Chapter 13
“Is love always worth fighting for?”
Today, I’m spending time with Nana and want to get her opinion and advice on my situation with Fayth.
While I’m all in with our relationship, I can understand Fayth’s reservations despite not having any myself.
Rome and I are best friends, yet our friendship will never hold more weight than the joy I feel about being with Fayth.
“Well, that depends,” Nana Ruby tells me, pausing the kneading of the dough she’s working with.
“On?” My brows hike in question, and my breath stalls in my chest while waiting for her response.
“How about you tell me why it matters to you? I mean, many people believe that they have what it takes to fight for love, only to give up when the battle gets thicker than a bowl of day old oatmeal.”
“She matters because she is possibly the one I’ll give my last name.”
“Hm. Those are strong words. Are you sure?” Nana Ruby’s assessing eyes peer into me, causing me to squirm slightly.
“I am. In fact, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’s it for me.”
“Can I share something else with you, baby?” Nana Ruby’s inquiry stalls the additional thoughts swirling in my mind.
“Of course.”
“I knew you two would find your way to each other. I can’t wait for you to become one.”
My eyes balloon, and my chest pounds like I’m at a rock concert, causing my mouth to open and close.
“Wh—who are you talking about, Nana?”
“Oh, are you not talking about little Ms. Fayth? Although, I reckon she’s not a little anything these days.”
Records scratch, and glass breaks in the deep recesses of my mind as my mouth hangs open at Nana Ruby’s statements.
“H-how?”
“You must have forgotten what you said before leaving town for work two years ago.”
Oh shit! The memory of the passing conversation with Nana Ruby slams into my mind, nearly stopping my heart. I had forgotten all about what I said.
“Don’t worry. Your secret has always been safe with me.” Nana Ruby winks before returning her focus to the dough while my words from back then echo loudly.
“What would you do if you didn’t have any resistance? Contrary to your unbreakable countenance, I know you, and I can see that there’s something other than sisterly thoughts running through that head of yours.”
My eyes disconnect from Fayth’s supple hips moving to the beat of the song playing around the yard. Nana Ruby wanted to get out of the house, so I brought her to Ms. Miles’s cookout so she could eat and have a good time.
“I would shoot my shot or do my darndest to show her that I can be more to her than her brother’s best friend. I feel something magnetic whenever her light brown eyes collide with mine. I already have a sister so that’s never going to be a role, Fayth Miles will fill where I’m concerned.”
“Mhm. I know, and I’m praying you get to shoot your shot or whatever you just said one day.” Nana Ruby smiles before walking away, humming a tune only she knows.
Me:
Meet me at Adoring Pearls in an hour. Please.
Peaches & Cream:
***
Me:
I’ll answer all of your questions then. See you soon.
Peaches & Cream:
*thumbs up emoji*
It took me another two days to sort through the haze of Nana Ruby’s words of remembrance concerning Fayth.
I’m not sure how I had forgotten about what I said, but damn if I didn’t mean every word.
What’s wild is that I didn’t do anything to activate where Fayth and I are now.
All I did was step in to shield Fayth from another instance of dealing with the overbearing ways of her brother.
One smile from Fayth can have me moving mountains for her, but it pales in comparison to feeling her clench around me or having her in my arms.
Having an inside hook up with the owner of your job is hopefully gonna remove any remaining distance between me and my lady.
I miss her laughter, bright eyes when looking at me, and gentle caress while lying in my arms. Hell, I miss everything about Fayth, so I have to fix us or risk the irregularity within the cadence of my heart.
Tonight is about total reconciliation and showing Fayth I want more than her body.
This will be the first time Fayth gets to enjoy my culinary skills from a solo perspective.
While most believe food to be the way to a man’s heart, I’m praying that Fayth feels the totality of my appreciation and love with every bite she takes.
“Alright, Q, baby. I’m trusting that when I walk through these doors tomorrow, I won’t smell anything but whatever cleaning agent you used to clean up after your little date,” Janae says.
A low chuckle escapes my mouth when I see the shaky and nervous expression shining in Janae’s eyes.
“No worries, boss lady. Only teenage boys fuck in random places. My lady will never have to blush when the two of you meet after squirting on your fine dinnerware or tablecloths. Have a good night.”
“Ew. I don’t need that visual. Bye.” Throwing her hand up, Janae walks out of the kitchen, causing me to laugh at her quickly retreating back.
After confirming Fayth’s impending arrival, I continue preparing our meal for the evening.
I’m in my element and the fragrances billowing around the kitchen has warmth spreading across my chest. Cooking is the one thing I can do well, so the romantic dinner for Fayth seems fitting after her request. The plan is to feed Fayth before diving into a conversation about how to move forward.
If telling Roman about the two of us will ease Fayth’s torment and fears, then it’s time for me to strap on my boots and get it done.
Losing Fayth isn’t an option I’m willing to consider.
I just hope that coming clean doesn’t cause me to lose my best friend.
I also pray that Roman’s territorial ass doesn’t react violently because in no way will I become his punching bag.
I ain’t ever gonna be that mature, so prayerfully, cooler heads will prevail, and Roman will be understanding.
Damn. I hope the potential blowup doesn’t cause Fayth to run again.