Pick Me Blues (The KoKo series Book 5) Read online

  2

  “With a combined net income of 5.5 billion dollars, Ezra Banks II and Ivanna Roux are about to become the next power couple in Hollywood, y’all.” Mindy Mathers gushed in a tacky pink leopard-print dress.

  “It’s Ivonka, not Ivanna!” I yell at the 30-inch flat screen television perched on my kitchen wall as if the talk show host can hear me.

  “We all know Ezra Banks. He’s a Harvard grad who comes from old money and he and his late brother started their production company years ago. But who the hell is Ivanna? Doesn’t it seem like she just appeared outta nowhere? Who is she you ask?”

  The audience chuckles.

  “Gardenias?” London-Marie asks before taking a sip of Mimosa from her champagne flute. She points at an arrangement of flowers in a Gardening magazine.

  “Well, you know my team went right to work to find out who this mystery woman is. She’s a very successful attorney slash CEO of Crème de la Crème Entertainment Law and Management, which is a well-known firm in the entertainment industry. As a matter of fact, my own husband is a client of Crème de la Crème. Anyway, enough about that. Let’s get to the juicy stuff. That’s what y’all really wanna hear, right?”

  The audience cheers as Mindy takes a sip from a purple leopard-print teacup.

  “Turns out, this Ivanna- woman is best friends with none other than Ms. Messy Pants herself, Koreen the Dream.”

  The audience groans.

  “I know, I know. Birds of a feather flock together.”

  Mindy shakes her head as the audience claps in agreement.

  I look up from my Couture Brides Magazine list of wedding do’s and don’ts laying on top of the kitchen island. London and I are both sitting on a set of overpriced brown leather designer stools while half-listening to the Asian Queen of Gossip, Mindy Mathers.

  “Gardenias? What about ‘em?” I ask.

  “All-white centerpieces of gardenias or peonies-”

  I cut her off before she can finish. “Our wedding planner has everything taken care of. Our theme is vintage Hollywood glam. Our wedding planner has done wonders bringing a 1930s Hollywood feel to this wedding. Not only will I have a vintage feathered white rose bouquet, but instead of the traditional stretched limo, we’ve opted for a white 1935 Duesenberg SJ-”

  Her twenty-nine year-old pale ivory face contorts in confusion.

  “A Duesen-what?”

  “ A 1935 Duesenberg SJ. It’s a classic. Google it. D-U-E-S-E-N-”

  She raises a hand for me to stop.

  “I’ll look it up later.”

  “Well the good thing is that she comes from money herself and she graduated from Princeton Law.”

  The audience lets out a sound of surprise and approval as Mindy continues.

  “Her grandmother founded one of the largest HR consultant companies in the nation and her mother is the current CEO of that company. I gotta admit though, I’m a little concerned for Ezra. As we all know, he doesn’t have any offspring. She doesn’t have any kids yet either and she has to be knocking on forty-five. At this point, do we know if this Ivanna-woman’s eggs aren’t hard-boiled?”

  A wave of astonished laughter is released from the studio audience.

  “I personally think he could’ve done better. Maybe someone a whole lot younger. What about Keyshia Valentine or Shannon Rose? They’re both young, beautiful, and single. Am I right?”

  “I’ve been looking for a 1920s flapper’s-style veil. You know, those short feathered head pieces the flappers wore in the olden days?”

  I can tell I’ve lost London-Marie by the blank look on her face.

  “Jeff, were we able to find a picture of the bride-to-be?” Mindy asks a staff member.

  A photo of Ezra and I sitting courtside at a Laker’s game emerges from the floor-to-ceiling monitor behind Mindy.

  The audience gasps, again in approval.

  “Not bad. Do we know if she’s biracial? I guarantee those are contacts. Not bad, but still too old for Tinsel town’s most eligible bachelor. Ezra darling, if you’re watching, please take heed to my advice. Once that wedding is over, keep Ms. Koreen the Dream far far away from your wife, boo. That’s if you plan to stay married to Ms. Roux after she hits fifty. I know Koreen’s lil ‘Dreams’, that’s what’s her fans call themselves incase you’re living under a rock, anyway, I know the Dreams will be harassing me for even bringing her name up. It is what it is. Koreen’s a hoe, okay? Remember three years ago when she couldn’t figure out who little Kiana’s father was? Chile, that’s a hoe if you ever asked me.”

