3D: Sister, Sister

Aubrey spent the rest of the afternoon on the phone after meeting Keegan. In the last few weeks, she spoke with vendors, utility companies, etc. more than her own husband it seemed, and she longed for the pre-launch activities to end. Launching J. Pruett’s Grill didn’t seem as stressful with Daddy by her side every step of the way. Now, she flew solo, and everything rode on her shoulders. Her foot rapped against the floor while she attempted to wrap up the last call. The man on the line was such a talker. Aubrey imagined herself retreating to her luxurious bathtub and sinking into the steamy cocoon; she almost released a deep sigh at the thought. If only he’d stop talking! Which was more stressful? Opening a new restaurant or planning a wedding in a different country? At the moment, they rivaled each other.

Finally, the loquacious man released her. As she retreated upstairs, she groaned at the sound of clacking heels on the walkway. Maya was on the porch preparing to knock.

“Oh!” Her eyes lit up when Aubrey appeared. “So you do answer your own door. I thought you had people for that.”

Aubrey snorted. “I was on my way upstairs. What are you doing here?”

Though the smile never left her face, a flick of disappointment zipped through her eyes. “I can’t come check on my little sister? I miss you!”

A heaviness settled on her heart, and she regretted being so curt. Life had been hectic ever since getting engaged officially. Between the work stress and getting used to married life and new living situation, Aubrey didn’t make much time for anything else. Maya’s smiling face reminded her how much she needed the familiar things in life. The newness aimed to drown her, but she couldn’t let that happen.

Aubrey embraced her and squeezed tight. Sometimes, she forgot how close they used to be as teenagers. Sure, they fought as sisters do, but they never questioned their loyalty. Now, they led separate lives. If it weren’t for her Simstagram addiction, Aubrey wouldn’t have a clue of the goings on in Maya’s life. “I’ve missed you too.”

“Aww!”

As she tore away from her dear sister, she tried to hide her reddening face as tears threatened to fall. “I didn’t expect anyone to come by since you’ll all be here in a few days for Harvestfest.”

Maya scoffed at her statement. “As if I deserve the general house tour! I have come for my own personalized tour,” she said with her nose in the air, feigning snobbishness. “What’s it like living in a big fancy house, anyway?”

“Ummm…” Nearby footsteps put her on edge. Aubrey paused to listen and locate Salma. “Would you mind if we went somewhere else to talk?” she asked quietly.

Maya gasped. “Is everything ok?” she whispered.

Aubrey shook her head. “Let’s go across the street and get a drink,” she said louder than usual.

“Why are you talking like that?” Maya whispered.

“Just wait, ok?”

“Oh,” Maya shouted. “Did you see my pictures from last night??”

How could she forget about Maya’s big night? Surely things weren’t that hectic. Considering her memory lapse, she welcomed the change in conversation. “Oh right! Did you meet-“

“YES! Look!”

She passed her the phone.

“You guys match! Did you do that on purpose?”

“Nope! You know how it is when you’re in sync with your man.”

Aubrey’s stomach plunged. She and Julio had been off lately, but surely it was just growing pains. Maya probably had them too but hid those parts of their relationship. Was it possible to always be on the same page? “I’m so happy you got to meet her. You killed that dress.”

“Oh yes, sis! I slay all day.”

Maya was such a diva like her favorite artist, Bailey Kay. Even before she sold her soul to the queen of R&B, she was bold, spicy and always stylish even when dressed down. Sometimes, Aubrey wished she could have a mere fraction of Maya’s confidence.

“So…” Maya sat next to her with the serious face. “Why do I feel you’re not comfortable in your own house?”

Aubrey closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath. Maya was the first person to whom she admitted her feelings. She was always the first to learn Aubrey’s secrets. “Because, I’m not!”

Maya let out a deep sigh. “Oh, Aubrey. What’s happening? Are you and Julio-“

“No! It’s not him. At least not about this.”

She eyed her suspiciously. “Then, what is it?”

“That darn butler!”

Maya sucked her teeth and gave her a deep side eye. “Girl, what is your problem? You’ve got it made! I would KILL to have someone cook for me, wash my clothes, and clean my house! Heh, I sorta kinda do. And, I get to sleep with him!”

Aubrey shook her head appreciating the levity of the moment. “I hope you plan to help him. Expecting him to do everything isn’t right.”

“I don’t expect anything from him! He does it because he loves me…and he’s kind of a neat freak.”

“Still, Maya. You’re gonna be a homeowner soon. You should want to-“

“We’re not here to talk about me! We’re talking about you and how you’re seeing this butler thing from the way wrong angle!”

“You don’t know what it’s like, Maya! She’s ALWAYS around. Always! It’s like-it’s like living with a stalker!”

“Oh. That does sound”-she gasped-“you don’t think she listens when-“

“MAYA! I don’t need something else to be paranoid about!”

Aubrey refused to dwell on that thought and pushed it out of her mind. “I keep trying to make friends with her, but everything I do backfires on me! I didn’t know it would be like this.”

Maya’s face fell; it was a rare sight. Aubrey could count on two hands how many times she saw her sister frown. “Awww! That’s so sad! You’re supposed to be, like, blissfully happy living in a dream world and having crazy, loud sex in every room! She’s robbing you guys of an incredible experience, and now I hate her!”

Aubrey chuckled. Maya was probably serious, but the way her brain worked was so comical at times. They couldn’t be more different, but somehow they had the most amazing friendship.

“Don’t hate her until you meet her, at least,” Aubrey said. “The thing that bothers me most is how jealous she acts. She acts like she’s his mother and I’ve taken her place or something. When I make decisions, she gets offended and I’m like I run this! You work here!”

“Man. I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time. Have you talked to Julio? Maybe he can speak to her.”

“I can’t do that. Then she’ll know I’ve been complaining about her.”

“She sounds like a bully, Aubrey! Bullies need to be put in their place!”

“I know, but …” She sighed and felt defeated even before trying. “I want to win her over. I think we can work it out.”

“Oh, Aubrey.” Maya shook her head pitifully. “Still want everyone to love you, I see.”

Something inside quickened; it was uncomfortable. “What? That’s not true! You’re like that too!”

“Yeah, but not like you. I want people to like me, but I don’t care if they don’t. You need people to like you. Like, you’re obsessed about people who don’t like you. Maybe you should let it go.”

The quickening increased, but Aubrey pushed it away. There was no way Maya was right. No way. “Can we get those drinks we supposedly came here for?”