Chapter 11
Detangling our limbs on the second day of our trip was more complicated than we’d imagined. We tried again on day three. Success had evaded us both. It wasn’t until the fourth day that we managed to pull ourselves together and make it beyond the threshold of the bedroom with the intent to leave the house once and for all.
The aroma that filled the home and the lack of warmth next to me helped me down the stairs and into the kitchen. I leaned against the entryway, staring at the man who’d held me captive the last few days. His slim frame swayed from one side to the other as Jay Z played in the background. Word for word, he spat as the rapper talked about imaginary players in the game.
The same mouth he used to sample the meat he was cooking had devoured me six times since we’d made it to the beautiful home I learned was his. Two floors, a left and right-wing, seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a sauna, an indoor pool, a six-car garage, a pond, two balconies, a theater, an entertainment room, two kitchens, a fully furnished basement that served as a third floor, and so many other things about the home had made me fall in love. The walk-in fridge and pantry he’d had stocked before our arrival were among my favorite parts.
“You going to just stand there watching me, or are you going to join me?” Chem asked, never looking up from the skillet.
“I’m still deciding.”
“I’ve waited long enough for you to wake, Choc. Don’t make me wait any longer.”
I cleared the distance, nearly sprinting to his side. He pulled me in and leaned down to plant a wet kiss on my lips. He released me too quickly. I stuck around, standing behind him as my hands roamed his stomach and chest. I laid my head on his back, inhaling his scent, exhaling, and then inhaling again.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Choc. How’d you sleep?”
“Well, until I noticed I was alone.”
“I heard your stomach growling in your sleep, so I knew you’d be hungry when you woke up. I have to feed you.”
“Shut up, seriously?”
“I’m not in the kitchen just to be here right now. Yes, seriously.”
My cheeks flushed as I buried my face in his shirt. “Argh. What are we having?”
My words were muffled but still easy to make out.
“Chicken quesadillas. Something to hold us over while we shop. We’re having dinner tonight.”
Dinner was Chemistry’s favorite time of the day.
“You love dinner so much.”
“It is my favorite meal of the day, yes.”
“Why?”
“Because, by dinner, my day is done. I can sit down without as nearly as much on my mind or plate as there was when I sat down for breakfast or lunch. It’s my time. I cherish those moments.”
“As you should. Slowly, it’s becoming my favorite part of the day, too.”
“We’re not as different as you think.”
“Yet, we are.”
“I won’t deny that. How is this?”
He forked a piece of chicken and turned around with the fork aimed at my lips. I opened, accepting the serving.
“Ummmmm. Yes. That’s perfect.”
Juicy. Tender. Seasoned to perfection. I didn’t need bread and cheese with it. The chicken was perfect all on its own.
Chem turned off the burner and slid the skillet to the other side of the eight-burner stove. It was massive and I’d tried to make it down more than once to use it, but I was unsuccessful. However, the dinner we’d collectively cooked last night was worth the wait. The stove itself was a beast. If you weren’t careful or had anything up slightly higher than it should be, you’d regret it. Chem had jeopardized our potatoes twice, but they survived.
“Can I help?”
“No, thank you, Eden. All I need is for you to have a seat at the table and wait for me to serve you. Water or lemonade?”
“Lemonade?”
“Made it this morning,” he informed me.
“Will you ever stop doing that?” I asked, planting my head in his shirt again.
“What’s that, baby?”
“All the right things.”
“I’ll try my hardest not to. I’ve gotten it wrong a hundred times before, Choc. This time is different and I just want to get it right. Over and over again.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. You deserve it.”
“You deserve it.”
I’d learned a few things about Chem and nothing bothered me more than his lack of entitlement as his life pertained to love and companionship. He found it difficult to accept as if he wasn’t worthy of either. He was wrong. All wrong. And with the little time we had, I’d show him.
“Not talking about me.”
“I am. And I want you to know you, too, deserve it. Okay?”
He paused, turning his body around to get a glimpse of me. In his arms was exactly where I wanted to spend the rest of my days. I stared up at those dark eyes.
“Okay?”
“Whatever you say, Choc.”
“Yes, Choc,” I corrected him.
“Yes, Choc.”
I stood on the tips of my toes and pecked his forehead, right cheek, left cheek, and then finally his lips. After lowering, I did as I’d been instructed and had a seat at the massive table that had the ability to sit at least twelve.
