Chapter 5 #2
“Because it’s all I think about. The first thing I wanted to do was rip your boy’s face off, but you looked so fucking good. I couldn’t shit on your mood.”
“I hate that you saw me that way.”
“Don’t. It just made me want to see everything else you never showed me. One second, you are giving me a toy car, and the next, you toying with your pussy on the other side of the room.”
The sound of heels clicking in our direction broke our concentration.
“Are you two all right?” Mrs. Terri asked wearing a suspicious smirk.
“We’re good,” I agreed before Loso could. “Are you still happy with the location?”
“That ain’t the word, baby.” She beamed. “If I could live here, I would move in.”
“Well, I don’t have that type of pull, but we are going to have the tasting in a room upstairs. I know you mentioned a gingerbread bar, so we can try that out too.”
Mrs. Terri’s red stained lips turned down on the ends. “Unfortunately, I can’t stay.”
“Why not?” Loso inched forward.
“Your daddy called while we were touring and y’all were talking. The pastor reached out. He needs us to run up to the hospital to sit with a sick member.”
“Mama. We’ve had this planned for a week. Can’t someone else go handle that?”
“No, and you don’t need to reschedule.” She pointed to me. “Essen has already proved she has excellent taste, and you know what I like. The menu is set. You guys are just doing a final tasting.”
“Ma, this is—”
“Nothing we can’t handle,” I interposed. “Go take care of your church family. We’ll hold down the fort.”
Mrs. Terri hung around another twenty minutes, then she announced that her ride had arrived. I noticed Loso didn’t go outside to speak to his father, but I wasn’t shocked. I saw the way his features flinched when his mom mentioned his elder’s name.
“Essen, my bad about the mix up. If I had known—”
“It’s okay. I get to munch on appetizers, make gingerbread houses, and sip expensive wine. I’m good.” The seriousness on Loso’s face erased the laugh on my lips. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I just admire how you always see the good in a situation. I be ready to crash out, but you keep a level head.”
“Oh, I know. I’ve seen you in action. Most times, you’re flirting or fighting. Maybe I should get you a chill pill for Christmas.”
“Let my mama tell it, I need a good woman.”
“What do you think you need?”
He gave me a one shoulder shrug. “My thoughts have been scrambled lately.”
“Damn, off one kiss,” I joked, trying to slice through the growing tension.
“I promise, it’s much more than that.”
Minnie strutted into the room then paused near the entrance. “Wait. Aren’t we missing the bride?”
“Mrs. Bricks had an emergency. Loso and I will handle the tasting,” I explained as we stepped into the dining area.
At least ten circular tables were spread throughout the room, but only one was covered with goodies.
Even though the celebration would include holiday accents, the Bricks requested untraditional appetizers.
“My mouth is watering,” I muttered, eyeing the crab wraps and shrimp tacos.
I heard Loso chuckle before I felt his thumb dab the corner of my lips.
“Eww. Cut it out!” I shrieked. “The next time you touch my face I’m going to bite your finger off.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, baby.”
We got comfortable at a table leading to Minnie explaining the menu. Most of the choices were made months ago, but Loso’s dad asked for things to be added, and thankfully, the caterer obliged.
“Loso. Essen. A server is available to plate anything you would like to try. I’m going to step away and give you a moment alone.”
For a while, we sat in a snug stillness, sipping wine and munching on appetizers. I tried to ignore the sensation of Loso’s eyes on me, but I couldn’t sit still in a space of the unknown.
“All right. Stop staring at me and just tell me what’s on your mind.”
He placed his spoon on the table. “I really want to know what was on your mind?”
“Are you referring to the kiss or the club?
“We can start with the kiss.”
My breath rushed out on a sigh. “I wasn’t thinking. The liquor had me feeling myself, and the vibes were right. You were looking at me . . . the same way you’re looking at me right now.” A quiet giggle shivered out of me.
“You go to Nightstand often?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I’ve been a few times.”
His gaze attached to mine. “The dude you were with . . .”
“What about him?”
“I’ve seen him before. He was at your graduation.”
“Damn. You remember that day?”
“I remember shit that matters. The day you walked across the stage, I saw how he watched you. He watched you so closely, I thought he was a creep.”
“Caleb isn’t a creep. We’re dating.”
Loso drove out a curt laugh. “I can’t believe that shit. No real nigga would have a woman he’s interested in inside of a sex club.”
“Listen, I understand all of this may be weird since you see me as a little sister, but—"
“I ain’t ever said no shit like that. I always knew you were fuckable. I just . . . questioned if I could give you more than that. Then, I see how sad your eyes get when you’re texting or talking about ol’ boy, and my confidence returns. I would never have you out here like that.”
His declaration was just as satisfying to my ears as The Temptations Christmas album playing from the speakers. Never one to get excited by the affection of a man, I remained calm though my spirit whispered that this moment would be life changing. “What are you saying, Loso?”
“A few weeks ago, you asked me what I want for Christmas. I want you, Essen.” He tangled his fingers in the ends of my curls. “Is that too much to ask?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m not going to pretend like I haven’t thought about you—a lot. I’m just afraid of what will happen if we don’t work.”
“I’ll carry the weight of whatever comes our way. You just have to believe in us as much as you believe in Christmas miracles.”
Unsure of what I should do next, I let my body take control. I leaned forward in my seat and connected my mouth to his butter soft lips. Unlike when we shared tacos and drinks, I didn’t blame my actions on alcohol. I melted into Loso’s strong chest because I wanted to.
“Yeah.” He moaned. “We can go ahead and scratch everything else off my list.”
We shared a hearty laugh right as Minnie resurfaced, ushering in a tray with two gingerbread houses and sweet treats to decorate them with.
“Was everything to your liking?” Minnie wondered aloud.
“Better than I expected. I think Mr. Bricks is satisfied.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” She clamped her hands together. “Let’s move this along. I loved the idea of adding an extra flare to the dessert bar, so I had our in-house chef help out. I hope they taste as good as they look.”
As she had done before, Minnie gave us time to enjoy our food alone. Since Loso wasn’t a fan of reindeer games, I was shocked to see him grab a plate of gumballs, candy, and a can of whipped cream.
“Don’t sit there staring at me. Grab some candy. I don’t want you crying when my shit is playa, and yours is plain.”
“Be quiet unless you want to make this a competition.”
“Come on, baby. I just got you. I don’t want to kick your ass already.”
I laughed louder than I intended. “Oh. Don’t spare me. I’m not scared of a friendly wager. Let’s go!”
Any reluctance I may have had about crossing the line with Loso got mixed in sugar cookie dust. We morphed into exterior decorators as we worked on our gingerbread houses.
A few times, I peeked over and saw Loso gnawing on his bottom lip as he focused.
As skilled as he was with cars, his steady hands were a given.
Still, I appreciated how much care he put into the project despite having little interest. Maybe presumptuous of me, but the mechanic’s openness made me believe he would make bigger sacrifices.
“Loso!” I squealed. “Did you make an elf dressed like a young nigga? Why does your gingerbread house look like a trap house?”
“The same reason your spot looks prissy. I hustle for the bread, and you sit pretty. They’re perfect.” He became motionless for a second. “As much as I hate the holidays, you got me out here decorating a gingerbread house. That’s crazy.”
“No. That’s Christmas, baby.”