2. Derek’s Destiny

DESTINY

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.”
― Maya Angelou

Juneteenth wasn’t just another day in my hometown of Juniper—it was our day, a full-blown celebration of culture, art, food, music, and history. Long before the rest of the world caught on in 2020, Juniper was already living and breathing Juneteenth traditions and celebrating it in a major way each year. Our small town, bursting with Black history and proud, unapologetically Black people, came alive with the spirit of freedom and unity.

If there was one holiday we all took seriously, it was Juneteenth.

By the time I could walk, I was in the annual parade. Once I started at Miss Bia’s dance studio in the first grade, I was on stage performing each year until I graduated high school.

Once I returned from college, I began volunteering for the planning committee, where I discovered my love for event planning and decorating, despite earning my Bachelor's in African American Studies. Running the Black History Museum in our town, I found joy in organizing events there, so one night, on the floor of my childhood bedroom, Destiny’s Details was born. I eventually left the museum but continued working with them as a contractor, focusing on the aspect I enjoyed the most - their events.

I planned affairs for the Chamber of Commerce, kids' birthday parties—if someone had a check for me, I was planning and decorating. But this year, my company, Destiny’s Details, which was only two years old, was responsible for organizing Juniper’s Juneteenth Jubilee. It was a great honor. I couldn’t have been more proud, honored, or... stressed.

This was a big damn deal. This was my Super Bowl, and I was determined to make it the best Jubilee this town had ever seen. As I walked through the downtown streets to my office, I couldn’t help but drift into daydreams, visualizing how spectacular everything would turn out. I’d read a book that said if you can see your goals, they already exist, and you just need to allow them to happen. So come on, success! The vibrant colors, the soulful music, the joyful faces of my community—it was going to be perfect.

But just as I began crossing the street, my phone rang, jolting me back to reality. I hurried to dig it out of my bag, knowing it had to be something important about the Jubilee.

“Get yo narrow ass out the street and onto the damn sidewalk, Destiny, ‘fore I run yo ass over!” a voice yelled. Jumping back onto the sidewalk, I looked up to see Mr. House in his custom yellow 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo with a missing passenger side view mirror.

“I’m sorry, Mr. House,” I apologized, still rummaging through my oversized tote that seemed smart for carrying my laptop, clipboard, and countless papers. But now, there seemed to be no bottom in sight as my cell continued to ring.

“A wise pimp once said, don’t be sorry, be careful!”, he yelled.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the "Friday After Next" reference.

“Mr. House, you better stop talking slick to me before I tell Jenny you’re out here driving around. I know they took your license last month,” I warned jokingly.

Mr. House was getting up there in age, getting into accidents left and right. Running into mailboxes and even ran over Mrs. George’s foot while she was waiting at the bus stop. His much younger wife, my senior by only ten years, had banned him from driving. But whenever she went out of town for work, he was back on the streets of Juniper like it was nothing.

Mr. House scoffed, “Can’t nobody take my pride, can’t nobody hold me down, oh no, I gots ta keep on moving!” He defiantly peeled off at an alarming rate, making me make a mental note to call Nathan down at the police station to keep an eye on him.

Welcome to Juniper, chile.

My hometown of Juniper radiated a warmth and vibrancy deeply rooted in its rich Black heritage. Nestled amidst sprawling fields and ancient oak trees, Juniper is a small but bustling community where everyone knows each other's names and business. As you stroll down Main Street, the heart of Juniper, you’ll be greeted by colorful mosaic of murals depicting the town's history and culture. These murals, painted by local artists, showcase scenes from past Juneteenth celebrations, proud depictions of Black cowboys and cowgirls, and portraits of influential figures who shaped the community. The artwork is a testament to our town's resilience and pride, with vibrant hues of red, green, and gold bringing the walls to life.

Per usual, the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of soul food wafting from Miss Ruby's Diner, a beloved eatery that had been a cornerstone of the town for generations. Miss Ruby herself, a sprightly woman with a welcoming smile and an infectious laugh, could often be seen chatting with customers and sharing stories of Juniper's past. Her diner was a haven for comfort food lovers, serving up fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie that tasted like home.

Next to the diner, the Juniper General Store stood as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Its wooden shelves were stocked with everything from fresh produce and homemade jams to vintage records and old-fashioned candy. Mr. Harris, the store's owner and an amateur historian, loved to regale visitors with tales of Juniper's founding and its significance in the fight for freedom and equality.