Chemistry joined me five minutes later with piping-hot quesadillas and a glass of water. His chiming phone reminded me to check mine for notifications. It was time for me to check in with my mother. Suffering through my absence while I was working cases was the bane of her existence. She despised each passing day we didn’t make contact.
However, completely disconnecting from my world was necessary to see things through and tap into my aliases. But, somehow, Chemistry made it difficult not to think of her, want to call her and hear her voice. Everything about this case was different from the others.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
I didn’t realize how long I’d been spaced out until he pulled me from my head where I’d tucked pieces of my reality. My quesadilla was halfway gone and the bottle of water was a few sips away from emptiness.
“Returning my mother’s call. I’ll do that when we make it back to th–”
“Do it now.”
“No, she won’t mind. I?—”
“Do it now, Eden. That wasn’t a suggestion.”
It was a demand.
“I–I don’t have my phone. It’s upst?—”
Before I could finish the sentence, he’d left me alone. In a flash, he was gone. With a shake of my head, I finished my meal and waited for the inevitable. Calls were prohibited in his presence. Chem made sure my phone was powered off or on airplane mode whenever he was around. He never answered or made calls either. However, being in Berkeley changed everything.
Only a minute had passed and he was back, in front of me, and seated with my phone on the table in front of me.
“If I could call my mother, I would. That’s a privilege I won’t let you or anyone else around me take for granted.”
The pain was evident in his voice, in his eyes, and in his posture.
“Your father never remarried?”
“He did, to an amazing woman I love but she’ll never be or never replace the woman that birthed me. That’s a different type of love, Eden. Much different. I can’t explain it, but as much as I love my stepmother, I love my mother a hundred times more.
“The love was engrained in me. It was automatic. I didn’t have to learn to love her. The love was part of me. Part of my identity. It was big and bold and overwhelmingly expansive. No one could ever—” He sucked his teeth, and then continued. “I can’t explain it, but you have a mother so you know exactly what I’m referring to.”
“I do.” Nodding, I confirmed.
“So, call her.”
I unlocked my phone and instead of calling Pamela, the woman who was on standby and had been assigned by the agency as my alias’ mother, I found myself dialing the number I knew so very well. If I didn’t introduce them, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. If I fed Chem any more bullshit, than I’d been trained to, I wouldn’t forgive myself.
He’d quickly become one of the most important people in my tiny world. She was the other one. It was imperative she had the chance to hear his voice and see his face. Exposing my identity was the least of my concerns. My mother never referred to me by my government name, especially while on assignment.
It didn’t matter whether I was alone or in the company of someone else. That was her way of never slipping. It was also why she bit the bullet and allowed so much time to pass in between points of contact during cases.
After dialing her, I quickly erased the number and opened the FaceTime app where I tapped her name from the short list of calls I’d made, missed, or received. Art was right underneath. I made a mental note to call her before our time in Berkeley ended as well.
My heart galloped in my chest as I waited for her to answer. When the phone stopped ringing and her freckled face appeared behind a new set of glasses, it smiled. I smiled. And at a glance, I caught a glimpse of Chemistry’s smile.
What?I mouthed.
“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.
“Evening, baby!” Excitedly, my mother greeted me.
Staring at her was like staring in a mirror. She was flawless and I’d inherited her beauty. If she was any indication of how I’d age, I was looking forward to it.
“Hi, Mom. I was calling to say hello.”
“Well, thank you. I’ve been wondering when you’d ring my phone. I’m so happy to hear from you.”
“Me, too. I have someone I’d like you to meet. I know this isn’t ideal, but he’s right here and I figure there’s no point in waiting, right?”
“Right. Who is it, baby?”
“His name is Chemistry and he’s the man responsible for the painful muscles in my face. I haven’t stopped smiling since the day we met.”
I watched as Chemistry folded under the pressure. He wasn’t accustomed to praises. He was a mess hearing anyone gloat about his presence in their world and the massive difference he made. I could see that just by examining his discomfort. Yet and still, there were subtle signs of appreciation hidden in his sly smile.
“Easy, Eden,” he pled, shaking his head.
“It’s the truth, Chemistry. Accept it.”
“You sound like my sister,” he whispered.
“Take it from me, Chemistry. This call itself means it is very much the truth.”
“Here.”
I extended the phone. Hesitantly, he accepted it. I watched his face light up as my mother came into full view. He looked over at me, tilting his head with curious eyes.