  “Well no one’s asking.” I mumble.

  London’s blue eyes light up as if remembering something.

  “You know what, Tristan Green owes me a few favors. I could ask him to sing at the wedding.”

  “I appreciate the offer, London, but Ezra-”

  “Or what about Armani Rayne? Aren’t you guys-”

  “Absolutely not. Besides, Ezra’s already booked someone to sing.”

  London raises a brow.

  “You know what? You might be right about not booking Armani. It wouldn’t be wise. Especially if Koreen’s crazy ass is gonna be in attendance. I didn’t think about that. I really think you should think twice about inviting her.”

  “Inviting who? KoKo?”

  London-Marie nods as she flips a page of a bridal magazine.

  “Especially after everything she’s done to you.”

  I place a hand on my hip and give her a quizzical look.

  “And what exactly did she do to me, London?”

  She looks up from a magazine spread of several models posing in different shades of blue bridesmaid dresses.

  “You know, abandoning you while you were in a coma, hitting on your ex-boyfriend-”

  “None of that is true.” I say defensively.

  “Your ex said that in an interview with-”

  I cut her off. “Adrian is a pathological liar. He’ll say anything to dirty her name, especially if he’s getting paid for it.”

  London-Marie shrugs.

  “You said yourself that KoKo is a bit of a drama queen.”

  “I said she can be a bit melodramatic.”

  Her piercing blue eyes peers into my own green eyes.

  “Same difference. I’m just looking out for you, Ivonne.”

  I stuff the thick Couture Bride magazine back in my leather Prada totebag in frustration.

  “I don’t need you looking out for me, London. I’m a grown woman. KoKo and I squashed whatever beef we had as soon as I woke up from that coma. That was years ago. She’s a mother of 2 now and has calmed down a bit. Not only is she invited, but she’s my maid-of-honor. End of story.”

  My fiancé and my mother had already failed at persuading me to disinvite KoKo and it was becoming a bit aggravating having to explain myself to everyone. Koreen and I had had our rough patches in the past, but she was still my best friend, even if we now lived on opposite ends of the country.

  “Hey, it’s your wedding. If you’re happy with having her there, then I’m happy.” London-Marie assures, but I know she’s still a bit sour about not being part of the wedding party. Especially after finding out that Koreen and Desiree would both be my maid of honors. Isaac would be walking me down the aisle in place of my deceased father.

  “Well, I hope you’ve braced yourself for the frenzy about to take place these next couple of days.” London says before downing the rest of her Mimosa.

  “What frenzy?” My mother asks, entering the kitchen in a silk white robe.

  Neither me or London answers my mother. Instead, London grabs her Kate Spade crossbody purse and rises from her stool.

  “There’s fresh coffee ready.” I tell my mother.

  She heads straight to the refrigerator and retrieves a carton of soy milk.

  I turn my attention back to London-Marie. “I think it’ll be fun though, having a full house for a change. I haven’t seen KoKo, Desi, and Isaac, since Desiree’s wedding. That
was what, almost a year and a half ago?”

  “Is Isaac still with your twin?” London laughs.

  I tilt my head back as I down the rest of my Mimosa.

  “Michelle? They’re still married as far as I know and she’s not my twin. We just happen to favor one another.”

  My mother snorts.

  “She can look like you all she wants but she’s not you. Is he bringing her?” My mother asks.

  “Of course she’s coming. She’s his wife.” I reply.

  My mother walks over to us holding a steaming cup of coffee in one hand.

  “And they staying here?”

  She points her index finger towards the ceiling in a circle, gesturing my ten-bedroom mansion.

  The air thickens as my mother waits for me to answer with an incredulous look on her face.

