more often.”

“Ma, you can call me.” Nigel said.

“You know I don’t make a lot of long distance calls because I can’t pay for them.”

“That’s why we have a one eight hundred number Ma.”

“I forget all about that thing.” Gereldene said.

“But the last time we were here I put it up on the refrigerator for you.” Nikki said finally speaking. She hadn’t said one word since she had said hello to Gereldene since she said a very quite hello upon walking through the door.

“I still forgot it.” Gereldene said finally looking at Nikki.

“Okay.” Nikki said as she took a seat at the kitchen table.

“Where’s Daddy?” Nigel said.

“In the Den watching TV” Gereldene said dismissively.

“What do you have to eat around here ma?”

“Are you hungry?”

“Yeah.” Nigel said.

“Yeah?” Gereldene said correcting her son.

“Yes Ma’am.” Nigel said correcting himself.

“You mean to tell me her parents didn’t feed you?”

“They have nothing to do with this I wanted your cooking.”

“Oh baby you don’t have to make excuses for them.”

“They weren’t even at home.”

“Does your wife cook for you?”

“Yes she does but...”

“But nothing I’m sure she knows that she can hop in here and fix you something to eat.” Gereldene said.

“If that was the case then she could have fixed us something at her parents house.”

“Why is it that you spend more time with her parents then with your own?”

“I don’t.”

“Then why is it that you went straight to her parents house when you two got here?”

“That was my choice.” Nigel said. “Nikki just got here. I got here this morning.”

“If you say so.”

“Not right now Ma.”

“Not now not ever.”

“Gerry, who are you telling at in there?” Nigel’s father, Thaxton yelled from the den.

“I’m not yelling at anybody. I’m talking to Nigel.”

“Boy get in here.” Thaxton said. “And bring that beautiful little girl in here with you.”

Nikki was the first to get up. she had wanted to walk out of the room when Gereldene began but she didn’t want to be rude.

“Hi Thaxton.” Nikki said as she embraced him. “How have you been doing?”

“I’ve been fine how’s my son treating you?”

“I have no complaints, what so ever.”

“Good cause you know I’ll straighten him out for you.”

“Dad I treat my lady right.”

“That’s because I taught you right.” Thaxton said.

“So what have you two been up to?”

“Just working hard.” Nikki said.

“Working hard?” Thaxton asked sounding as if he was surprised to hear her say that.

“Yeah.” Nikki said.

“You two don’t work hard your husband is some big shot lawyer and you make commercials.” Thaxton said.

“I do more than make commercials.” Nikki said.

“And being a big shot lawyer as you call it takes a lot of hard work.” Nigel said.

“I don’t see how your work is so hard. What’s so hard about standing in front of a group of people and talking. Just be grateful that you don’t have the job I had for almost forty-five years.”

“You were a garbage collector for that long?” Nikki asked.

“I was a trash man for that long.” Thaxton said laughing. “And it was hard work. I’m just glad that none of my children has to work so hard.”

“Nigel set up a couple of those TV trays please.” Gereldene yelled from the kitchen.

“You must have come in here telling your mother you were hungry.” Thaxton said to Nigel.

“Yeah.” Nigel replied and Thaxton gave him a warning with his eyes for the language he was using. “I’m mean yes sir.”

“She wouldn’t even let me taste any of that food out there.”

“I’ll share with you Thaxton.” Nikki said.

“Why do you call my father Thaxton and you call my mother Mrs. Waters?” Nigel asked laughing. He knew why. His mother had been adamant about Nikki not calling her anything but Mrs. Waters. They had laughed about it several times. Nikki knew that Gereldene didn’t exactly care for her. She also knew why. Gereldene had been Nikki's father’s girlfriend in high school and she had wanted to marry Charles but he didn’t feel that same for her. Gereldene was very sweet to Nikki when she first met her. But when she found out who her parents were she instantly changed her attitude. Nikki just thought that Gereldene was jealous of her mother and thought that Nigel should have been her brother instead of her lover, but she never told Nigel that. She had told him that his mother and her father where together in high school and he thought that was Ironic but it served as a joke for them now. Nikki began to laugh at him.

