6. Love Beyond Imagination #2
“Ummm… that’s okay. I got it,” Jazz said quickly. Her hand tightened slightly around the strap. There was a small pause. Wynter nodded once. “Okay,” she said gently, turning toward the kitchen. The sound of champagne pouring into a glass filled the silence. Kira watched everything.
“What’s going on, Jazz? You cool?” she asked quietly, sitting beside her.
“Yeah… I’m good,” Jazz replied, but her jaw tightened. Kira tilted her head.
“That didn’t sound like you’re good.” Jazz let out a small breath.
“I just thought it was going to be me and you, that’s all.
I wasn’t expecting an extra.” The word hung in the air.
From the kitchen, Wynter’s movements slowed just slightly, though she kept her back turned.
Kira’s smile faded just enough to notice.
Her chest tightened. This weekend was supposed to feel light.
“An extra?” she repeated softly. Jazz shrugged.
“You know what I mean.” And suddenly the balloons didn’t feel as bright.
Wynter came back to join the women, completely unbothered. She knew Jazz’s issues were not her business. She was invited, so she was staying. She sat down gracefully, crossing one leg over the other, and smiled as she took a slow sip of her champagne like nothing had shifted in the room at all.
“Jazz, Kira told me all about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Jazz looked at her for a long second before responding.
“Well… she didn’t tell me anything about you. Who are you exactly?” The question wasn’t loud. But it wasn’t light either. Kira felt it immediately. Her fingers tightened slightly around her glass. Wynter didn’t flinch.
“Well, we met at work,” she said smoothly. “But at this point, we’re more than coworkers. We’ve built a real friendship.” She paused just enough to let that land.
“So, she invited me because she wanted all of us to have a good time. But if you don’t want me here, I understand.
I can go.” Her tone was firm, steady. Not defensive.
Not emotional. Just clear. She was a grown woman.
Nothing was about to move forward in tension without being addressed.
The air felt thicker. Jazz shifted in her seat, suddenly aware of how small the couch felt beneath her.
“No, no. It’s nothing like that, she said quickly. “I wasn’t expecting… I just thought it was going to be me and her. I didn’t mean to come off like that.” Her voice lost some of its edge. Because now she felt uncomfortable. Exposed. Kira finally spoke, her voice calm but intentional.
“Both of you matter to me. This weekend isn’t about sides.
It’s about celebrating.” Her eyes moved between them.
Wynter helped me get everything together for you, and she’s sweet.
She’s really cool people,” Kira said gently.
“But I do understand your feelings, Jazz.” She reached over and touched her hand.
“We’re going to have our time alone too. That was never taken off the table. I love you. And I’m sorry if you felt blindsided by my decision. I should’ve asked how you felt first. That’s on me.” Jazz looked at her, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little.
“I never want you to feel like you’re competing for space in my life,” Kira continued. “There’s room. I promise.” She gave her hand a small squeeze.
“I just want us to enjoy the night. No weird energy. Just vibes. We good?” Kira asked. Jazz nodded her head. Then she turned to Wynter, who nodded as well.
“Well, I’m glad that’s over. Forget champagne, we need shots,” Kira said, popping up from the couch like she refused to let the mood stay weird for another second.
The girls didn’t hesitate. Wynter grabbed the bottle of Don Julio from the counter while Jazz reached for the limes.
Kira poured salt onto the back of her hand like she had done this a hundred times before.
The chef peeked out of the kitchen with an amused smile before disappearing again.
“To new beginnings,” Kira said, lifting her glass.
“To grown women addressing shit and moving on,” Wynter added.
Jazz laughed, finally relaxed. “And to not being an extra,” she said, raising her shot with a smirk.
They clinked glasses. The first round burned going down, but it felt good.
The second round went down easier. By the third, laughter filled the apartment so loud it bounced off the walls.
Heels were kicked off. Music turned up. Someone was dancing in the middle of the living room like rent wasn’t due.
And after one full bottle of Don Julio later, you would’ve thought they had been best friends their whole lives.
The tension was gone. And Harlem felt like home.
The chef prepared the table with lamb chops, asparagus, loaded potatoes, and shrimp.
But not just any lamb chops. They were seared perfectly, juices still glistening under the soft kitchen light, a rosemary garnish resting on top like it belonged there.
The aroma alone made the whole apartment feel five-star.
The asparagus was bright green, lightly seasoned, still with a slight snap when touched.
The loaded potatoes were creamy and overflowing with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives sprinkled across the top.
The shrimp were sautéed in garlic butter, the scent filling the room in a way that made everybody suddenly realize how hungry they were.
White plates. Gold utensils. Candles lit.
Champagne glasses catching the light. And Kira stood there quietly taking it all in.
The women took their seats, stomachs growling as the aroma from the food wrapped around them.
“Before we devour this meal, I would like to say grace,” Kira said. They joined hands and bowed their heads.
“Father God, bless the hands that prepared this meal. Bless the man who made this happen for us today. My man, my man, my man… Sincere.” A few soft laughs filled the table.
“Thank You for covering us as we traveled. Thank You for friendship, for growth, for being able to sit at a table in peace. Thank You for allowing me to experience this season of my life without chaos attached to it. Also bless the beautiful women who have joined me today. Protect our bond. Let tonight be filled with love, laughter, and genuine connection. I am grateful for everything, and I take nothing for granted. Continue to elevate us, guide us, and keep us aligned with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ”
“Amen,” they echoed. They squeezed hands before letting go, and just like that, the forks started moving.
Afterwards, the women danced and had deep conversations about relationships, growth, and healing.
Laughter echoed through the apartment well into the night.
It was definitely a night for the books.
The next morning, Sincere was there bright and early with a housekeeper.
He told Kira and her girls not to lift a finger.
He just wanted them to enjoy themselves.
No stress. No cleaning. Just vibes. He truly wanted them to experience life without a care in the world, even if it was just for a weekend.
Because he respected and loved his mother deeply, he promised himself at a young age he would treat any woman in his life the exact same way.