Chapter 51
I had never cooked lobster a day in my life and here Remy was taking live ones out the box all casually. Melo was excited as he stood on the stool, eyes wide and curious.
Me? I had my hands tucked to my chest in horror.
Remy looked over at my expression and laughed. "Baby—really?"
"Yes, really." I stepped back further when one moved towards me.
"You scared, GG?" Melo asked peering over at me.
"No," I lied.
He giggled. "I'll protect you, don't worry."
"That's my boy." Remy rubbed the top of his head. He stepped away from the island and reached over grabbing my wrist lightly. "C'mon, beautiful. You said you wanted to learn how to cook them and now you about to jump out of your skin," he chuckled pulling me softly towards him.
"But—they're…alive." I looked up him.
"Not for long." He kissed my forehead. "I got you. Relax. Look how brave Melo is." He gestured.
I looked over. Melo lifted his arm flexing his nonexistent bicep.
I laughed lightly. "Melo fights space aliens. We’re not the same."
Remy laughed under his breath. “Alright then, beautiful, watch me first.”
I watched carefully as he picked the lobster up firmly from behind, avoiding the claws.
“See?” he looked back at me. “You gotta handle them with confidence. They can feel fear, and if they do—”
He jerked the lobster towards me making me jump back with a high-pitched squeal.
My eyes widened. “Oh my God, stop!” I smacked his arm making Melo burst into laughter.
“I’m joking, baby," he laughed.
“Mmhm. I don’t trust you.” I eyed him warily but smiling.
“You should.” He kissed my cheek quickly before placing the lobster back down on the counter. “Now come here so I can show you.”
Still skeptical, I moved closer while keeping a healthy distance between me and those claws.
“Okay,” Remy began calmly, slipping fully into chef mode now. “Most humane way is quick and direct. You don’t wanna torture the animal or have it suffering.”
Melo watched intensely from the stool. “Like a ninja,” he whispered.
“Exactly like a ninja.” Remy nodded.
I shook my head laughing softly while Remy grabbed the knife.
“Alright. Look right here.” He pointed at the top of the lobster’s head. “One clean cut straight down. Fast. That’s it.”
I grimaced at once when he did it quickly and efficiently. “Ohhh my God.” I covered my mouth. “I hate this.”
Melo looked fascinated. “Do another one, Daddy!”
“Relax, Dexter.” I looked over at him horrified.
Remy damn near folded over laughing. “Not Dexter.”
“He likes it too much!” I accused pointing.
“I’m learning!” Melo defended proudly.
Remy wiped his hands still laughing before turning back toward me. “Your turn.”
“Absolutely not.” I shook my head.
“Gianna.”
“No.” I shook my head again quickly, backing up.
He stalked toward me smiling until my back hit the refrigerator. “Baby…” he murmured low, both hands bracing beside my head. “How you gon’ enjoy lobster but scared to cook it?”
“Because I like my food dead and prepared before I see it.”
He chuckled shaking his head. "Alright. I won't make you do it. How about you just be my sous chef and let me do the ugly part. Sound good?"
I nodded gratefully. He was still fighting back his laughter.
"Stop laughing at me." I frowned, biting back a smile.
"I can't help it, you look so cute." He tapped my nose. "You alright?"
"I'm fine." I smiled.
"Alright, babe," he murmured. "Gimmie me a kiss." I leaned up and kissed him.
He turned back to the island rubbing his hands. "Alright, buddy…looks like this is a job for men."
Melo flexed both arms this time, his little chef hat tilted slightly on his head. "We got it, GG!"
"Thank you, big and little handsome." I smiled.
"Daddy will finish this part and then you'll help me clean them, cool?" Remy said.
"Yes, Chef!" Melo nodded seriously.
I let the boys do their part while I worked on prepping for the sides. Shredding cheese for the macaroni. Dicing veggies for the salad. Real simple shit. Ronnie and Boogie would be arriving soon, and we had a lot to prepare.
A couple of hours later, the sides were done. Remy dropped the lobster and crabs in to cook once Ronnie and Boogie called to let us know they would be arriving shortly. I was watching him remove the lobsters when the doorbell rang.
He looked over his shoulder. "Can you grab that, beautiful?"
"Of course." I nodded. Opening it, my best friend's face went from a frown to a wide smile as we threw our arms around each other.
"Bitch, I missed you," she cooed as we rocked side-to-side.
"I missed you more." I pressed my cheek to hers. "You look pretty." I pulled back to appraise her outfit. A cute little off the shoulder two-piece.
"Thank you." She flipped her hair over her shoulder's eyes taking in my flowy dress. "You look like a suburban housewife," she teased.
"Shut up," I snorted a laugh smoothing it down. "Come in." I pulled her inside.
"Girl, tell me why some nigga in a red Lambo cut me off." She frowned stepping in. "I almost shot out his tires. Muthfu—" her curse word was cut off by Melo's little feet running over.