“Because your father told me to call him Thaxton.”

“I don’t see why you should have a problem with what she calls us. It’s what she calls you that’s most important.” Thaxton said and they all laughed.

“So.” Gereldene said as she entered the room with the plates. “Are you guys going to eat Thanksgiving dinner with us?”

“No.” Nigel said. “This holiday we are going over to Nikki's parents house.”

“Why?” Gereldene asked.

“Because we spent Labor day and the Fourth of July with you Ma.” Nigel said.

“Mrs. Waters we will come over after dinner if that’s all right with you.” Nikki said.

“That’s fine Jackie.” Gereldene said.

“Gerry you know that girl hates to be called Jackie.” Thaxton said.

“I forgot.” Gereldene said.” So how long are you staying in town?”

“We aren’t ’ sure yet.” Nikki said.

“Well are you two going to stay at you parents house?” Gereldene asked.

“No.” Nigel said.

“Oh are you going to stay here?” Gereldene said excitedly.

“We are staying at a hotel.” Nigel said.

“Why you know you can stay here anytime you want to.” Gereldene said.

“Gerry they are doing the right thing. Staying any place but a hotel would cause a few bad feelings.” Thaxton said.

“But just the same you guys are welcomed to say any time you want.” Gereldene said.

“Thank you.” Nikki said.

“Well your brother and sister are coming for dinner tomorrow so please make sure you get over here after dinner so you can see your family.” Gereldene said.

“I will Ma.” Nigel said very irritated.

“Don’t take that tone with you mother Julius.” Thaxton said in a tone that left no room for discussion.

“Yes Sir.” Nigel said.

“Did you call to make sure our reservation was still available?” Nikki asked Nigel.

“Yeah I called when I first got here.” Nigel said. “They said everything is ready for us and when ever we get there will be fine. Why are you ready to go?”

“No not at all I just wanted to know if everything was OK.” Nikki said.

“You’re starting to look a little sleepy.” Nigel said.

“I am.” Nikki said. “You know I was up late last night working on that campaign so I could come down here.”

“You know you can go on in the room and lay down if you want to.” Thaxton said.

“Thank you but I want to eat first.” Nikki said.

After eating both Nigel and Nikki went to lay down in Nigel’s old room.

“You know what baby.?” Nigel whispered as he closed the door.

“What?” Nikki said curiously.

“We’ve never made love in our parents house.”

“I know and we most likely never will.” Nikki said.

“How many time have I ever laid beside you and we haven’t made love?” Nigel asked.

“Very few.” Nikki said. “But then again how many time have we laid together in either of our parents homes?”

“Never.” Nigel said and began to smile wickedly. “But it could be fun. Lets see who screams first.

“That’s not fair.” Nikki said.

“I know. I just wanna see if you can be quite for a change.”

“No Nigel.” Nikki said adamantly.

“That’s a first.” Nigel said.

“For what?”

“The first time you’ve told me no since we’ve been married.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”

“I’m sure.” Nigel said pouting. “I may as well go sleep in my mother’s bed.”

“Oh my poor baby.” Nikki teased. “I’ll make it up to you when we get to the hotel.”

“Then let’s go.”

“No. Your parents deserve some of our time too.”

“We can come back.”

“Since when have you been able to get up out the of the bed after we make love?” Nikki asked.

“I’ve always been able to get out of the bed. I just haven’t wanted to.”

“I guess that time you tried to get out of the bed and you fell flat on your face you didn’t want to get out of the bed?”

“No I didn’t. I was just getting out of bed for you.” Nigel said.

“Oh for me?”

“Yes for you.”

“OK so you were going to use the bathroom for me?”

“Yeah, you said you didn’t like water beds.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Anything for you.” Nigel said. “Now lay down and let me give you a message.”

“Oh no you don’t.” Nikki said.