At the end of Main Street, the historic Juniper Community Center served as the epicenter of the town's cultural and social activities. This stately brick building, with its tall windows and grand entrance, had hosted countless events, from town meetings and church socials to civil rights rallies and jazz concerts. Inside, the walls were adorned with black-and-white photographs chronicling the town's journey through the decades, capturing moments of triumph and struggle.

The centerpiece of Juniper, however, was Freedom Park, a lush green space where the community gathered to celebrate Juneteenth and other outdoor events. The park featured a grand stage for performances, surrounded by picnic areas, barbecue pits, and a playground where children laughed and played. At the center of the park stood a majestic statue of Harriet Tubman, her hand outstretched as if guiding the community towards a brighter future. The statue served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before and the ongoing fight for freedom and justice.

My small business Destiny’s Details was perched right above Muse Bookstore—a gem of an independent bookstore that even folks from the big city made pilgrimages to. It was the go-to spot for the latest, greatest, and classic works by Black authors who didn’t get much shine in the bigger chains. Here, these literary artists were celebrated, engaging in conversations with packed houses spilling on to the street and connecting with readers who saw them as the rockstars they truly were.

As I approached, I saw Shelley, Muse’s owner, through the storefront window. She was chatting animatedly with a customer, her warm smile as inviting as ever. I waved and she flashed me a quick grin before I ducked into the door next to the bookstore entrance, leading up to my office on the second floor.

Walking into my space, I paused, as I always did, to take it all in. The office was a reflection of everything I had worked so hard to build. The walls were adorned with framed posters of past events I’d planned—each one a testament to the blood, sweat, and tears that had gone into making them perfect. The sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow on the neat rows of files and the desk that was the command center for all my operations.

Today, the room felt more alive than ever. Maybe it was the anticipation of the upcoming Juneteenth Jubilee, or perhaps the fact that I was running it for the first time. Either way, I felt a surge of pride and excitement as I looked around my office, ready to dive into the day’s work and make this year’s event one for the books.

“Girl, where have you been?” Eden’s voice pierced the air, jolting me out of my moment. She appeared in front of me out of nowhere, looking crazed as hell.

“Oh my God, back up.” I was already on edge from Mr. House nearly hitting me with his car.

Seemed like everyone wanted to run into me today. Suddenly, I caught a familiar scent wafting from Eden. I narrowed my eyes, suspicion rising.

“Eden, are you wearing my Kilian perfume again?” I asked, one hand on my hip.

Eden’s green eyes darted around the room, avoiding my gaze. That told me all I needed to know. This girl was like a wild puppy, getting into everything when I wasn’t looking. Harmless though she was, Eden had been my shadow since her mom asked me to mentor her after I graduated college and returned to Juniper. Her mom, Helen, saw me as a responsible young woman and pawned her off on me, even though I felt like I had no clue what I was doing with my life. Since then, Eden had been following me around like the annoying kid sister I never had, though I secretly loved her like one.

Now that I had my own business, she was my trusty assistant, always getting things done—doing everything except staying out of my stuff. My eyes landed on my Longchamp Le Pliage bag on her desk causing me to shake my head. I should have never given that girl a key to my house.

“Okay, but I was trying to call you. I have more important news to share,” Eden said as I brushed past her, heading towards my small office at the back of our shared space.

“Eden, I don’t have time for this. We have so much to do. The Juniper Juneteenth Jubilee is in like two minutes, and it’s all I eat, sleep, and breathe,” I said, my voice firm as I walked with determination. Eden trailed behind me.

“I know, but—”

I stopped in my tracks and turned to face her, giving her my full attention. “Eden, what is it?”

She took a deep breath, her expression shifting from frantic to serious, to excited in a matter of a second. “It’s about the Jubilee. There’s been a change. Something big.”

My heart skipped a beat. This was the last thing I needed. “A change? We can’t afford any changes! What happened?”

Eden glanced around, then leaned in closer as if there was someone else in the office. “We’ve got a surprise guest. Someone huge. They’re going to perform at the concert.”