“Splitting image.”
“Yes,” I agreed, chuckling.
“Hello,” Chem greeted my mother, filling my heart to capacity.
“Hi.”
“Nice to meet you as well, Mrs–”
Johanson, I wanted him to say, but knew that wouldn’t happen.
“Reid,” he finished.
Playing into the narrative, my mother said, “Nice to meet you as well, Mr.?”
“Childers.”
“Good to know my daughter’s last name,” she joked.
Chemistry looked up at me under those busy brows. It was my turn to crumble under the stress.
“You’re staring.”
Blushing, I hid my smile behind my arm as I laid my head on the table.
“Eden Childers.”
“Chemistry, please.”
“Head up, Choc.”
“Is that your home?”
My mother was obsessed with home improvement television. I kept her sanity most days. When I walked into Chem’s second home, I knew she’d love it. I didn’t blame her.
“It is.”
“Oh, that is beautiful. I can’t see it all, but the little bit I can see is gorgeous.”
“We can change that,” he told her.
“Change wha–”
“You can see it in person if you’d like. I can have a car there to get you in twenty minutes.”
“No! Of course not. Maybe one day soon. For now, I want my daughter to enjoy her time with you. She deserves it.”
“I keep telling her that.”
“Don’t worry, she hardly listens to me, either. Her father was the only person who could get through to her, I believe.”
“Well, I’m trying to change that as we speak,” Chemistry bragged.
We both knew the truth. He could get to me, through me, under me, on top of me, and inside of me. Wherever. Whatever. However. Whenever. Forever. Nothing mattered but his word nowadays.
“Good. Good. You’re on the right track. I know that much, at least.”
“We’re about to get our day started. I’ll talk to you later, Mom!” I yelled across the table as I stood, prepared to get dressed and outside.
“Alright. I love you, baby.”
“I love you, too.”
“Chemistry, nice meeting you and I look forward to meeting you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Be safe, you two. Talk to you later.”
“Later,” Chemistry responded.
He extended my phone in my direction. As I tried retrieving it, he pulled me down onto his lap. My bare ass sat atop the fabric of his shorts. I was in one of his shirts, which didn’t quite cover my bottom half.
“Fuck you going, Choc?”
His nose tickled my neck as he inhaled, consuming my scent.
“To put on some clothes so we can get our day started.”
“Without me?”
“I’m afraid if you come, I’ll never get dressed and we’ll never make it out of the door.”
“You have every right.”
His rigidness lined my ass cheek.
“See.”
My appetite for Chemistry felt insatiable. It didn’t matter how much of him I had, I still wanted more. Today was more of the same. I untangled our limbs and stood up from the table, turning around so that I could free his dick.
“Promise we won’t stay inside all day.”
“I promise, baby.”
“Five minutes.”
“All I need is four.”
I lowered until my knees touched the cold tiled floor. Chemistry had grown a third leg in a matter of seconds. Saliva pooled in my mouth at the sight of the dark, slightly discolored at the tip, missile.
“You gon’ stare at it or put that motherfucker in your mouth?”
The strain of his features revealed his desperation. Making him wait wasn’t part of my plan. But, I’d be damned if I didn’t openly admire the prettiest piece of meat I’d ever had the pleasure of tasting. I put him out of his misery, opening wide and shoving him into my mouth until he reached the back of my throat.
“Shit.”
His fingers curled around the loose bun I’d thrown up before coming downstairs. He pushed past physical boundaries, challenging me to swallow more of him. My gag reflex was activated instantly. Simultaneously, tears stung my eyes. Saliva trickled from my mouth when he pulled his dick from my mouth. Immediately after, he shoved it in, again, repeating the same movement.
“Fuck, Choc.”
He released me, allowing me to slide up and down his shaft with teary eyes and enough saliva to drown an ant hill. A blubbering mess, I circled his head and transformed into a human suction cup, ready to bring his semen to the tip of his dick only to leave it there. I wanted it so deep within me, I’d need a month’s worth of emergency contraceptive pills to extract it.
The bulge started from his nut sack rose with every stroke of my neck. Blindly, I searched for his hand. Upon locating it, I guided it toward the back of my head, urging him to exert his authority.
His ass lifted from the chair as he began to fuck my mouth, slowly but forcefully. The grip on my hair tightened the second our eyes locked. His nostrils widened and brows furrowed. Even scrunched, his face was still so beautiful. He was still so precious.