“What?” Nigel said knowingly.

“You know what.”

“You just seem a little tense. I was just trying to help.”

‘Thank you but no thank you.”

“I’m going to get a complex if you keep turning me down.” Nigel said.

“I’m not turning you down I’m just postponing until later.”

“It feels like you’re turning me down.”

“I am so sorry you fell like that.”

“Then what are you going to do about it?”

“There’s nothing I can do about it.”

‘Will you at least lay in my arms for a little while?”

“Of course I will.”

Nikki and Nigel both took off there shoes and laid on the bed. Just as Nikki was about to fall asleep she felt Nigel’s hand going up her dress.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

I can’t help it.” He said as he played with the band of her panties. “if we are quite they won’t hear us.

Before Nikki could think of a viable response Nigel had nudged his finger inside of Nikki.

“Oh baby you fell so good.” Nigel said as he made love to her with his fingers. “Right now I want to taste you.”

Nigel slid his body down between Nikki's legs. Before he placed his head between Nikki's legs he looked up at her face and smiled wickedly at the look of anticipation on her face.

“Shh.” He said with one finger over his lips and began to flick his tongue over Nikki repeatedly.

Nikki was in the habit of telling her husband how much he pleased her but this time she had to use her body instead of words.

When he was finished he joined Nikki at the head of the bed.

“I can tell you liked that.”

“Umhumm.” She said and began to kiss Nigel around his neck.

“I’m already excited. Don’t play with me.”

“I’m not playing with you.” Nikki said between kisses and stroking him. “I just hope your bed is not squeaky.”

“Are we going to find out?” Nigel asked.

“Oh yeah!” Nikki said pulling her dress over her head.

They made love as quietly as possible barely making any noise. They loved each other tenderly, using only their bodies and soft whispers to express their feelings. There hands guided each other to ecstasy. They both collapsed expelling soft whimpers. Not being able to sleep after having made love they laid side by side basking in their love.

“We better open the window.” Nigel said.

“Do you think they heard us?” Nikki asked.

“No.” Nigel said as he opened the curtains. “Nikki its dark outside. What time is it?”

“Oh my goodness Nigel, its after seven.”

“We’ve been in here for four hours?”

“They must think we were extremely sleepy.”

“Are you ready to go?”

“What are you going to do about these sheets?”

“I’ll change them. Why don’t you call your mother and let her know we’ll be over there around eight thirty.” Nigel said as he pulled the sheet off of the bed. “That will give us some time to go take a shower.”

When they emerged from the bedroom Gereldene was asleep in front of the TV in the den and Thaxton was reading the newspaper.

“I thought you two had decided to spend the night.” Thaxton said as they walked into the kitchen.

“We were just tired Dad.” Nigel said.

“You couldn’t have been that tired.” Thaxton said with a wide grin on his face.

“What are you talking about Dad?”

“Nothing son, nothing at all.”

“OK we are going to the hotel now.” Nigel said.

“Why? Are you two sleepy now?” Thaxton teased. He could see how embarrassed Nikki was by his comments.

“No we want to freshen up before we go to her parents house.”

“Boy you two can take a shower here, and since you’re married I’ll let you take one together. Unless you two aren’t finished yet.” Thaxton said. “I just wish I could still go like that. You got longevity in your blood boy.” Nigel laughed at his fathers comment and the look of total embarrassment on Nikki's face.

“Come to think of it I think Imma wake Gerry up. I’m ready for bed myself. You two might want to leave now. Cause no matter what I say that woman just won’t be quite.”

“OK, Thaxton that’s too much for me.” Nikki said.

“It’s OK.” Thaxton whispered mockingly. “I’m married. And so are you.”

Nikki smiled with relief when she realized that Thaxton hadn’t disapproved of them making love in his home. “Good night ya’ll. Make sure you lock up behind yourselves. Gerry! I wanna go to bed. Get up girl, cause I am!”

“Lets go.” Nigel said hurriedly.

