Perfect Timing by Brenda Jackson Page A

solemnly, taking her hands into his. “And that’s the reason the two of you lost what you had. I convinced you not to tell her what was going on with us that summer and why you changed your plans about Howard University.” He gazed down at his wife. “And to this day you never told her, have you?”
    Mya shook her head. “No, I promised you that I wouldn’t tell anyone.”
    â€œI think it’s time you told her.”
    They stopped walking again. She looked up at Garrett. She wouldn’t tell him that she had thought that very same thing. “Why?”
    â€œBecause it’s time for the two of you to recapture what you once had. You and Maxi had a very special friendship, one few people can boast of sharing with another individual. You were closer than sisters. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for you or you wouldn’t do for her. I think this cruise provides the perfect opportunity for you and Maxi to patch things up.”
    He glanced over her shoulder. “Here she comes. After I say hello I’m going to leave the two of you alone. I’ll catch up with you when it’s time for the reception to begin. All right?”
    Mya nodded. She then reached upward and kissed him on the lips. “Thanks for being the love of my life.”
    He smiled. “Thanks for being the love of mine.”
    They then moved forward to greet their old friend.
    Â 
    Garrett swept Maxi up into his arms, lifting her easily off her feet. “It’s good seeing you again, Maxi-million,” he said, calling her by the nickname he’d given her years ago. He kissed her on the cheek.
    She curved her arms around him and hugged him. “Same here, Garrett. You still look good and although I still don’t like football, I always tune in when I know you’re playing.”
    He laughed as he released her. “That makes me feel special.”
    â€œYou are.” Maxi then turned to Mya and smiled. She was flooded with memories of the first day they had met. Even without all those braids, Mya practically looked the same. At twenty-eight her cute and adorable features had transformed into those of a beautiful woman with satiny brown skin, chocolate-colored eyes with a noticeable slant to them, huge dimples in both her cheeks, and a head of luxurious black hair that fanned around her shoulders. “Hi, Mya Ki’Shae.”
    Mya grinned. “Hi, yourself, Maxine Jeanae.”
    The two gave each other a warm embrace. “It’s so good seeing you, Maxi,” Mya said, holding back the tears in her eyes. “We have so much to catch up on don’t we?”
    Maxi wiped the tears from her own eyes. “Yes, we do.”
    â€œI’ll see you ladies later,” Garrett said to them.
    â€œHey, you don’t have to run off,” Maxi said, smiling up at him.
    Garrett returned her smile. “I’m not going far. I’ll meet back up with you two at the reception.” He turned to leave then turned back around when he thought of something. He flashed Maxi a wide grin. “Oh, by the way, Maxi-million, Ronald Swindel was looking for you. Thought I’d give you fair warning.”
    â€œThanks. I appreciate it.” Maxi shook her head. That was the second fair warning she’d received that day.
    Mya touched Maxi’s arm, reclaiming her attention. “Come on.”
    Maxi lifted a brow. “Where are we going?”
    Mya smiled softly. “Someplace where we can fix something that should never have gotten broken.”
    Maxi stared at Mya. “What?”
    â€œOur friendship.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    M axi and Mya found an isolated spot in a restaurant located near one of the pools. Most people were either at dinner or savoring the nightlife since the ship offered a great variety of entertainment choices. They didn’t call it the “Fun Ship” for nothing.
    Sitting down at one of the tables they ordered a tropical