“About what?” Enya inquired.
“He asked me if I was a virgin, and I said yes.”
Cali sighed dramatically. “Girl it’s 2025 now. Nobody is lying about being a virgin anymore. Hell, just keep it real.”
“I bet Dad told him that, which I find weird because why are they discussing your coochie?”
“Who knows?” Bria shrugged. “That’s something Dad made me promise to save for marriage. I’m sure that’s why he said that to Lo.”
“And he don't even know you already gave that box up.” Cali cackled.
Trying her best to hide her smile, Bria threw a pillow at her.
“I don't find this funny.”
“Girl, relax. He don't need to know anything about your pus prior to him. You’ll be fine.”
Bria hated lying, which was why she avoided it at all costs. Starting her marriage with a lie was like applying for a job, knowing she would fail the drug test. Deception had already met them at the altar before they could get there. Bria carried a burden that was bound to shatter into tiny pieces. Would she be able to piece the trust back together if Lo was to find out about her lie? She wasn’t certain and prayed that her little white lie wouldn’t grow into a virus that infected her impending marriage.
I Do?
The wedding…
Bria sat in a daze as everyone scattered before her, trying to ensure that her day was close to perfection. Her mind didn’t feel like it belonged to her as her heart drummed inside her chest. She couldn’t understand why she was so uneasy, considering this was a man that she didn’t have a relationship with. Lo was merely a stranger; a lack of connection that she needed to join as one so her father could guarantee the safety of the family.
Her mother, Cecilia, carefully held her bouquet in her hands and placed it on the table. Clad in a black dress with a Bolero jacket, she turned to Bria and smiled.
“Honey, are you going to eventually get dressed? All the guests are arriving.”
Bria had already gotten her makeup done as well as her hair. She chose an updo style with tendrils that framed her face. She felt stunning but the gray cloud hovering over her wouldn’t allow her to feel any joy. It may as well been a gloomy day with the glum that dwelled inside her.
“Mama, she’s nervous. You know how the wedding days get,” Enya said, steaming her dress.
Cecilia sat next to Bria, swaddling her with the only comfort she could get from her mother. It was much needed and soothing as Bria rested her head in her mother’s bosom.
“My baby, tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“I don't know. I guess… I’m just anxious.”
“That’s to be expected.” Cecilia pulled back. “Getting married is a big deal, and the person who you get married to is an even bigger deal. Are you comfortable with this setup? You don't have to do it.”
Bria gave her a knowing look, causing her to chuckle. Everything was riding on her shoulders at the moment. Backing out wasn’t an option. In The Mob, if a person gave their word, they had to abide by it. Despite Bria not being an official mob member, she still had to stand on her promise to join two families.
“Mama, you know I can’t turn back now. I already committed.”
“Listen, I know you're making this move for the family but I’m your mama, and your safety is my number one concern. Do you think you're going to be uncomfortable with your new husband?”
Bria shrugged, not sure how to feel about Lo. He was a big ole mystery that she couldn’t wait to solve.
“If you're not, then you need to tell me. I won’t make you do this.”
Sighing, she replied, “I’m good, Mama. I can handle this.”
“Yeah, Mama, you know Bria is the toughest out of all of us,” Cali joked. “Big strong ass.”
Rolling her eyes at her sister, she heard a knock at the door. When it opened, a woman entered wearing a smile so big that Bria couldn’t help but beam herself.
“Which one of you is Bria?”