“How did he hear us?” Nikki asked as they got in the car.

“I don’t know if he really heard us, it may be just a guess.”

“Good guess.” Nikki said incredulously.

“I’d sure say so.” Nigel said trying to hold back his laughter.

“I’m tired. I don’t want to stay at my parents house long.” Nikki said.

“We can go straight to the hotel.”

“But they are expecting us.”

“We can call and them that we will be there tomorrow morning. I know once I get out of the shower I’m gonna want to go straight to bed.” Nigel said.

“We are going to have to go past there anyway.” Nikki said.

“Why?”

“Because I left my car there.”

“And?”

“Any my bags are in my car! So even if we did go take a shower I wouldn’t have anything to put on” Nikki said.

“That might not be too bad.” Nigel said.

“Haven’t you had enough?”

“Never!”

“Let’s just get this over with.” Nikki said. “Then we can have the rest of the evening to ourselves.”

“True.”

“We’ll just visit them real quick and then we’ll go to the hotel and I’ll let you give me that message you promised me.”

“How quick is real quick?” Nigel asked.

“About a half hour.”

“Fine with me.”

When they got to Nikki's parents house they saw Steven, Nikki's younger brother sitting on the front porch.

“Why didn’t you leave the keys?” Steven asked.

“Because you would have my car out joy riding with your friends.” Nikki said. “And nobody drives any of my cars but me.”

“What around your husband?” Steven asked.

“I drove that thing once and it was just like being in a can of tuna.” Nigel said.

“My husband can drive any of my vehicles but he doesn’t want to. So like I said no one drives my cars but me!” Nikki said. “Now give me my hug.”

“I’ve missed you Sis.” Steven said.

“I missed you too.” Nikki said as she held her brother tight.

“So how is Marine life?” Nigel asked as he embraced Steven.

“The same as life with Nikki, I’m sure.” Steven replied.

“No comment.” Nigel said.

“I love you too.” Nikki said to her husband and walked into the house.

When Nikki walked into the house she found her father and her older brother having a heart to heart talk about him settling down and finding a wife.

“Hi Daddy.” Nikki said to her father.

“Hi baby.” Charles said standing to hug his daughter. “You look good.”

“Thank you Daddy. You look good too.”

“Girl where do you think you get it from?” Charles said.

“I wasn’t sure until I walked in here.”

“Girl you ought to stop. I know you went out here trying to find a man just like your Daddy but Nigel was the best you could do cause when God made me he couldn’t think of any improvements.”

“Daddy you ought to stop.” Nikki said laughing. “Where’s Momma?”

“She’s in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on something or another.” Charles said and began to whisper. “Why don’t try to get her to lay down. She looks a little tired.”

“I’ll try Daddy but you know how Momma is.”

“Why don’t you just pout and whine until you get your way.” Aaron said. “That’s what you used to do.”

“No that’s what you used to do.” Nikki said. “You where a little punk when you we where little.”

“Watch your mouth.” Charles said. “You are not too grown for me to put you across my knee.”

“Yes sir.” Nikki said.

“That’s my baby.” Charles said. “Now go see your mother while I finish setting your brother straight.”

“Yes sir.” Nikki said and walked into the kitchen. “Ooh it smells good in here.”

“Hi Nikki, didn’t think I would see you until tomorrow.” Catherine said.

“You know I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to see you.” Nikki said hugging her mother. “I don’t know if I can wait until tomorrow to eat this food.”

“You just gonna hafta wait cause I’m not given out any samples tonight.”

“Awe Mommy.” Nikki said pouting.

“Awe Mommy nothing.” Catherine said laughing. “That didn’t work when were a baby and it’s not going to work now. And don’t try to sneak any cause I’m watching you.”

“OK, OK, I’ll wait.” Nikki said laughing too. “Why are you doing all this tonight?”

“Because I want to get it done. That’s why. And there ain’t nobody else to do it.”

“I’ll come over early tomorrow and help you.”

