Tiana sat in the airy sun room with her soon to be in-laws for lunch. Although it was a perfect day to chat outside, she didn't want to be bothered with company like them at all.
"You look lovely Tiana." complimented Vivienne, her fiancé's oldest sister.
Betty placed a plate of tea cakes, along with small bowls of lemon sorbet dessert on the clothed table.
She smiled "Thank you."
Out of the entire Reynaud family; she was the only person she could tolerate. Vivienne was the only member in the family who didn't inherit the signature blue eyed, flaxen blonde hair trait. She stood out with her shiny dark chocolate hair and brown eyes.
"Do you have everything you need for the wedding?" she asked as she helped serve her three year old son, Simeon some fruit.
Tiana sipped her iced tea not wanting to answer the question. She was sure to share some words with Betty for inviting them to come in.
"She should be," interrupted Violet "I can't wait for this engagement to be over with so that I can prepare for my wedding!"
Marguerite gave her youngest daughter a side eye "You and Philip just broke up."
"We can always get back together!" she frowned at Tiana "Meanwhile, we have to cater to this colored winch…"
Tiana rose up from the table on her good foot "Excuse me?"
"Enough!" yelled Marguerite "Violet, if I hear another word from you today…"
"But mother…" she whined
Vivienne was embarrassed for her sister "Can you at least be happy for someone else for once in your pathetic life?"
"Oh shut it Viv." she snapped.
Simeon began to cry at the dispute, causing everyone except Tiana and Vivienne to be disgusted.
"I don't even know why you would even bring that child here. He is always whining about something." said Marguerite.
The brunette stood and gently grabbed her son's hand. "I apologize if your grandson is disturbing you mother."
"He needs to learn to have manners." the old woman spat
"He is three years old!"
Tiana slowly got up from the table "Let me show you the way…"
Vivienne smiled "Thank you Tiana."
After the women helped the young boy calm down with a cool popsicle, they found themselves caught in conversation.
"Don't let my mother get to you, she's like that all of the time." said Vivienne as she wiped her son's face with a warm cloth
"She's pretty harsh." Tiana replied "Even to her own grandchild."
Vivienne shrugged her shoulders "It's nothing new, although my brother doesn't see it. He's just like her!"
Tiana's eyes widened.
"He's the same way towards you isn't he?"
She didn't know what to say. Could Vivienne be setting her up? "Um…"
"He is." she said simply "I guess love is the only reason that you're dealing with him, right?"
"Why are you asking me this?"
"I want to make sure that you know what you are getting into…I sure wish that I had someone to tell me what I'm telling you." Vivienne said as she lifted her son from the island counter and walked back outside to the sun room.
Tiana stood in the kitchen contemplating on what she was just told.
()()()()
"Happy Juneteenth!"
After an entire week had came and went, Tiana was well enough to venture out beyond her home and go visit her family in the ninth ward. It was Juneteenth, and everyone was out celebrating with cookouts and picnics all through the black neighborhoods.
"Tiana!" shouted Mathias "I haven't seen you in forever." he was one of her paternal cousins.
She shook her head in shame "I know, I've been wanting to come visit ya'll for so long…" she didn't want to worry anyone with her situation at home, this was a happy occasion.
"Your look has changed a lot. Ya don't even look like that skinny little girl that I once knew!" he joked
She smiled as she looked down at her pastel yellow dress. "I can say the same about you Mathias, I've heard that you are opening your own barbershop!"
"Yea, it was the only solution. My living room was getting too small with all of the customers."
"Babycakes! Come ova here and say hey to ya grandmere." shouted Eudora from her front porch
Tiana looked over at her mother's house and saw her mother helping her grandmother out of the house and to a chair on the small porch. Tears started to form in her eyes as she hurried over that way.
Wrapped in her favorite quilt, the elder woman smiled after she heard a familiar name "Tiana?"
Tiana sat on the porch and placed her hand in hers "Alo Granmè." (Hello Grandma)
"Ki jan ou ye Pitit fi?" (How are you Granddaughter?) she replied
Tiana almost started to cry, she felt empty and lonely, but she absolutely could not let her know how she really felt. "M'ap fè byen." (I am doing well.)
"Mwen byen kontan ke ou te vin jwenn selebre Juneteenth ak fanmi ou. Mwen renmen ou." (I'm glad that you came to celebrate Juneteenth with your family. I love you.) the woman started to cough violently.
Eudora helped her stand. "Oh my, looks like she is gonna have to stay in the house again."
Tiana helped Eudora walk her grandmother into a room that once belonged to her, once she sat on the bed she poured her a glass of water.
"How has she been?" asked Tiana
"Better than the last time you saw her. The thick summer air is messin' with her lungs."
