Ebony and I deflate into each other, laughing as we earn a round of applause from a yard full of people, all thrilled to see us so happy together and loving each other so deeply after so long.
Soon, with everyone seated and Foolishness sheets passed out, I stand at the edge of the patio. “Before we get started, I just want to take a few minutes to say what a true privilege it’s been working with you on this monumental journey, restoring and preserving Madison Manor, this vital part of Ellswood’s history…” I pause, the TV lift remote in hand, shutting off the patio lights and taking in the sight of the warm moonlight cast over my friends and crew. I try to focus on their familiar, smiling faces around me, but my attention keeps drifting back to Ebony, overwhelming love for her prickling at me.
“Aw, now here we go…” Vincent groans loudly, clearly already clocking the way I’m staring at her.
A sharp laugh escapes me. “What? I can’t celebrate the work we’ve doneandthe love of my life?”
Laughter ripples through the group.
Vincent waves me off. “We didn’t wait all day to see this for you to be out here giving love monologues,” he complains, shaking his head. “You should know we’re fresh out of patience.”
“You’ve got this, man!” Dom yells, still cackling.
“On the real, though, I know everyone’s anxious to watch the show, and you don’t want to listen to me rambling on.” I straighten, pride swelling in my chest. “The long and short of it is, we’re down to the eleventh hour with only the indoor garden to finish before we start up our next job, converting the historic Everwood school.” This earns me a raucous round of applause. “But you all should be very proud that, with the work on Madison Manor, we’ve officially solidified our contributions to a cornerstone of Ellswood’s rich heritage,andI may or may not be a believer in the magic of that grand ballroom…” Emotion catches in my throat, stealing my words. I manage a small smile.
Ebony rushes to my side, kissing me sweetly.
Our small crowd erupts in applause.
Half of me knows it’s time to wrap up my speech and press play, but this feels like a full-circle moment.
Josiah loudly clears his throat. “Wrapitup!” He does a terrible job of masking his cough, sending laughter dancing over the impatient group.
“Okay, okay. Towrap it up…” I chuckle. “Thank you, and without further ado, I give you…Cornelia Livingston andThe Morning Tea.”
I point the remote, my heart full as the television rises from the wall, the screen lighting up.
Then Ebony, using my iPad, presses play on the YouTube video.
Azalea and Yvette, the co-hosts ofThe Morning Tea, face the camera.
“Can y’all believe it?” Azalea crosses her long legs, leaning toward the edge of her seat in a navy suit. “We’ve got Cornelia Livingston with us today!”
The camera pans to the crowd applauding. There’s nothing wild or raucous about this welcome, and it’s clear they’re all waiting for the scandal to unfold.
“I don’t know if they’re ready,” Yvette says, waving herThe Morning Teacue cards, prompting louder cheers this time. “And Nora Whitfield, the OG Luxe Lady, will be here.”
The noise level explodes, both on- and off-screen.
“Oop! Gaslighting 101!” Priscilla calls, already marking her sheet. “OG Luxe Lady, check!”
After about five minutes of ads and a monologue about the upcoming season ofLuxe Ladies, Cornelia walks out in sensible black heels and a stiff-looking black dress adorned with gold-threaded flowers. Her gray hair, as expected, is styled in a severe updo, fit for a principal handing out demerits.
“Thank you for having me.” Cornelia looks like she might hurt herself trying to smile. If I’m judging by the pageant wave alone, it’s clear she’s uncomfortable.
Right on her heels, Nora walks out, heading straight for the audience. She shakes hands and hugs people before she even acknowledges Azalea and Yvette. “Yes, it’s so nice to be here with my favorite local morning show hosts,” she says, the subtext thick with animosity, especially after they’ve practically called her old.
All in all, though, things start off pretty tame.
The co-hosts congratulate Cornelia on Hailey and Donovan’s wedding next week, commenting how honored she must be to have her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law hosting the first event in the newly restored Madison Manor. Then, in true gossip-seeking form, Yvette adds, “And the first event planned by your ex-daughter-in-law—the viral sensation, the divorcétante—in over a year since her untimely divorce from Julian.” She’s got the decency to look contrite, but it’s below the belt. Even for a duo who built their fame on scandal and salacious tea.
Yet everyone in the yard is loving every bit.
“That’s right! Dig, Yvette!” Whitney yells at the screen. “Earn your ratings!”
On screen, Cornelia laughs, but it’s clear she’s unamused. “Yes, especially in light of her recent brushes with the paparazzi unearthing all those unseemly photos with the man overseeing the restoration.”
The shame.