“I don’t want any help.” Catherine said. “And I don’t need any help.”

“But Mommy you look tired.” Nikki said.

“I am tired.” Catherine replied. “In more ways than one and this conversation is getting tired.”

“Mother, you have to learn to let someone help you out sometimes.”

“Since when did you start calling me Mother? You’ve been working with those white people too long.”

“Mother words don’t have a color.” Nikki said.

“Watch it Jacqueline.” Catherine said with a warning glance.

“Yes Ma’am.”

“I thought Nigel was here with you. Did he stay at his parents house?”

“No he’s around here somewhere. He’ll make his way in here sooner or later.”

“It better be sooner because I’m ready to put you out of my kitchen.” Catherine said.

“Why?”

“Because you are in my way.”

“Excuse me.” Nikki said. “You don’t have to put me out, I’ll leave.”

“Good.” Catherine said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“OK Momma. I love you.” Nikki said as she walked out of the kitchen.

“So what happened?” Charles said when Nikki got back into the living room.

“She told me that she didn’t want any help and she put me out.”

“I better go in there to say hello.” Nigel said. He had been sitting in the living room helping Charles sell the idea of getting married to Aaron and Steven.

“You missed your chance. She doesn’t want anybody else in her kitchen.” Nikki said.

“Why is she doing all this work?” Steven asked. “What is everybody else bringing?”

“Nobody else is coming.” Charles said. “Your mother just wants it to be us this year.”

“Then why would she cook so much?” Aaron said.

“Because she said she didn’t want you kids to miss out on anything this year.” Charles said.

“And she doesn’t want any help?” Nikki asked.

“You know how your mother is.” Charles said. “She’s as stubborn as a mule.”

“Now I know where you get it from.” Nigel said to Nikki.

“Oh no my brother.” Nikki said. “You are the one who’s stubborn.”

“Oh can you sit up there and say something like that?” Nigel asked.

“Because you are the one who’s stubborn. And spoiled.”

“Spoiled?” Nigel asked incredulously .

“Yes spoiled.” Nikki answered. “I know you are not saying you’re not.”

“No I’m not.”

“Prime example just a few short minutes ago you pouted and whined until you got your way at your parents house.”

“That’s no fair.”

“It’s not?”

“No it’s not.” Nigel said.

“You were that one who spoiled me that way and now you are going to blame me for being spoiled?”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t the one who spoiled you. I just stated that you are spoiled.”

“Girl I better get you to the hotel. You must be tired.” Nigel said.

“You do look a little tired little girl.” Charles said. “Is that high faluten job of yours working you that hard?”

“She doesn’t have to work as hard as she does. She chooses to work that hard.” Nigel said. “As a matter of fact she just got a promotion.”

“You go girl.” Steven said.

“What’s your new title?” Aaron asked.

“I am now a Jr. Vice President.” Nikki said.

“Oh baby girl I’m so proud of you.” Charles said.

“Thank you Daddy. But it doesn’t really mean that much. I’ll be doing almost the same thing as before but I’ll have a few more people I’ll be responsible for.” Nikki said. “Did Nigel tell you that he just made full partner at his law firm?”

“No.” Aaron said. “Man you’ve been holding back on us.”

“I forgot I hadn’t told you.” Nigel said.

“You forgot?” Aaron said. “I know when I get a promotion everybody will know about it.”

“How is life in Charleston these days?” Nikki asked. “I forgot to ask you about it this morning.”

“Everything is going well.” Aaron said.

“You know I wasn’t crazy about you being a Police officer when you first decided to go to the academy.” Nikki said.

“I know.”

“It’s dangerous.” Nikki said.

“Don’t worry about me.” Aaron said.

“Easier said than done.” Nikki said.

“It’s either them or me baby girl and I’m to stubborn to let it be me!” Aaron said. “I don’t play with those people. If they start it I finish it.”

“And sometimes if they don’t start it you finish it.” Steven said.

“Sometimes it just happens that way.” Aaron said.

