The minute Red called to finalize the barbeque, my brain went into overdrive. He had given me full control over the food and festivities, which was a pleasure. I needed something to keep my brain moving. I was starting to feel like a dingbat cooped up in the house.

 

“You’ve been acting like a mad woman over this party,” Alex said, walking down the rear stairs into the kitchen. He leaned over my shoulder as I added one more item to my ever-growing list. “Don’t get yourself too worked up.”   

 

“I’m not getting worked up. Red and Jean have been a big help to me, and I want everything to be special for them.” 

 

“If you say so,” he said, chuckling. “I’ve got to run out for a minute. Need me to bring anything back?” 

 

“Well, actually . . .” I trailed off, turning around to hand Alex my list that included everything from toothpicks to steak.  

 

“Damn, you act like we’re about to feed the neighborhood,” he exclaimed, skimming the list. 

 

“You just wait and see how long this food lasts. Red’ll kill the steak by himself. And wait ‘til all the others get here. We’ll be lucky to have leftovers.” 

 

His eyes were glued to the sheet of paper. “I’m almost afraid—hell, I am afraid to ask how many people are coming.”   

 

“Well, you know the family will be here. Then there are Jean’s friends from the hospital. Then there are a couple of people from the church that Jean wanted there,” I rattled on. “Then, there’s Yanni’s mother and Mama. Then—” 

 

“Whoa, hold it right there. Before you go inviting Yanni’s mother, you might want to clear that with Yanni.”

  

“Why do I need to clear something like that with her? Besides, it was Red's idea.”

 

 

Alex gave me a funny look. “Look, I just think it might be better if you talk to Yanni first.” 

 

I looked up at Alex. His expression betrayed nothing. “Is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked.  

 

“Star, you know the situation between them. Yanni talked to you about that at the hospital.”

  

“But this could offer them the chance to practice a little forgive and forget.”

 

 

 

Alex scratched his head. “Baby, this is supposed to be a happy occasion. We can’t chance something like this destroying things for Red. Next to his wedding day, this should be one of the happiest days of his life. You can always plan another cookout later on.”

 

 

 

“Why should I have to plan another one? The two of them are grown, and Yanni’s mother isn’t going to be here forever,” I said, throwing up my hands. “OK, I admit that Ms. Dorothy screwed up royally, but Yanni can’t hold on to that or it’s just going to make her bitter. It’s bad enough that my mother is barely speaking to her.”

 

 

“See, there you go kicking into overdrive, trying to rescue everybody. Sometimes you just have to let things be—trust me. You’ve got enough to worry about with the barbeque and AJ.”

 

“Don’t be giving me orders, Alex.”

 

 

“I’m not giving you orders. I’m simply making suggestions,” he said, firmly.   

 

“Whatever, it didn’t sound like suggestions to me.” 

 

Alex grabbed my arm and pulled me close. “You need to calm down, woman. Talk to Yanni. If she says yes, then you have my blessing. But, you must talk to Yanni first.”

  

“If it means so damn much to you, I will. But you better know that Red isn’t going to be too happy, if she doesn’t show.”

 

  

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

 

I clucked my tongue and climbed off the stool. “I’ve got a few other things to get together. You go ahead to the store.”

 

 

 

Alex nodded. Just as he walked away, the doorbell rang. Thinking it must be Red and Jean coming to pull their shift, I trotted to the front door.

 

 

I fixed a smile on my face and opened the door. “Hey, girl, how’s everything?” I asked, puzzled that Red wasn't with her.  

 

“Things couldn’t be better,” Jean replied, smiling broadly. “I hope you don't mind, but I really need to borrow Alex for a moment. I’m trying to get stuff together for Red and, well, Mason isn’t exactly the kind of person to approach with my ideas.”

 

“You don’t have to explain that boy to me. He can drive anybody up a wall with his selfishness,” I admitted.  

 

“I was about to run a few errands,” Alex said, walking into the hallway. “You’re welcome to come along, especially since Star probably has the entire store on this list.”  

 

“Whatever! Jean, don’t let him forget anything.”

  

“I won’t,” she said, as she and Alex headed to the elevator. I closed the door, walked back into the kitchen, slid onto the stool and began to compile the music list.

 

 

 

As I categorized the music, it slowly dawned on me that Alexander and I were home alone. In a panic, I picked up the phone and dialed Red's cell. At the same time, I took out everything I needed for a hearty breakfast. If I was quick enough, it'd be done by the time he arrived.