Tiana looked over at her grandmother. She was so small with a halo full of snow white hair in her cute housecoat.
She wiped her eyes "I wish I could be here more."
Eudora led them out of the bedroom and into the front room. "You have a man at home to take care of. Don't worry about us, Mama Odette will be fine."
"But I miss ya'll! I'm missin' out on my family's accomplishments and I haven't even seen Uncle Curtis in forever-"
Eudora pointed her finger in Tiana's face "You should have thought about that before you went and ruined ya life! Women around here would kill to be in your shoes! Ya just gonna have to deal with it now." she snapped
Tiana stared at her mother in disappointment. She hadn't seen her act like this is a while, it made her realize who she was talking to. Her mother wasn't a person who she could talk to about her situation…she would always forget that.
"I have to go, I'll see you later." she said as she walked out of the house.
Eudora immediately felt bad and followed her "Babycakes!"
Mathias saw Tiana walk out the house and motioned for her to come over his way "Hey Tiana! We got a crawfish boil goin'. We need ya special seasonings!"
She shrugged her shoulders "Sorry cousin, I best be goin back home."
The brown complexioned man frowned "But ya just got here! And you haven't even seen Gloria yet, she's been wantin' to talk to ya about some recipes."
Eudora walked over to the pair wanting to talk to Tiana. "Baby-"
"Just have Gloria to borrow my grandmere's old notebooks. The recipes are identical." She replied as she stepped into her car, Henry opening the door for her.
Mathias looked over at Eudora "Sure, we have to make a trip to your side of town. Heard your home is beautiful."
Tiana smiled "That would be nice."
As they drove away, Eudora saw the hurt in her daughter's eyes. "I'm sorry baby." she whispered
After two seconds in the car Tiana changed her mind. Instead of going home, she had Henry drop her off in the Quarter. She decided to browse some boutiques while getting her thoughts in order. She couldn't shake off what her mother had said earlier, because she had always promised that she wouldn't use her past against her.
While strolling along Canal Street, she decided to visit her old workplace, Duke's. Not much changed, except for the live entertainment they had stationed in the front by the patio. They had the entire diner snapping their fingers while taking a bite. A waitress led her to a table and handed her a menu. However, she was too entranced in the band to think about food at the moment.
She covered her mouth with her hand as she couldn't control her laughter when she realized that the ukulele player was Naveen. 'Who knew?' she thought to herself.
He noticed her in the crowd and smiled to himself. 'Who knew?' he thought to himself.
After the first set was over, he made his way over to her table. "So you're stalking me now?" he joked
"Very funny." she said "I can say the same about you; you're always where I am."
He smirked "Well, right now you are where I am. It's your turn to stalk, yes?"
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Why are you here? Are you in a band?" she glanced towards the stage area.
Naveen sat back in his chair "If you are asking if I am a member of the Firefly Five Plus Lou, then yes I am."
"Interesting." she replied
"I see that you're walking again. Out and about…"
She looked down at her foot "Yeah, it fully healed days ago."
As she was glancing down, Naveen took advantage and eyed her features once more. She was simply beautiful. 'How is it possible to be that gorgeous?' he thought
"So how did you find this band?" she asked only to find the man lost in a trance "Naveen?"
After hearing his name he snapped back into reality, slightly embarrassed that his thoughts conquered him again. "How about we order something?"
After the waitress placed their dishes in front of them, they savored their lunch with a couple glasses of pina coladas. The two spoke more about each other, learning that they have a lot more in common than they originally thought.
"So you mean to tell me, that you used to work three jobs?"
"Yep. This place was one of them." she said with a shrug
"Why? Wasn't one enough?"
She sighed "It wasn't as hard as it sounds. If you have a goal in mind, you'd so anything to reach it."
"And what goal was that?" he sipped his drink
"To own a restaurant."
"Well that explains why your cooking is great. Did you ever reach your goal?"
Tiana glanced around the room. "My dream was put on hold after I met Vincent."
Naveen really didn't want to talk about the man. He didn't deserve to be the topic of conversation. "Well, it will come true one day. Because you sure know how to choose an entrée, this is delicious."
She smiled "I told you that Duke's blackened tilapia is the bee's knees!"
"You were most definitely right, I could eat this everyday…" he took another bite
Tiana jokingly narrowed her eyes at him "So you couldn't eat my food everyday?"
His eyes widened, he didn't want to insult her "No, no I just meant…"
"I was just messin' with ya!"
After they finished eating, Naveen offered to drive Tiana home and she actually obliged.
"Don't you have to stay with the band?"
He shrugged "We don't have another set until six o'clock, so I have time."