“What about you Steven?” Nikki said. “What are you going to do after you get out of the Corps?”

“I’m a lifer.” Steven said. “There is no getting out of the Marine Corps.”

“The few the proud the Marines.” Nikki teased.

“You know it.” Steven said. “Next month I’m going over seas.”

“Where?” Nikki asked.

“I’m going back to Germany.” Steven said.

“That will be a nice place to visit, wouldn’t it?” Nikki said to Nigel.

“Yeah man,” Nigel said. “Send us your address when you get over there and we’ll be there.”

“If you give me some time to get myself acquainted with the place I’ll be able to play tour guide.” Steven said.

“Depending on where your stationed Nikki and I can play tour guide. We’ve been there several times.” Nigel said.

“You have?” Aaron said.

“Yeah.” Nikki said. “When we went to visit Steven when he was in Italy I got hooked on Europe now the only country we haven’t been to yet is Turkey.”

“Nikki likes to go to Italy when she gets a taste for Italian.”

“Most people go down the street for Italian but you have to do things the hard way.” Steven said.

“You always had expensive tastes.” Charles said.

“That’s why I work so hard.” Nikki said laughing. “So that I can have what I want and my husband can have what I want.”

“And you called me spoiled?” Nigel said.

“I never said that I wasn’t spoiled too.”

“When are you guys going to have children?” Aaron asked.

“I don’t know.” Nikki said. “I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Me either.” Nigel said. “We are still enjoying being together.”

“Don’t tell me you guys are still in your honeymoon phase.” Aaron said.

“What’s wrong with that?” Nikki asked.

“Nothing but it will be sixteen years this summer and you two are still acting like newlyweds.”

“We’ve only been married for seven years.” Nikki said.

“But you were together for nine years before that.” Steven said. “It was like you were already married.”

“That’s what kept me sane while we were in college.” Nigel said.

“But still the honeymoon phase doesn’t usually last this long.” Steven said.

“Uncle Sam has been sending you to school hasn’t he?” Nikki said.

“Yes. Why?” Steven asked.

“Just a warning. Don’t sleep through anymore Psychology classes.”

“Funny, fat head.” Steven said. “So anyway are you going to leave the keys to your car?”

“Why should I?” Nikki asked.

“Because I’m asking you to.” Steven said.

“Why would I need to leave the keys to my car? It’s only going to sit in the drive way and look pretty.”

“You know I don’t have a car to use while I’m home and you and your husband have two cars with you. Why don’t you let me use your car? You can ride with Nigel.”

“Where are you going? What time will you be back? Who is going to be in the car? And do you have money for gas? Nikki asked in one breath.

“Damn girl you made me think I was talking to my Drill Instructor again.” Steven said.

“I snapped to attention myself.” Charles said.

“I told you life with Nikki was the same as life in the Corp.” Nigel said and Nikki pinched his side which made him laugh harder.

“No seriously,” Steven said trying to pull himself together. “I just want to go visit some of my friends. Drill Sergeant!”

“Enough of the comedy.” Nikki said.

“OK, OK. I’m serious now.” Steven said. “I’ll take good car of your car, I promise. You know I was a Boy Scout and we always keep our promises.”

“On three conditions.” Nikki said.

“What?” Steven said.

“One you take my bags out of the car and put them in Nigel’s car.” Nikki said.

“Can do.” Steven said.

“Two you clean it when you’re finished with it.”

“Can do.”

“Three you make sure the tank is full when you are finished with it.”

“That’s a given.” Steven said. “Are you sure there isn’t anything else?”

“Yeah for any dents, dings, scratches or chips I take it out of your butt.”

“There won’t be any but you can try if you feel lucky.” Steven challenged.

“They’ll be none of that.” Charles said. “I didn’t raise you kids to fight amongst yourselves.”

“Yes sir.” They all said in unison just as they had been trained to when they were younger.

“My keys are in my purse on the table.” Nikki said.

“I’m not going in your purse.” Steven said.