  “Why not, ma? KoKo and Desi are staying here. Why wouldn’t I allow Isaac and Michelle as well? How would it look if I didn’t?”

  My mother slowly places the mug on the kitchen counter and bends down so that both our emerald eyes are staring into one another.

  “I done cancelled a very important meeting in New York to come all this way to see you walk down that aisle to marry that boy. Ezra, that is. Don’t you go bringing shame to our family name, gal, ya’ hear me?”

  “What exactly is that supposed to mean, ma? Bringing shame to our family name?”

  My mother turns towards London-Marie.

  “I’m gonna have to ask you to leave, darling.” She explains as she walks over to the kitchen door and holds it open. “You understand, don’t you? Family business.”

  “Oh.” London jumps up as she comes to the realization that my mother is asking her to leave.

  “I’m sorry, London. We’ll chat later.” I say apologetically.

  “No worries. I’m running late for an appointment anyhow. I’ll call you later today.”

  Shutting the door behind London, my mother slowly shakes her head.

  “You need to find you more appropriate friends to mingle with, gal.” My mother grumbles, heading back to her empty glass.

  “What’s wrong with London? You have a problem with everyone and everything I do, ma. I will never be able to please you.”

  “You’re about to be a married woman. You can’t continue associating and galivanting the city with single women.”

  “Gallivanting the city?” I repeat in amusement.

  My mother glares at me as she continues. “Let alone a single young white woman. Don’t you read the tabloids, don’t you watch the news? Our black men our always cheating and leaving us for these young pretty white girls. Don’t you for a second think your light skin and green eyes is enough to stop an old hound from sniffing around that white pussycat you call a neighbor.”

  I rolled my eyes, dismissing her concerns.

  “What would Grandma Clementine say if she were alive to hear you speaking this way, ma?” I ask.

  Mother sucks her teeth.

  “My white momma stole my daddy from his black wife and his black chil’ren. Started a whole ‘nother family with my white momma and had me and your aunt and your uncles. My daddy wasn’t shit either.”

  I sigh in defeat. There was no winning with a woman as stubborn as Collette Roux.

  “I gotta pick up Desi and Princeton from the airport in a few minutes.”

  My mother snaps her finger as if remembering something.

  “I’m gonna give up my room on the third floor for Isaac and his wife. I’ll take the room beside yours.”

  I shrug.

  “That’s fine with me. Ezra sleeps in my bedroom every night, ma. Its not like Isaac can creep in my bedroom at night.”

  “I don’t think he should be staying in this house with you, no-how. It’s inappropriate!” My mother huffs.

  My forehead scrunches in confusion.

  “How is inappropriate, ma? Isaac’s a married man and I’m engaged.”

  My mother’s emerald eyes wanders somewhere in the distance.

  “I still remember the hurt in your eyes when Isaac told you that he and Michelle were moving to Louisiana together to take care of his dying mother. You were crushed. I’ll never forget that pain I seen flashing in your eyes. I knew right then that you loved that boy.”

  I don’t deny or confirm my mother’s assumption as my thoughts also travel back to three years at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where Isaac had poured out his heart to me.

  “You’ve always the meant the world to me, Ivonka Roux. Even if you’ve always overlooked me. I fell for you the moment we locked eyes at Mozelle’s party. Remember that? Shit, I think even back then that chump, Francois Lewis, could feel the chemistry between us. Don’t you agree?

  Do you know how hard it is to have to hear you talk about all these losers you’ve been with all these years? It’s been hard, Ivonne. I’ve always wanted the best for you. Even if it’s not with me.”

  3

  “I’ve been seeing this girl from my old job. She worked in the HR department at Walmart. Her name’s Michelle Reese. She’s amazing. I think you’d like her, Ivonne. She kinda reminds me of you. It’s funny.” He smiled.

  I caught myself frowning with disappointment at the revelation.

  Isaac held up both hands. “Alright, alright. Maybe not exactly like you. There can only be one Ivonka Roux. I know. Here look at these.” He pushed his android onto my hands. “Isn’t she stunning?”