“Goddamn, Choc.”
The bulge neared the tip. My time on my knees had ended. I had a job to do and I’d done it well. In a swift motion, I removed him from my mouth. Saliva trailed from my face to the head of his dick. My erratic breathing, running nose, and teary eyes were all condoning my belief that I’d carried out the task well. Slowly, I stood, climbed onto the chair, and grabbed Chem’s throbbing manhood.
Staring into his now hooded eyes, I positioned him right at my opening. His lids joined each other, halting my motion.
“Look at me,” I demanded.
He was barely able to open his eyes, thoroughly intoxicated by our entanglement.
“Chemistryyyy—”
He pulled me down onto him, entering me with vengeance. I planted both feet beside him, balancing myself on the chair. My hands rested on his shoulders. My eyes never left his.
Up and down, I stroked his dick just how he loved it. Slow. Methodical. Magical. A hand wrapped around my neck, bringing me down to his lips. He kissed mine, exploring my mouth as if it was foreign territory. And then, suddenly, he pulled back. Our eyes met, again.
“I’m about to cum all in this pussy, Choc. Keep fucking me just like that.”
Obliging, I continued rubbing against my clit internally, using his dick to caress my insides.
“Fuuuuuuuuck.”
I began to rupture. Tingling started at my toes and traveled up both legs, ending at my center where I exploded.
“This dick cummi—Fuck.”
He jerked, tightening his grip around my neck while racing to my lips. Deeply, intensely, he kissed me. Passion erupted between us as we both reached our peaks.
As promised, we didn’t stay inside. After showering and getting dressed, we were out of the door. In The Highlands of Berkeley, we strolled the long strip of luxury brands that were surrounded by fine dining, a small golf course, and cars one could only dream of owning someday.
My government salary didn’t afford me the luxury I was witnessing and indulging in. It was bittersweet to even consider. Criminal money stretched for miles and miles, seeming to never end. We’d confiscated millions at a time during operations. Most of them had so much money they wouldn’t be able to spend it in one lifetime. Some time it was so old it crumbled.
I wondered if it was greed or a trauma bond with money that was a result of childhood poverty. For some, they hadn’t seen a struggle and didn’t know what one looked like, so greed was their only explanation. Others, like Chemistry, I couldn’t quite put my finger on their purpose for acquiring more than they could keep track of.
“Welcome, Eden. I’m Diane, and I’ll be shopping for you today.”
We stepped into Prada and were greeted almost instantly. I wasn’t sure how the personal shopper knew who she was speaking to, but I’d bet my last dollar Chem had orchestrated the entire thing. A glass of champagne was shoved in my direction. I accepted it, placing it to my lips after returning the gesture.
“Hey, Diane.”
“Good evening, Diane.”
“Always good to see you, Mr. Childers. Anything we’re looking for in particular this evening?”
“Not exactly. Whatever she wants. If she stares a second too long, put it on my tab.”
“Sure thing. Right this way, Eden.”
With the Bottega Veneta bag swaying in one hand and a Chanel bag in the other, I pushed forward. Chemistry was loaded down with bags as well. He’d made a few purchases in Louis Vuitton and wouldn’t leave until I decided on something. When I hesitated to choose between the monogrammed and plain bag, he made Elizabeth, our shopper, add both to his bill. We’d also stopped by Christian Louboutin and grabbed shoes that matched in style.
“I’m going to get a dressing room started for you.”
“Thank you.”
I melted into the plush couch, realizing how much my muscles ached. Aside from having my body contorted in every position possible over the last few days, we’d been walking for what felt like thirteen hours. The sneakers and two-piece athleisure fit Chemistry had waiting on me when I exited the shower was a God-send. I should’ve known then this shopping experience would be unlike anything else.
“What’s the matter?”
“My body aches.”
I sipped from the champagne while admiring the man who was almost too good to be true.
“I’ll get that taken care of.”
“Taken care of?” I chuckled. “Is there anything you can’t take care of?”
“Not when it comes to you, so let’s not worry about that.”
He was resourceful and didn’t mind using those resources. I appreciated that. He didn’t wait to be asked. At the mere mention of discomfort or desire, Chemistry sprang into action.
Caretaker. A good one.
“Whatever you say, Mister.”