“You will if you want those keys.” Nikki said.

“Why can’t you just go get the keys?” Steven said.

“I’m tired. I sat here and got comfortable and now I don’t want to move anymore than I have to.” Nikki said. “What is it with men not wanting to go in a woman’s purse anyway. If I thought you where going to steal something I wouldn’t have given you permission to go in my purse.”

“Because a woman’s purse is private. You guys carry things in there that men don’t need to see.”

“I’m telling you if I have to get those keys I’m going to be the one putting them in the ignition and driving it to the hotel.” Nikki said.

“Jacqueline Nikota Ramsey if you don’t stop being so bossy I’m going to put you over my knee.” Charles said. “His mother is in the kitchen and his father is sitting right here.”

“I didn’t mean to sound bossy, Daddy. I was just trying to express to him how tired I am.”

“Did I hear you say you were sorry for being bossy?” Charles asked in a manor that told Nikki he didn’t want to hear any excuses.

“I’m sorry Steven.” Nikki said.

“Don’t be sorry just be more careful.” Steven said.

“Steven,” Charles said. “Just go get your sister her purse so she can get the keys out for you and move her bags.”

“Yes sir.” Steven said as he got up.

“So what are you two going to do tonight?” Aaron asked Nikki and Nigel.

“All I want to do is take a shower and get some sleep.” Nikki said.

“I think I’ll do the same.” Nigel said. “Why, what are you going to do?”

“Darrius and I are going to the Down Town for a few drinks. I just wondered if you wanted to come along.” Aaron said.

“I don’t know.” Nigel said. “I’ll have to see how I feel after I get out of the shower.”

“You mean you’ll have to see if your warden will let you out.” Aaron said.

“My husband does not need my permission to go anywhere or to do anything. If he wants to go he’ll go if he does not then he won’t.” Nikki said.

“Excuse me!” Aaron said. “I was just teasing the man .”

“I’m sorry. I’m just a little cranky right now.” Nikki said.

“Don’t worry about it.” Aaron said. “I know how you get when you get sleepy.”

“What about tomorrow night?” Nigel asked. “What are you guys going to do tomorrow night?”

“We are supposed to be getting together at Marshall’s place to play cards.” Aaron said.

“What time?” Nigel asked.

“I don’t know yet.” Aaron said.

“Well count me in for that.” Nigel said. “We’ll be over after we leave my parents house.”

“Can I come too?” Nikki said. “I want to meet Stephanie.”

“Sure.” Aaron said. “As long as you don’t get sleepy and start getting cranky.”

“More comedy?” Nikki said.

“Always baby girl.” Aaron said.

“OK, I put your bags in Nigel’s car.” Steven said as he came back into the house.”

“Thank you.” Nikki said. “Do you have any money?”

“Of course I have money Nikki.” Steven said.

“Are you sure?” Nikki said.

“Yes I’m sure.” Steven insisted.

“Here take this.” Nikki said handing Steven a fifty dollar bill.

“I don’t need this.” Steven said handing it back to her.

“This is just in case.” Nikki insisted.

“Leave that boy alone.” Charles said. “If he doesn’t want to take your money then you can’t force him.”

“Yes sir.” Nikki said.

“Ready?” Nigel said.

“Yes.”

“We’ll see you guys tomorrow morning.” Nigel said.

“We play football around eight tomorrow.” Steven said. “Will you be there?” “No.” Nigel said. “I don’t get up that early on the days I’m off.”

“You are getting old.” Steven said.

“Watch your mouth boy.” Aaron said. “He and I are the same age.”

“I know.” Steven said.

“Walk me out to the car.” Nikki said to Steven. Good night Daddy.”

“Good night baby girl.” Charles said standing to hug his daughter. “You get some sleep.”

“I will.” Nikki said and wrapped her arm around Steven’s as they walked out of the door.

“I want you take this money for gas of food or buy your friends a drink on me.” Nikki said.

“I don’t need it.” Steven said.