They walked out of Duke's to Naveen's car parked directly in front, with him opening the car door for her.
"Nice car." she complimented
He smiled "This isn't your first time seeing my mercer coupe, no?"
"Last time I saw it, I was too nervous to pay attention…to your mercer coupe."
Naveen thought for a moment "Do you know how to drive?"
"No."
"Why not?"
She looked at him "My parents never owned a car, besides streetcars are the way to get around these parts."
"Well, today you will learn" he said as he handed her the keys.
Tiana was surprised as she grabbed the keys "What do you mean?"
"I will teach you." He got out of the car
"Naveen!" she yelled as he went over to her side. He opened the door and helped her out.
"Naveen, I don't know how to drive!" she said as he opened the driver door for her to get in.
"I will guide you!" he said as he went over to the other side
Defeated, she stared at the keys she held in her hands. "What's wrong?" Naveen said as he watched her
"I don't know how to drive!" she repeated
"Like I said, I will show you!"
"I don't want to ruin your car…I mean your mercer coupe." she smirked
He laughed "I can always purchase another one."
Tiana stopped for a moment, what kind of profession was this man in for him to be able to afford not one, but two expensive cars?
She glanced at him with her arms folded "What do you do for a living?"
Naveen really didn't want to tell her anything about his life as a wealthy prince. He felt that it wasn't necessary, and just wanted to be able to spend big without people questioning his line of work.
"Are you going to start the engine?" he asked
Tiana knew that he was stalling again so she just decided to move on…for now. She started the engine.
"Good. Now gently press your foot on the gas…"
She did as she was told, and the car sped quickly down the street. "Gently!" he said
Tiana abruptly hit the brake petal causing their bodies to move forward. "Sorry!" she said
"It's fine. Just press the petal gently this time."
As they drove through the streets, Tiana felt so liberated. She never knew how it felt to drive, and boy did it feel good!
"You're a natural." Naveen said as he watched her become more comfortable behind the wheel.
"This is a new feeling." she replied as she looked into the rear view mirror. She almost stopped breathing when she saw a car that looked like Vincent's driving behind them. She didn't know what to do as she turned down an unfamiliar street.
"I bet." he realized that this wasn't a street that led to her home "Tiana where are you going?"
She frowned "Ain't this the way? I remember seeing a couple people come down this way before…" she didn't want to tell Naveen about the car.
The paved street turned into a dirt road, and suddenly a deer ran past which scared Tiana and caused her to drive faster. "Ahh!" she screamed
"Tiana slow down!" said Naveen as he tried to reach over to hit the brake. She was frozen in fear. "Stop the car!"
She wanted to stop, but she was so numb in fear that she blocked out Naveen's voice. The dirt road was about to end as there was swamp land coming up soon. Tiana had to stop or the car would end up in the water.
"Tiana you have to stop the car!" he yelled. Naveen could no longer keep his cool. He reached over for the steering wheel and harshly hit the brakes. He was able to abruptly turn the car in time just before they reached the body of water.
Both were in shock as they sat in the car, not knowing what to do. Tiana was breathing heavily staring out of the window. "I-I-don't know what happened I'm sorry…"
Naveen tried to calm her down "No, it's okay."
"No!" she said "I almost wrecked your car…I could've…"
"We are alright, don't worry." Naveen tried to make her feel better
"I'm sorry." she got out of the car and ran towards a tree stump
"Tiana!" he quickly followed her
She sat on the large stump as Naveen approached her. "Tiana it's not your fault."
Tiana looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "Yes it is."
"Come here." He held out his hands for her to take them.
She placed her hand in his and stood up, looking behind him to make sure that the car that was driving behind them was there. It wasn't.
"What are you looking at?" Naveen chuckled glancing in the direction she was staring.
"I just thought I saw…it's nothing." she said looking away
Naveen gently brought his hand to her face to look at him, "You need to learn how to relax."
"A person like me doesn't have time to relax."
Naveen sighed as he let her go and walked to the car. He turned on the radio, blasting it on the highest volume. "Take my hand."
"Naveen…" she said as she did as she was told
"Shh…relax" he said as he lead them into a slow waltz
Tiana regulated her breathing as she began to calm down.
They were silent as they rocked smoothly to the soft jazz, while a warm breeze calmly blew by. Tiana laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes as she listened to the music.
The evening breeze caressed the trees tenderly
The trembling trees embraced the breeze tenderly
Oddly enough, this moment reminded her of memories with her father. She didn't know why she was constantly denying this man. There was obviously something that he had that she needed from him…love.
