Chapter 10 #2
I looked up from my phone and was blown away by the beauty standing a few feet away. Khiya wore a fitted, long-sleeved leopard print dress that stopped just below her knees. Her accessories were red, including the booties covering her feet.
“Damn, baby,” I said as I stood.
“Is this too much?”
“Never, baby. You look beautiful.”
She looked nervous as I approached her, and when I stood in front of her, I could feel the tension in her body. I gently gripped her waist and pressed a kiss on her forehead. Her body immediately relaxed under my touch.
“You have no reason to be nervous. My parents are cool as hell, but the last woman I introduced them to was the ex I told you about. It’s been a long time, so they may be excited, but don’t let their excitement scare you.”
She blew out a breath, and the minty scent of toothpaste hit my nostrils.
“Okay. Let’s go before I change my mind.”
“Hold on. I need to tell you something before we go because I don’t want you to be caught by surprise.”
“Shit, Sy. You’re making me more nervous.”
“I’m sorry, baby, but unfortunately, this can’t be avoided.”
“What is it?”
“My father insisted we go to Perry’s, and Livvy works there part-time.”
“Are you serious?”
“I wish I wasn’t. I’m not sure if she’s working tonight, but if she is and is on some bullshit, I don’t want you to be caught off guard.”
“I guess there’s not much that can be done. Thank you for telling me.”
“Are you mad?”
“No. This is out of your control.”
She kissed my lips and wiped off the lipstick. I helped her into her coat, and a few minutes later, we were in my truck, headed to the restaurant, which was only about ten minutes away. When we arrived, I left my truck with the valet, and we entered the restaurant, holding hands.
I gave the hostess my father’s name, and she led us to our seats. Taylor and Maison had already arrived. I made the introductions, and Khiya and Taylor hit it off immediately.
“My goodness. You look adorable with your baby belly,” Khiya cooed.
“Aww, thank you. I only have a few months left, and I already know I’ll miss being pregnant.”
“Really? That’s so sweet. I’m glad it’s been a pleasant experience for you. My brother and his wife recently found out they’re expecting. I’m so excited for them.”
My parents arrived, and Khiya and I stood for another round of introductions.
“Ms. Khiya, you are wearing that dress, girl,” Ma said as we returned to our seats.
“Thank you, Mrs. McCoy. I like your cheetah print, too.”
“Thank you, and please, call me Rita.”
“No ma’am. My mother would kill me, but I can call you Ms. Rita, if that’s okay.”
“That’ll work too, sweetheart. Sylas, I like her already. She’s gorgeous and has manners.”
“Thank you, Ms. Rita.”
Everyone laughed, and the small amount of tension that was present disappeared. The server arrived, and I was relieved when it wasn’t Livvy. I hadn’t seen her, so maybe today was my lucky day, and she wasn’t on the schedule.
We ordered drinks and appetizers, then spent a few more minutes looking at the menu. My father already knew what he wanted, so he waited patiently for everyone else to decide. When the server returned with our drinks and appetizers, we ordered our meals.
“Khiya, Sylas told us you’re from Waukegan,” my father said.
“Yes, sir, born and raised. Have you visited?”
“It’s been decades, but when I joined the Navy, boot camp was at Great Lakes Naval Base.”
“Oh yeah. Sylas and I went to dinner a few weeks ago at a restaurant that’s right down the street from the base.”
“I’m sure a lot has changed since I was last there.”
“Definitely, but you should come up for a visit,” she offered.
“How do you like being a flight attendant?” Taylor asked.
“It’s not bad, and it’s much better than being unemployed.”
We laughed and agreed.
“You have such a beautiful voice, Khiya. Do you sing?” my mother asked.
“Oh my God. I literally whispered the same thing to Maison the first time she spoke,” Taylor added.
“Thank you both. I get a lot of compliments on my voice, but as I told Sylas, singing isn’t my ministry.”
“That’s unfortunate. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but listening to you is so calming,” Taylor said.
“I appreciate that. Can you excuse me for a moment while I use the bathroom?” she asked.
“I’ll go with you,” Taylor offered.
Maison and I stood to help them out of their seats, and they disappeared. I happened to look at my parents when I returned to my seat, and their eyes were on me.
“You like her, don’t you?” Ma questioned with a smile.
“I think he more than likes her,” Pops said before I could answer.
“You might be right, Pops. These feelings are unfamiliar, and I’m not sure what to do with them.”
“Lean into them, Son. Embrace them,” Ma encouraged.
“But how can I be sure it’s what I think it is? I thought I loved Nicki, but what I feel for Khiya is deeper. There’s really no comparison.”
“Not to take away from what you had with Nicki, but that was puppy love, Son. This is the real deal,” Pops said.
“It’s only been a couple months. Isn’t that—”
“When you find the person that was made for you, it might only take two days,” Ma assured me.
Two days after I met Khiya, I had to leave her in the hotel room in Denver, and I didn’t see her in person again for weeks. I missed her with everything in me when we are apart, and I’d never experienced that kind of longing for another woman.
“You haven’t taken your eyes off her since you sat down. When she talks, it looks like you’re hanging onto every word she says. I was the same way with your sister. You’re in love, man,” Maison declared.
“I think I am.”