GI Joe and Ebony, An American Love Story Read Online Free Page B

just that …”
    “No buts. I can't do my job worrying about you worrying about me. ”
    “So, I'm not supposed to worry about you now? ”
    “Look, I just called to touch bases with you about the wedding. I don't want to get into a big thing about this right now. I'm tired, I ’ m hungry and I ’ m in much need of a hot shower. So, I'm going to get off this phone. I love you. I'll call you in a few days. ”
    “I love you too. Please be careful. ”
    “You too. ”
    “See you soon. Be safe, I love you. ”
    Jay laughs. “ Ebony, I got to go. You never would let me get in the last word. Look, I love you too. I promise I'll be safe and careful- whatever that means. And now I'm hanging up. ”
    Ebony quickly interjects, “ Love you! ” She smiles as the phone goes silent, confident that she still got the last word.

Chapter 8
    Several days pass, yet Ebony hadn't heard a word form Jay. Refusing to add to her stress by worrying she doesn't dwell on it. But today is her wedding day and understandably his absence is starting to freak her out. Her house is busy as people run in and out- back and forward in preparation for the wedding.
    Ebony is in her room with her Bridesmaid getting her makeup done when the phone rings. “ Somebody get my phone that has to be Jay. He probably needs a ride from the airport. ”
    Hannah, her cousin retrieves the phone and gives it to her. The disappointment on her face indicates that it is not Jay. “ It's the Videographer. ”
    “Please tell him I'll call him back in a few. Where in the hell is Jay? I swear, this man is about to give me a heart attack. ”
    “Ebony, stop worrying. Jay knows what time the wedding starts. You know that he's doing everything in his power to get here on time. ” Jasmine her Maid of Honor responded.
    “Jazz, I know but I'm starting to trip. This is not like him. He should have been here yesterday. At least by now he should have called. ”
    “Nonetheless, worrying is not going to get him here any quicker. Calm your nerves. This is your day. Everything is going to go your way. ”
    Somehow she found comfort in those simple words. “ You're right. The Best Man is probably picking him up from the airport as we speak. ”
    The ladies continue to pamper Ebony and the photographer sneaks in to take some pre-wedding shots. Ebony relaxes and enjoys the attention. Moments later, one of her co-workers appears in the bedroom door with a puzzled look on her face.
    “Ebony there's a couple of Marines looking for you. I told them that you were getting dressed. They're waiting downstairs. ”
    “Oh Thank God. It's Jay. He must have brought a friend. Tell them I'll be down in a second. ”
    Ebony quickly slips on her bedroom slippers, gathers her robe together and heads downstairs.
    “It's about time you got here. Boy you scared me to death. Jay, where the hell have you been? ”
    Two Marines stand to greet her, upon hearing her voice. Ebony stops mid sentence and mid step when she realizes that neither of them are Jay.
    “Who are you? I'm sorry that's rude. Hi I'm the Bride. Did Jay invite you to the wedding? ”
    “Hi, are you Ebony Saunders? ”
    “Yes. Yes I am. Are you here for the wedding? ” She asked confused.
    “No mam, I'm afraid not. ”
    “Then who are you and what's going on? ”
    “Ms. Saunders, my name is Lieutenant Gregory Bonner and this is Lieutenant Richard Williams we're here on behalf of the United States Marine Corp. We hate to interrupt your family gathering but we need to speak to you on a very urgent matter. Is there somewhere that we can speak in private. ”
    “About what? Where's Jay? Is Jay okay? ”
    “Ms. Saunders, can we please speak to you in private? ”
    Ebony immediately starts to panic. Her head is spinning and the air is leaving her lungs. “ No! Where's Jay? ”
    Lieutenant Bonner attempts to calm her. “ Ebony, please. I promise we'll explain everything if we can just speak to you somewhere private. ”
    Ebony's