Then you and I came wandering by
And lost in a sigh were we
Naveen inhaled her scent of rosemary vanilla, as he held her close. He was perfectly content in the moment and never wanted it to end…it was up to her if she wanted to live in turmoil. He wanted to show her what a good life could be like, just him and her.
The shore was kissed by sea and mist tenderly
I can't forget how two hearts met breathlessly
Tiana looked up and stared at him in awe. His hazel orbs seemed to dance at the sight of her, she wondered if this would be how life would be if she was with him and only him. He was not only handsome, but his kindness and generosity matched it. He was someone who treated her like a human being…someone who would never hurt her.
Your arms opened wide and closed me inside
You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly…
Naveen returned her gaze, his eyes never leaving hers. Her beauty was unbelievable; she was sweet, loving, and undeniably sexy. No other woman could make him feel this way, she was effortless in the way she walked and carried herself. She was perfect to him and could do no wrong.
Their lips met together gingerly, but not for long as Naveen deepened the osculation. She felt like she was floating on air as she felt his hands and strong arms feeling all over her. She didn't want this moment to end and neither did he.
Heavy winds suddenly engulfed them along with a light mist which caused the pair to end their embrace, laughing. Just then, lightning flashed turning the mist into heavy rainfall which caused Tiana to yell.
"Oh no! My hair…" she cried as she tried to cover herself under Naveen. But he had another idea in mind. He picked her up and spun them around in a circle as the rain began to pour even harder.
"Naveen!" she screamed as he ran further through the weeping willows "Let me go!"
Thunder roared, prompting her to scream louder and kick her way out of his embrace, with Naveen laughing through it all. "It's just water!"
They hurried their way to the car with Naveen in the driver's seat and Tiana in the back. Naveen couldn't stop laughing, while Tiana was still upset about her hair.
"Why are you in the back?" he asked
"You play too much!" Tiana said trying not to laugh
"Very well then." Naveen pretended to drive as he honked the car horn. "Where to miss?" he asked in a playful stuffy British accent.
Tiana rolled her eyes as she let down the glass partition. She wrapped her arms around his chest and brought her mouth to his ear.
"To the stars." she whispered as she tried to pull him to the back seat with her.
Both were laughing uncontrollably as Naveen made his way to the backseat via the partition. Naveen leaned against the door as he linked her fingers with his with Tiana lying on his chest. The rain continued to pour as they listened to the rainwater tap on the steel roof.
"How did you do it?" Naveen asked
Tiana looked up at him with their hands still linked together "Do what?"
"Make it so easy to fall in love with you?"
Tiana's breathing stiffened, "You love me?"
Naveen sat up looking at her in her eyes "More than anything." He couldn't keep his feelings to himself any longer.
She felt her heart beating a thousand times a minute, did she hear him correctly? Was this a dream? She searched his face for confirmation. "You love me?" she repeated
Naveen smiled "Yes I do." He caressed her cheek "If you don't feel the same, I underst—"
"I love you too." she interrupted staring at him intensely
He hungrily kissed her lips passionately as if this was the last time he would kiss a woman. Tiana was just as hungry for him as she opened her eyes seeing the same fire burning in his eyes as hers.
"Naveen…" she said as she felt his lips meet her neck, sucking endlessly as she moaned wrapping her arms around his shoulders once again.
He unbuttoned the wet material of her dress to reveal her lace covered breasts, kissing them with care. She couldn't control her shivering at this point.
"You don't even have to try…" he said as he unsnapped her bra "…Naturally sexy"
Tiana smiled as she arched her back so that he could touch her in the most desired area of her body. He smirked when he realized what she was doing. "Patience is a virtue my love."
Her eyes widened when he removed his damp shirt, his sculpted body still soaked from the summer rain glistening in the faint light. She was impressed with how in shape he was…every part of him seemed to be shaped by God Himself. He was perfect.
She rubbed her hands on his abs as he positioned himself between her legs, taking in her rare beauty once again. He was thankful that he finally found her, a woman who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, Naveen didn't want no one else…he was truly in love with her, and only her.
Tiana saw the love in his eyes. She knew that she was engaged, but she didn't want to think about that right now…not ever. No other man as made her feel so wanted, or needed. She had to know if this man would never hurt her before she gave herself to him.
"Promise me that you will never hurt me Naveen." she said panting with want
Naveen shook his head "I love you Tiana….I will never hurt you…ever." He said with seriousness in his tone.
Satisfied, she wrapped her legs around his torso "I love you." she breathed
Naveen kissed her lips with passion as he slowly entered her.
A/N: The beautiful song that I used in this story is called Tenderly by Sarah Vaughan.
Tiana's grandmother speaks Haitian creole if you're wondering...
Thank you for reviewing and being so patient with me! It's been hectic!