Free All I Want Is Forever by Neicey Ford Page A

talking about work after hours,” she laughed.
    “You’re right.  My apology.  Monday will be here soon enough.”
    “You ain’t lying about that.”
    “ In that case I think I’ll have me a nice cold beverage.”
    “ I think you should.”
    “If you think I should then I know I should.  See you in a minute.”
    Denise smiled.
    “Denise!”
    “Rosemarie!  How are you?”  She asked as they embraced.
    “I’m doing great.  This is one heck of a party.”
    Denise smiled.  “I pray everyone else likes it as well because planning it really stressed me out.”
    “For what it’s worth you did a great job.”
    “You’re a gem.”
    “The jury has given a verdict!” Ms. Helen screamed as she entered the room.  “They found him…not guilty.”
    “What!  That’s bullshit!” One guest yelled.
    “No, that’s justice, ” another replied.
    “Hold on.  Now, we’re going to continue having a good time.  I ask that everyone respect our home and NOT discuss the verdict until you leave here.  However, there is one thing I’d like to say and that is – we all have an opinion.  It doesn’t mean that you’re right and another person is wrong, it just means that you’re different.”
    DJ took a sip from his glass as he struggled to contain his emotions.
    Denise smiled at him to let him know she understood.
    “Ms. Helen!”  Denise yelled.  “Come here.  There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
    Helen walked over with a somber look on her face.  The verdict had shocked everyone.  At least those who perceived he was guilty.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “There’s someone I’d like for you to meet.  Helen this is…”
    “Judy Burns.”
    “Helen Spencer…Burns,” she replied with an unpleasant smirk on her face.
    “Oh wow!  You too already know one another.  That’s great.”
    “No, Mrs. Chatman.  It’s not great.  Pardon me.”  Helen said excusing herself from the room.
    “Umm…”
    “It’s a long story honey.  Perhaps I can tell you about it another time.  I don’t want to spoil your party,” Judy smiled before walking away.
    “That was awkward,” Denise spoke aloud.
    The party continued on into the early morning hours.  Everyone was having such a good time that both Denise and DJ were pleased.
    “I’m proud of you.”
    “You’re proud of me?  Why?”
    “Because you can ta ke something small and make it a spectacular event with little effort.  You’re the bomb.”
    “I don’t think they use that word anymore, hun.  I believe the term is shizz now,” Denise admitted.
    Keisha laughed as she and Jonas joined the conversation.  “I don’t believe they use that word anymore either.  You guys should probably stick to the basic terms like: great, awesome, the poo.”
    Denise chuckled.
    “Well, the party was great, Mr. and Mrs. Chatman.  Thank you so much for opening up your home to us.  I enjoyed myself.”
    “You’re more than welcome, Jonas.  You guys be careful going home.  It was good seeing you all again.”
    “Likewise, ” Jonas replied as he waved goodbye.
    “They’re a cute couple.”
    “They’re not a couple.”
    “ You can’t be serious.  You don’t see that?”
    Denise pondered the thought.
    “NO!  There’s a strict fraternization policy at TIA.  They know that.”
    DJ nodded.  “Yep and I’m sure that’s why they’re trying not to make it so obvious, but I can see right through it.  It happens.  My advice is to address the both of them with a friendly reminder of the policy and reiterate what has already been communicated.”
    “ Dag on it!”  Denise sighed.
    “Okay, D.  Looks like everybody has gone so I’m gonna head out too.”
    “Alright, dad.  Be careful going home and call to let me know you made it in.”
    “Thanks for coming, daddy.  Hope you had a good time.”
    “I had a wonderful time, baby.  You kids get some rest and I’ll talk with you tomorrow.”
    “Okay, love you man.”
    “Love you, too,