  I quietly flipped through the pictures as the sounds of Isaac’s excited chattering faded to the background.

  There was no denying how beautiful the woman was. I could see a resemblance between her and I. We both shared a bright yellow hue and slanted eyes. She kept her mane in a short bob like I had always kept mine before meeting Adrian.

  I handed his phone back.

  “She’s beautiful.” I smiled, attempting my best to suppress my disappointment.

  ***

  It was a full house once Desi and her clan settled in the mansion. Tears had been shed and hugs were exchanged at LAX earlier that evening. I was surprised to see that Desiree had cut and dyed her signature red frizzy hair. She was now a brunette and her wild tresses had been tamed and styled in a short mane. 0Princeton had travelled along, not wanting to leave his pregnant wife’s side. Not only was Desi five months pregnant with her seventh child, but she had also brought along all six of her hell-raisers with them. My heart broke a little when all but her oldest son, Sebastien, claimed to not remember their aunt Vonne. Baby Delilah, now three, had a head full of red hair and was always getting into anything her hands could reach.

  Against my wishes, Ezra arranged for his chauffeur to drive our guests back to our Beverly Hills mansion in an ostentatious stretched Bentley. Turns out, the kids enjoyed every minute of the limo ride. Their excited chatter and commotion filled the vehicle, triggering my biological clock to tick. It was their first time in sunny California and I couldn’t help feeling blessed to have experienced the moment with them as all six children peered out the window of the limo in antipation.

  “This house is beautiful, Vonne. The large kitchen and the spacious guest rooms. Everything!” Desi gushes during dinner time.

  The kids are seated at a smaller table that I had Ezra purchase the day before at a party store.

  “Thanks, Des. I’m thinking about selling this house after the wedding.” I say, glancing at Ezra.

  “Why not just rent it out?” Princeton suggests.

  “I already suggested that to her. Goes in one ear and out the other. You know how women are. Always think they’re right.” Ezra jokes.

  Princeton laughs and is about to agree until he notices the scowl on Desi’s face.

  “Why not just keep it. Ya’ll can afford to have more than one property.” My mother says.

  “ I don’t wanna be bothered with the upkeep.” I say.

  “What about your housekeeper and your cook and other staff?” Desi inquires. “Are you letting them go?”

  “They�
�re coming with me when I move in with Ezra.”

  Ezra shakes his head in disagreement. “Honey, we’ve already discussed this. I have a driver, a cook, three housekeepers, and a butler at my place. There’s no need for extra help.”

  “Can’t you just fire them?” I ask although I realize I’m being unreasonable.

  Ezra raises an eyebrow.

  “Baby, these people have been working for me for at least fifteen years. They’re like family.”

  He had a point. I hadn’t even formed a bond with my staff, whom I had hired just under two years ago.

  “Well how about you both compromise?” My mother chimes in. “You cant rent out this house and keep the help here on payroll for your tenants. Besides, you outta leave some property behind for my future grandchil’ren.” She smiles at Ezra and I.

  My mother receives a concurring nod from Desi.

  “I agree with you, Ms. Roux. I doubt I will have any property to leave my children when I’m gone.”

  My eyes squint in confusion.

  “How is that? Isn’t Lucas worth mil-”

  “That bastard stopped paying child support as soon as he heard I got remarried.” Desi growled.

  Princeton placed an arm around her she continued on with her rant.

  “He doesn’t even see his kids. He acts like they don’t even exist, I highly doubt that puta will leave anything behind for his children. He changes his will any time he’s feeling spiteful. His own mother is not in his will. That piece of shit.”

  “Calm down, baby.” Princeton comforts.

  I shake my head in sympathy.

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. Those children deserve a father.”

  “They have a father. They have me.” Princeton says matter-of-factly.

  “I may not be a millionaire like Lucas or been born with a silver-spoon, but we’ve been managing with my job in I.T. and Desi’s still making good money as a nurse at Palmetto Hospital. Those kids have never went without since I’ve been in the picture. Neither has Desiree. I’ve been to every game, award ceremony, every birthday party. They’re my kids too. They have a father.”