My mind raced, trying to process the information. I had been struggling to find acts that captured the vibe I wanted to create for this year. How many years in a row could we have Pete play "Grandma's Hands" on his guitar? The Mayor hired me because he didn't want the same old thing. He wanted something fresh and new. But how could there be a surprise guest without me knowing anything about it? Mr. Mayor ran everything by me, trusting my every word, trusting me to breathe new life into this yearly event. A surprise guest could mean a lot of things, but in Juniper, that was out of the ordinary for our small town.

“Who is it?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Eden’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “ Derek Harris! D-Truth!!! He’s coming home!”

Derek Harris. The name hit me like a lightning bolt. Derek was a local legend, a gangster rapper from Juniper whose career had taken off in a big way. He was also my ex, the one who broke my heart when he chose women, fame, and money over me. My stomach did a flip, dread filling my lungs as I thought about the last time I spoke to him. I believe I told him to slit his throat after he confessed to sleeping with multiple women while we were together.

“Derek Harris?” I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Yes! Can you believe it? He’s going to perform at the Jubilee!”

“How? Why?”

I was certain I’d never see him again, and I was okay with that. Sure, his family still lived here, but he always flew them out to see him wherever he was around the world. He hadn’t set foot back in Juniper since he left me behind. His music was everywhere though, and since he was basically the hometown hero, the kids around here worshipped him and always rapped his lyrics.

But why would he be performing at the Jubilee? That man was bigger than Juniper at this point. Winning Grammys from what I heard. Why would he come perform at our little town’s Juneteenth event? That would be crazy.

"That can’t be right, Eden. Is this just some fake news you heard down at the General Store?" I asked her, trying to wrap my head around it.

"No, this is legit. He’s performing," she said.

"That wasn’t cleared with me."

Eden looked at me like I was crazy. "Well, nobody would think you’d say no to that. No one in their right mind would."

“Destiny!” My eyes widened at the deep, resonant voice behind me, reminiscent of James Earl Jones. I already knew who it was and turned around swiftly, plastering a quick smile on my face. “There you are!”

“That’s what I was trying to call you about but you didn’t answer,” Eden whispered in my ear before stepping back.

“Mr. Mayor!” I squealed, sounding overly excited, although that wasn’t the tone I was going for. “What do I owe the pleasure?” I asked as he stood in the doorway of my office. Why Eden didn’t lead with the fact that the mayor was in my office, I’ll never know.

“Well, I overheard Miss Cyrus telling you about Derek coming back to town,” he began.

“Yes! And he’s been added to the concert lineup!” I said, still too loud.

“Yes, I know it’s last minute and unexpected. There was no way I could turn down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What an amazing way to welcome our boy back. I hope it’s not a problem.”

Our boy? Before he was Mayor, Dr. Phillips was our high school principal, suspending Derek every chance he got and telling him he wasn’t going to be anything, predicting he’d end up either dead or locked up. Amazing how a little fame and money could make him forget.

“Of course not, Mayor Phillips. Why would it be?” I forced a confident smile, trying to hide the turmoil brewing inside me.

He looked at me, trying to suppress a smile. “Well, we’ve never had someone of Derek’s caliber perform at our Juneteenth Jubilee. This changes everything.”

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. “How so?”

The mayor stepped closer, his demeanor serious. “Destiny, having a popular Grammy Award-winning rapper like D-Truth headlining our event is going to change the scope in ways we’ve never dealt with before. We’re talking about a massive increase in attendance—people will be coming from all over, not just Juniper. The media coverage alone will be unprecedented. We’ll have national attention focused on us.”

The weight of his words started to sink in. “I understand that it’s a big deal, but what does that mean for us, specifically?”

He nodded, appreciating my pragmatism. “For starters, security is going to be a major concern. We’ll need to coordinate with local law enforcement, and he will have be brining in additional security personnel. Then there’s the matter of crowd control—we have to ensure that the event is safe for everyone, especially with the influx of visitors.”

I nodded, taking mental notes. “Got it. What else?”

“Logistics will need a complete overhaul,” he continued. “Parking, transportation, accommodations for out-of-town guests—we need to be prepared. Vendors and local businesses will need to be briefed on the potential for increased traffic. And then there’s Derek’s own requirements—his manager will be in touch with specific needs for his performance and stay.”

My anxiety started to build. Derek coming back to town was going to give me way more work than I had anticipated when I initially took on this event. This was huge, bigger than anything I’d ever handled before. I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “This is going to be a challenge, but I’m ready. We’re ready.”

