Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Relaxed was not a word I usually associated with Hu, but right now, he was one of the happiest-looking people out here.
O-kay.
I blinked in surprise.
This was the most laid-back I had ever seen him. Lan was showing him the steps and for once, he wasn’t stiff and awkward.
I continued doing the steps and taking in everyone around us.
Across the yard, I spotted Chloe and Jo dancing with Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi.
Aww.
They were having an absolute blast and to my surprise, Jo didn’t seem to mind hanging with them. When she showed up earlier, Jo had been so resistant to everything East-related, but now, watching her laugh with the aunts, it hit me—Jo had softened.
Thank God. She’s going to end up staying with us. I know it.
“Alright, everybody ready?” DJ Hendrix called out. “You all look like you know the moves!”
I checked Lei and he was keeping up with us for sure, although his gaze kept going to my hips.
My baby stays horny.
DJ Hendrix yelled on the microphone. “Everybody say, ‘Hell yeah!’”
The crowd roared back, “Hell yeah!”
“Everybody let me know where you’re from!”
People were yelling the East over and over. Many were screaming the South.
And far off, I heard Chloe and Jo laugh and roar, “Go Glory! Go Glory!”
And then our dancing crowd was one, pulsing and swaying together, under the stars, dancing like there was no tomorrow.
Banks began clapping as we stepped to the side. “That’s right, cuz. You’re going to have to bring soul to the East!”
Laughing, I checked around and a tiny pang of disappointment hit me.
I didn’t see Dima, Rose, or the cat joining us or anywhere else in the yard.
Did they slip out without saying goodbye? Or are they on the carousel?
Dima and Rose were such a unique pair and Barbara Whiskers had stolen everyone’s hearts, including mine. I hoped they hadn’t left yet I want to see them one more time and say goodbye.
“Alright, everyone!” DJ Hendrix shouted. “Let’s finish strong! Slide it out!”
The entire yard moved together, swaying to the beat, laughing and sliding in unison—well, almost unison.
Chen was still out there, doing his best Elvis impression, but somehow, that made everything even more perfect.
I raised my arms high, caught up in the energy of the night letting myself be swept away by the music, the laughter, and the people I loved.
My sisters were happy.
The cookout was a success.
Banks was still basking in his win and here I was, with Lei by my side.
Life didn’t get much better than this.
Just as the last notes of the "Electric Slide” faded away, a sudden whoosh broke through the laughter and chatter, making me pause mid-laugh.
What was that?
I glanced up in surprise as the sky above us exploded into a brilliant burst of blue light, shimmering in the night air like magic.
“Whoa!” someone shouted.
Everyone’s heads turned upward in awe.
More blue fireworks lit up the sky. They arced and danced among the stars, leaving behind trails of shimmering light that twirled and spun in mid-air.
Jesus! This may be the best cookout I’ve ever been to.
And right with the blue fireworks, others exploded into brilliant bursts of green.
Banks bobbed his head, took that toothpick back out and placed it in his mouth. “Alright then. Brother can never stay mad with the East for too long. Real classy.”
Blue and green fireworks dazzled and burst.
We all stood there, mesmerized.
DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Shout out to Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi for the light show! We’re ending this night with a bang baby and that’s due to them!”
The crowd stopped dancing and erupted into cheers and clapping.
I glanced at Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi who were proudly beaming. They looked so happy, surrounded by my sisters.
I looked over at Lei and the soft glow of the fireworks danced across his face. His long hair caught the light and for a moment, he looked even more like the protector I had come to love.
He caught me staring and flashed me that smile that made my knees weak. Then he pulled me closer to him with one strong arm wrapped around my waist.
Fireworks continued to explode above us, lighting up the sky.
Damn. I wish TT could see this.
It was in that moment when I glanced over my shoulder in the direction of Lotus Blossom, hoping she ran to a window to see the fireworks too. She loved them. Last Fourth of July, I made it a point to take her to downtown Glory to see the free fireworks show.
I need to go up and check on TT.
Still gazing over my shoulder, I moved my view to the second level’s windows and the air shifted. For some reason, it thickened, tension creeping into my lungs. It was odd, but I felt the shocking problem before I saw anything. It was just this sense that something wasn’t right.