Shyly, I sipped and scanned the bags that were encased and on shelves that glowed. A black, very simple piece caught my eye just as Diane returned.
“Galleria. Isn’t she beautiful?” Diane pointed to the bag I had my sight set on.
“Yes,” I claimed.
“We have her studded or simple black leather. She’s versatile. An everyday bag, work bag, classic bag, or special occasion bag.”
“Do you like it?” I turned and asked Chem.
“I do. You?”
“Yes.”
“She’ll take both,” he finalized.
“Bab–”
“She’ll take both,” he reiterated.
“Great. Now, would you like a look at more bags or shall we move on to the shoes and clothes?”
I hesitated, knowing I hadn’t gotten to spend time with the lovely bags on display.
“A little longer, Diane.” Chem was observant. His attention to detail allowed me to remain silent as he expressed my hesitancy with words that failed me.
“Okay. Anything in particular you’re interested in?”
“The triangle bag and the small bucket.”
“Let us see the backpack as well.”
Diane gathered the bags. One by one, I placed them up against my body. My reflection in the mirror made it difficult to choose. I finally accepted the fact I didn’t have to as I slid the backpack off my shoulder.
“I want them all.”
Chemistry’s eyes lit up, though his face was void of emotion.
“Alright. Adding these to your order.”
“Thank you.”
“To the shoes or are we stopping here?”
“I imagine I need at least one pair of shoes to coordinate.”
“Or five,” Chem added.
“I don’t need five.” Tittering, I finished the champagne.
As it hit the small table next to the couch, another one was placed in my hand. The strategy was to get customers loose enough to spend willingly. However, that wasn’t necessary. Chem would spend regardless. He didn’t need a drink in his hand or influence of any kind.
“Whatever you say, Choc.”
His attention never wavered. Not once had he picked up his phone. His eyes were planted in my direction, no matter where I turned or what I was doing. I had his undivided attention and the way my skin prickled under his watchful eye let me know I was fascinated by his willingness to stop his world from spinning on its axle to visit mine.
Prada was a success. It was abundantly clear it was a store I’d fallen head over heels for. The plethora of black pieces sold me almost immediately. Tanks, blouses, tees, dresses, pants, and skirts… I’d snagged a little of everything. By the time we exited, I was ready to call it a night. The sun would be setting soon and there were more bags than fingers on our hands combined.
“I’m going to put these in the truck. Stay put, Choc.”
“I can he–”
“Thomas is on the way out with the rest of the bags. He’ll help. Just don’t let nobody snatch your pretty ass.”
“What would my man do if they managed to pull it off?”
“Start the bloodiest war of our time. It would be noted in Black history for decades to come. The War of Eden. No one will be safe until your return. No one.”
He pecked my cheek and took off in the direction of the truck, leaving me flushed with a giddy smirk lining my lips. I believed every word that came from his mouth. When he returned to grab more bags, I couldn’t help myself. I pulled him closer.
“The Battle of Eden sounds better.”
“Whatever the fuck you want to call it.” He scoffed with a shrug.
Thomas pushed through the doors of Prada with hands full of bags. He followed Chemistry to the car where they began organizing the purchases. A hand on my shoulder startled me. Simultaneously, I was hit with a whiff of a familiar fragrance.
“Tired yet?” Anna asked as she rounded me, finally putting me at ease.
With a hand on my chest, I sighed. “You scared me.”
“My apologies.”
“What a coincidence? Chem is just over there, trying to stuff what he can inside.”
“No coincidence, babe. Malachi came to steal your man for a quick second and I came to free you from their unanimous shopping addiction. It’ll go on for hours more if we don’t intervene.”
“Thank you!” Breathlessly, I pulled her into a hug. “Shit, I didn’t know I’d ever need saving from a shopping spree, but God.”
“I won’t be around to save you every time, but consider it done if you’re here in Berkeley.”
“Again, thank you.”
“Don’t sweat it. Have you eaten? There’s a really nice spot just a few feet north of here. The drinks are amazing, too.”
Chem approached us with a scowl on his handsome face.
“Where is that nigga and what does he want?” he questioned Anna just as we heard a horn honking.
A stunning, green G-Wagon stole the breath from my lungs.
“Get in, loser. We’re going drinking.”
“I’m busy!” Chem hollered toward the truck.
“You done tricked off enough for the day!” Malachi yelled back. “There’s always another day.”