"Hi!" he chirped. "I'm Melo."
Ronnie's face softened instantly and she looked at me with her hand pressed to her chest. The same look I had when I met Melo.
"Oh my gosh. Aren't you the cutest little thing." She squatted down to his level. "Hi, Melo. I'm Ronnie."
His dimples sank in deep. "Hi, Ms. Ronnie." When he extended his hand, Ronnie almost melted into the floor. "Stoppp. Not he a little gentleman," she gushed, shaking his hand gently.
"He gets it from his father," I smiled warm and proud, hand on his shoulder.
Remy was wiping his hands and approaching with a smile. Ronnie was already sizing him up in approval, that playful smirk on her face.
"Nice to formally meet you, Ronnie." Remy held out his hand.
I was expecting her to say some off the wall comment about his looks but—
"You too, Chef," she replied politely shaking his hand. "Thank you for having me. Your home is beautiful by the way."
I blinked rapidly at her politeness giving her a questioning look.
She shrugged casually. "What? You told me to be on my best behavior," she smiled.
Remy chuckled. "Come on in. Make yourself at home. I have some wine on the table. Dinner will be ready shortly."
"Thanks, Remy." Ronnie waved sweetly as he and Melo made their way back to kitchen.
Ronnie looped her arm through mine leaning in close. "Bitch, I just know he talk you through it don't he?" she whispered. "Deep ass voice."
Snickering, I nudged her. "And do."
We laughed low, slapping each other's hands. We were about to head to the dining room when I saw headlights flash in in the driveway.
"That's probably his friend." I looked back, slipping my arm out of hers. I opened the door only to see a red Lamborghini parking.
"I know damn well that ain't him," Ronnie muttered next to me as the car door slid up smoothly.
"Ronnie, be nice," I hissed under my breath as Boogie stepped out. Tall. Chocolate. Waves. Beard. Broad shouldered. Ronnie's exact type. I glanced over, and sure enough she had that look in her eyes. This was about to be an interesting night.
"I made it." Boogie strolled over with a Colgate smile stopping in front of us. "You must be Gianna." He held out his hand.
"I am," I smiled taking it. "It's so nice to meet you, Boogie."
"You as well," he replied warmly. "Remy can't stop talking about you and I can see why."
"Why thank you," I tilted my head. "This is my best friend, Ronnie." I gestured my head to her. "Ronnie, this is Remy's frat brother and best friend."
Ronnie ass didn’t even give him a chance to say hi. "You cut me off," she said directly, brow raised.
Boogie's brows pinched together. "Pardon?"
"At the intersection. You and that dick on wheels car over there," she pointed, "cut me off."
"Ronnie—" I hissed grabbing her hand.
But Boogie just rubbed his beard in amusement. "My apologies, gorgeous. How can I make it up to you?"
Ronnie licked her lips slowly, drawing his eyes right there. "I'll let you know by the end of the night…Boogie."
He bit down on his bottom lip smiling.
I just rolled my eyes and shook my head with a smirk. He had no idea who he was fucking with. She was going to drain him dry and leave him begging for more. We all went inside.
Melo barreled into Boogie's legs as soon as he saw him. "Hey, Uncle, B."
"What's going on, godson?" Boogie smiled warmly and reached down to hug him. "Look at my lil' chef. You in here whipping it up with your Pops?"
Melo nodded quickly, grinning. "We made live lobsters. GG was scared."
"Now why you gotta announce that to everyone, little handsome?" I cut my eyes at him playfully. "I thought we were closer than that."
Melo giggled. "Sorry, GG. It was funny."
Boogie stepped into the kitchen to talk to Remy while me, Melo and Ronnie made our way into the dining room. Melo ever the little gentlemen, ran over to pull out our chairs.
Ronnie was damn near in tears she was fawning so hard over him. "You wanna come home with, Auntie Ronnie?" she cooed.
Laughing, I leaned down to kiss Melo's cheek. "No, ma'am You can't take my baby."
Ronnie rolled her eyes as we sat down. "You and Remy can make a new one."
Once Melo was satisfied, we were comfortable, he nodded. "I'll be back," he announced before running out.
Ronnie reached for the bottle of wine and poured some. "This step mommy and suburban housewife shit suits you, sis. I ain't gon' lie. I've never seen you so relaxed." She poured me a glass.
I sighed happily. "I am, boo. He's amazing to me. The baby is amazing. I love them and I love this life already."
"Period," she smiled softly, pressing her glass gently to mine. "Happy for you, bestie. Real shit."
"Thank you, best friend." I beamed.
Minutes later, Remy and Boogie walked in carrying platters and bowls while the smell of garlic butter and seasoning floated through the entire house. Melo was right behind them balancing a salad carefully in his hands. I got up to take it from him and help him into his chair.
"You can sit next to your son and your boo." Ronnie offered, standing with a smile.