“I know you don’t need it. But I will feel better knowing I gave it to you.” Nikki said. “It will make me feel like you still need me.”

“Girl you are a mess.” Steven said as he accepted.

“I love you too.” Nikki said.

“No doubt.” Steven said. “It goes both ways.”

“See you tomorrow.” Nikki said as Steven walked back into the house.

“You two are really going to spend the rest of the night sleeping?” Aaron said. “It’s too early for bed.”

“It’s never too early for bed.” Nigel said laughing.

“OH!” Aaron said. “You’re not sleepy just ready for bed.”

“I’m sleepy.” Nikki said. “He jumped me at his mother’s house.”

“You jumped me!” Nigel said.

“That is just kinky!” Aaron said. “I would never think of sleeping with anyone in my parents house, wife or not.”

“Me either.” Nikki said.

“But you did it anyway.” Aaron said.

“What ever. I’m ready to go to sleep now.” Nikki said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night baby girl.” Aaron said to Nikki then he turned to Nigel. “Let her get some sleep man, please. I hate to see her looking so pitiful.”

“I will.” Nigel said as he opened the door for his wife. “Don’t get yourself too hurt out there on the field tomorrow.”

“Those young boys can’t touch me.” Aaron said posing as if he were catching a football.

Nikki fell asleep on the way to the hotel and was startled when she was awakened by Nigel opening the door for her.

“Hey baby wake up.” He said. “We’re here.”

“I’m up.” She said groggily. “Why don’t you go check in while I get myself together?”

“I did.” Nigel said.

“You just left me sitting here asleep?”

“I woke you up and you said go check in while I get myself together.” Nigel said mockingly. “When I came back you had gone back to sleep.”

“Oh.” Was all that Nikki could say.

“Are you ready to go in or are you going to sleep in the car?” Nigel asked.

“Let me help you with the bags.” Nikki said as she finally got out of the car.

“I took them in already.” Nigel said. “They are probably in our room waiting for us.”

“Oh.” Nikki said again.

“Do you want me to carry you in?” Nigel said picking up Nikki quickly.

“NOO!” Nikki yelled with the excitement of the moment. “Put me down!”

“Are you sure? Because it doesn’t seem like you want to go in.” Nigel said still cradling Nikki in his arms.

“I’m sure.”

“You know if you don’t start walking as soon as I put you down I’m going to drag you in to the hotel cave man style.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?” Nikki asked.

“No, but I will if I have to.”

“Too bad there isn’t any snow out here.” Nikki said.

“Why?”

“Because I feel like playing.”

“Now that you’ve had a nap you’re rejuvenated and ready to play.”

“And you’re still tired?” Nikki asked.

“No I’m not tired but I know what would help.” Nigel said and started walking towards the hotel door.

“Nigel put me down please.” Nikki asked quietly.

“Why?”

“People are starring.”

“Let them stare.”

“No. Put me down.” Nikki said. “Or I’m going to call Thaxton.”

“Call him.” Nigel said. “He’s probably asleep by now and won’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Nigel please don’t walk into this hotel carrying me.” Nikki begged.

“OK.” Nigel said as he put Nikki down at the door. “Door to Door service cost extra.”.

“Not when you volunteer your services Mr. Waters.” Nikki said.

“But I didn’t volunteer Mrs. Waters.” Nigel said.

“Yes you did. I didn’t ask you to carry me to the hotel door. In fact I asked you not to carry me.” Nikki said.

“You asked me when we were in High school.”

“I did?”

“Yes when you asked me to marry you.”

“I asked you to marry me?”

“Yes you did.”

“Come on baby. I’m going to get you to bed now. It must be past your bed time.”

“It’s past my bed time but I’m not sleepy.”

“I think you should at least take a nap.”

“Let’s go up stairs. We are on the sixteenth floor.” Nigel said.

Once they got up stairs they quickly took their showers and made love until the early in the morning. By the time they drifted off to sleep they were both too exhausted to speak. They both laid there caressing each other tenderly.