Chem turned to me. The hesitation was appalling. He was waiting for permission. Chemistry wasn’t one to wait for anything and ask for nearly nothing. Quickly, I nodded, encouraging him to take his brother up on the offer.
“I won’t be long,” he promised, kissing my forehead and then my lips.
“I’m not worried. See you later?”
“Without a doubt.”
“I’ll be sure to get her home safely. Just make sure my husband makes it back to me in one piece, okay?”
“That goes without saying. I’d sacrifice myself before I let anything happen to him.”
“Those knuckleheads are meeting you all. Prepare yourself.”
Milo and Makai. Without hearing their names, I knew that’s who she was referring to.
“It’s not Milo. It’s that fucking Makai. Our mother dropped him on his head a few times. There’s nothing that can convince me otherwise.”
“Me either.”
Chem leaned in and landed a kiss on Anna’s forehead before taking off toward the truck. Horns honked behind Malachi. Impatient drivers wanted him out of the way so they could get to their destinations sooner rather than later. To their dismay, they’d honked at the wrong truck, on the wrong day, with the wrong passenger present.
Chem’s visible waistline knotted my stomach. I watched the barrel of his gun as maneuver until it was airborne, pointing toward the unruly drivers behind Malachi.
“Blow that motherfucker again,” he dared.
The driver of the first vehicle quickly took note. The second didn’t until the barrel was tapping his window. Chem never made it to the third vehicle. It reversed and headed in the other direction.
“Baby!” I bellowed, hoping to snap him out of whatever trance he was in.
“I’ll see you back at the house, Choc,” he responded, blowing an air kiss as if he didn’t just scare the shit out of three unsuspecting victims.
I turned toward Anna, expecting an explanation. She didn’t have one. Her shoulder lifted and fell just as she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the restaurant she’d mentioned. Still in a state of shock, I followed.
The sun began setting as we approached the intricate dwelling with roped solar-powered lights and small pods decorating the patio. Rich, yet bold colors covered every inch of the space we entered. The chairs and tables were thrifted at some point in time. None of them matched, but they were all perfect additions to the vintage-inspired space.
“Reservations?”
“For two. Anna Domino.”
“Yes. Yes. Your table is ready.” The hostess tapped the iPad a few times and then led us toward the door, which gave us access to the patio that I’d fallen in love with from afar. Standing among the beautiful chaos made me fall a little deeper into the unique space.
“Pod six. Alex will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you,” Anna responded, taking a seat on the right side of the egg-shaped fixture.
I sat on the opposite side, taking note of the confidence Anna exuded. It was quiet, but it was so fucking loud. She reeked of wealth, good fortune, and knowledge.
Her face disappeared behind one of the menus that had been sat on our table. I took the opportunity to study the other one. When I waitress asked, I cared to know what I’d be starting with.
“He’s in love with you.” Anna’s voice carried through the rounded pod where we were seated, halting the beating of my heart. Immediately after, it restarted. Harder. Louder.
“Chemistry?” The question was never meant to leave my head, but somehow, it had surfaced.
“Well, surely, I’m not referring to Malachi.”
With a smile, I nodded. “Right.”
“He won’t ever admit it, but he and Makai have a lot in common. The death of their mother ended their interest in companionship. They avoid commitment. Not because they want to but because their hearts aren’t ready. It feels good, really good, to know Chemistry’s heart has progressed and his brokenness hasn’t rendered him helpless. He’s a gem, Eden. Though he might seem cold at times, his heart is pure.”
“I know,” I confessed.
“Don’t break it,” she warned. The softness of her voice had subsided and was replaced with a stern, firmer combination that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand.
I don’t want to.
“Hi, I’m Alex. I’ll be waiting for you this evening. What can I get started for you ladies?”
Our waitress appeared with a smile that could light any room. Dressed in a black and white ruffled dress, she blended well with the vintage decor.
“I’ll have a French 75.”
“I’ll have a dirty martini.”
“Alright. Will you ladies be having appetizers?”
“Yes, but we’re still undecided. When the drinks are delivered, we will have decided on something.”
“Great. I’ll be right back with those drinks.”
Alex hurriedly scurried from the table as if she was in a rush to be somewhere else.
Anna’s words were still ringing in my ear when we were left alone again. As she continued scanning the menu, I tried piecing my heart back together. The thought of breaking Chem’s shattered me every time.