The mayor’s stern expression softened slightly. “I know you are, Destiny. That’s why we’re trusting you with this. This could be a turning point for Juniper, a chance to showcase our community on a grand scale.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor,” I said, my voice steady with newfound determination. “We won’t let you down.”

His expression began to soften subtly as he realized that I wasn’t folding at the challenge, or maybe it was something else.

“Also, Destiny, I’ve known you and Derek, and all of you really, since you were children. I know you two have a past, and I’m hoping that won’t interfere with anything,” he said, testing the waters.

“Me and D are cool,” I said nonchalantly, lying my ass off.

I wouldn't know if Derek and I were cool because I hadn't seen him since the day after our high school graduation. And why the hell did I call him D?

“Right,” Mr. Mayor said with a smirk before putting his hands in his pockets and walking off. “Eden,” he said, nodding at her before exiting.

Finally, I took a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“You and D-Truth have…,” Eden was right behind me now, practically breathing down my neck. “A past? You dated him.”

I rolled my eyes and stepped forward, then turned to face her. “For 4 years. That’s not important though,” I said, sidestepping her and heading into my office where she followed me as I sat down. “The stakes have been raised. We’re about to have way more eyes on us. When we pull this off, everyone near and far is going to want us planning their events, big and small.” I couldn’t help but grin.

“Destiny’s Details is about to blow up!” Eden said, jumping around in excitement.

“Hell yeah! One of the biggest rappers in the world is from Juniper and about to put eyes on us that didn’t even know we existed. We’ll be made after this, Eden. Picture it…” I said, drifting off, positioning my fingers like a picture frame as we both looked through it.

“Mmmmhhmmm, I see the vision, Boss!” Eden said, her eyes wide with excitement as we both stared off into the corner, imagining the future.

“Great, I’m gonna go in my office and make a few phone calls”, I said rushing in my office and closing my door before she could follow me in.

I sat at my desk and seriously considered banging my head on it until it split open. Derek coming back to Juniper? Really, God? Now? When I’m planning such a monumental event? Just the thought of him made me want to throw up. Our last conversation replayed in my mind, and I couldn't help but think about the aftermath—how I tried to fill the gaping hole he left in my heart…in my life.

We were young, in love, and thought nothing could tear us apart. But life had other plans. It had been so long since I’d seen Derek that sometimes I wondered if I’d made him up. If it weren’t for the old pictures my mom refused to get rid of, I might have believed our relationship was a figment of my imagination.

I blocked him on Instagram and every other social platform the day I joined, hoping to never see him living the incredible life he had without me. But there he was, always popping up on award show stages, I’d see candids of him on my explore page, and he was always going viral for everything from philanthropy, to interviews, to freestyles—there was no escaping him. Yet, I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that I was once his.

I remembered the day he left like it was yesterday. The excitement in his eyes, the thrill of the unknown ahead of him. He promised to come back, to never forget where he came from, to always remember me. But the music industry had a way of changing people, and Derek was no exception. The calls became less frequent, the visits nonexistent, and eventually, we drifted apart. Or should I say, he drifted between the legs of other girls.

And now, he was coming back. To perform. In Juniper. At the Juneteenth Jubilee. It felt surreal, almost like a cruel twist of fate. As the headliner, I would have to interact with him, and the thought made me feel sick to my stomach. I wasn’t ready for this, but I had to be. I had begged for this contract, proved myself, fought tooth and nail for this opportunity. It was all I ever wanted, and now the dream was mine. I was going to make it perfect, even if it killed me. Even if I had to deal with Derek’s trifling ass.

I shook off the thoughts and focused on the task at hand. There was too much to do, and I couldn’t afford to be distracted by memories. I had a celebration to plan, and Juniper was counting on me.

This was my moment. Juniper’s Juneteenth Jubilee was more than just an event; it was a celebration of our culture, our history, our community. I wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—get in the way of making it unforgettable. Derek might be the headliner, but this was my show to run.

Juniper deserved the best, and I was going to deliver. No matter how many butterflies Derek’s presence stirred up in my stomach, I would push through. This Jubilee was going to be the highlight of the year, a celebration that everyone would remember. And I was going to make sure it was perfect, even if it meant facing my trifling ex head-on.