1 Chapter 1

Few things in life irked Nona Essex’s soul more than people who didn’t know how to shut up and have a good time. That truth pulsated in her brain as she sat in a plum and platinum decorated ballroom serenaded by electronic swing music. Less than an hour earlier, she witnessed the joyous nuptials of one of her favorite sorority sisters. The twilight beach ceremony under a clear September sky left her wanting to hug and kiss everyone who crossed her path. It was only a short drive from the beach to a reception in downtown Wilmington filled with those drunk on love and a variety of liquid pleasure.

Nona couldn’t help but smile at the two hostesses who seemed swarmed by everyone seeking direction on their table assignment. Usually, Nona’s soul recoiled at scenes of disorganization, but tonight, she had been in such a good mood. The wedding had been beautiful with the wind dancing with Dinah’s veil and her husband struggling to remain stoic as the emotion of committing himself appeared to wreck havoic with his feelings.

Straights can be so cute when they are in love.

She recognized some familiar faces in the crowd as she waited for her turn. It seemed a bevy of people already had availed themselves of cocktail hour selections, but Nona decided to wait until she knew where she would be seated before she decided to partake.

“Nona Essex,” she said, giving her name to the woman at the table.

With a quick glance at the list, the woman handed her a table assignment card and pointed her in the direction of the ballroom.

Nona glanced quickly at the card before putting it in her purse. She tended to not be superstitious, but she was seated at table nine. The number had always brought her good luck. Her name meant nine, inspiried by her being born on the ninth day of the year. Her first apartment after college was on Ninth Street, and her current phone number started and ended with the number.

She had no trouble finding the table, and after speaking to the lone couple at the table and placing her shawl on her seat, she approached the bar to get a cocktail. When she returned, the table appeared to have filled up, so she settled in to enjoy the rest of her evening. Around her, the room seemed to hum with celebration. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. That is, everyone at her assigned table.

“The wedding was beautiful but way too long. And why did Dinah have so many bridesmaids?” a woman reeking of overpriced perfume grumbled.

“Exactly, and did you see that wedding dress? That girl knew she has too much up top for a strapless dress. The whole look was just tacky,” a woman with a grey pageboy haircut remarked. She reminded Nona of her least favorite elementary school teacher.

“And did you see those programs? My grandchild could have done a better job,” a third woman, wearing a pair of cat-eyed glasses Nona assumed had been part of her daily routine before man walked on the moon, commented. “I would never assume anything about anyone’s finances, but if they had money enough to rent this place for their reception, they could have put more money toward the wedding.”

“Exactly, I’m guessing the reason the reason the ceremony took place outdoors was all the money went to this place.” The first woman hmphed.“They know how cold fall nights can get, but they had to do it on the beach. I guess the church she grew up in wasn’t good enough. In my day, you got married in a church, had the reception in the fellowship hall, and were done with it.”

Nona swallowed her irritation along with a swig of the signature wedding cocktail. She didn’t drive two and a half hours from Durham to hear a trio of malcontents malign a wonderful ceremony. Her purpose was to have a good time and try to find comfort in the fact someone had found a perfect match since that achievement seemed to have missed her.

Nona and her partner split a little over six months ago. The break-up wasn’t contentious. Nona actually played a big part in her ex securing the job that required her to move to Houston. Still, Nona thought she was the one. The emotional wounds of the break-up were close to healing, still she questioned during the drive if she was ready to be in the midst of all the love and happiness. It definitely didn’t help she was a party of one seated among a trio of discontented busy-bodies and their silent spouses. There were two other people at the table, one of which drew Nona’s attention when she began to speak.