Chapter 9 #2
“You’re going on your freaky sex trip,” I say, then look at Giselle.
“And you’re about to open Erogenous. Y’all are being all grown and sexy and I’m going to The Marketplace in the morning to buy the one hundred ingredients to learn how to make my man’s favorite food.
Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. ”
“Opposite but still good. Life is great. We’re all happy and smiling and that’s all that fucking matters,” Giselle says and Alex and I nod in total agreement.
Alex motions for the server and we order another round of drinks.
The conversation switches while we wait.
“When you get back, Alex, we need to talk about Reya.”
“What’s up with her?” I ask.
“She doesn’t want a baby shower,” Giselle announces.
“What? Why the hell not?” Alex asks, voicing my exact questions.
“She says it doesn’t make any sense because they won’t know the sex of the baby until he or she arrives.”
“No, that doesn’t make sense. Pampers and wipes are gender neutral and she’s going to need a shitload of those. Plus, we can just buy gender neutral things. We have to give her a shower,” I say, truly not liking the idea of no baby shower.
“Y’all know how she is. Her mind is made up. She said they will have a sip and see one month after the baby is born,” Giselle says.
“Then it’s going to be one extravagant sip and see and she will not be able to object to that,” Alex says.
“Oh, most definitely,” Giselle replies and we all nod.
If I had to name the top five things in Shiro’s life that he loves, I could without a doubt say me, his family, his shop, the motorcycle he’s restoring, and Shuga’s Zongo stew.
Since I can’t repair any vehicle or restore a bike, I decided to learn to cook his favorite stew.
Last week, I went right to the source. I called Shuga and she agreed to teach me.
My cooking skills are less than stellar.
Hell, they are really limited to three dishes: chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, ground turkey lasagna, and yellow rice and chicken.
I mastered them in college and my mastery stopped there.
All other meals are ordered, picked up, or prepared by the hands of cooks I trust. So tackling this stew is a feat I’d gladly attempt for him.
The plan today is simple: get up early, drive to Diamond Falls and shop at The Marketplace there, then be at Shuga’s by nine. According to her, Zongo takes a lot of time, love, and effort and I want to have it done in time to surprise Shiro at the shop for lunch.
The massages last night at FNF were needed and much appreciated.
I was so damn relaxed that I drifted to sleep before midnight and beat my alarm clock this morning at six-thirty.
I arrived at Shuga’s right before nine and we have been getting it in.
Shuga’s a true cook and her knowledge of spices is admirable.
She’s also a proponent of fresh ingredients, even her spices.
“Fresh is best, honey,” she repeats as she grinds rosemary, bay leaves, and something called dawadawa.
I only bought the meats and veggies; the spices are all from her.
We are in the final stages of the process.
Because Shiro loves eggs in his stew, we boiled a dozen.
I’m peeling the eggs now and the rice is finishing in the cooker.
“After these simmer and the oil rises to the top, we’ll skim it off then add the eggs.
They need to marinate in the stew for about fifteen minutes,” she says.
“It smells so good in here,” I admit.
“Well, you did good; it should smell good,” she says and I merely smirk.
We both know the bulk of the work was completed by her. I rough-chopped the veggies and blended them and boiled the eggs. The majority of this morning was spent with me watching, listening attentively, and taking notes in my phone. Zongo is definitely a lot.
“I don’t know how you make this as often as you do,” I admit honestly. “This is definitely going to be a birthday treat and that’s it for me.”
Grinning, she says, “It’s definitely a labor of love.
I’m just glad you asked me to teach you.
I loved when I got your call. You wanting to learn for my Shiro.
” She shakes her head then smiles. “I love that. You know, I’ve given my suya seasoning recipe to Mireya.
She asked for it for Quintus and now this.
I’m so glad my boys have finally found their ones.
” She places the lid back on the pot. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have another of these Dutch ovens. You’ll need one on his birthday. Let me get it.”
“Oh no, Shuga. I can buy one,” I say while shaking my head.
“Girl, please. A new one will not be seasoned. I’m giving you this one,” she says before walking into her huge pantry. We are interrupted by taps on the kitchen door leading to the garage. “It’s probably one of the boys.”
In a panic, I utter, “I hope not Shiro. This is a surprise. He doesn’t know I’m in Diamond Falls.”
“It’s probably Deuce. He usually comes over when he wakes up, looking for food.”
When she walks out of the pantry with the pot, the kitchen door opens and Deuce strolls in.
He’s the bigger version of Shiro. All of the brothers look alike but he and Shiro really favor.
The only differences are their height, frame, and the grill on his bottom row.
I don’t know if it is permanent but he’s had it each time I’ve seen him.
“Damn, I’m right on time,” he says as soon as he enters. “What’s up, sis?” He nods toward me.
“Hey. Good morning,” I reply.
After loudly inhaling, he steps toward Shuga. “You didn’t say you were cooking Zongo today.”
“’Cause I’m not. Kyrah is cooking for your brother.”
“Shit, that’s what’s up. But that’s a big pot. I know I can get a bowl.” He takes the pot from Shuga’s hand and places it on the island. Then he kisses her forehead.
“No, you cannot,” Shuga says before I can tell him no.
Shiro has to get the first taste.
“I made turkey wings last night. Sit down and I’ll warm you some,” she says. She turns toward the stove and stirs the stew. “It’s time for the eggs.”
While I stand to add them, Deuce washes his hands. He grabs a spoon from the silverware drawer and has the nerve to try and taste the stew.
“You can’t,” I say, then try to block him. “Shiro has to taste it first.”
“Boy, leave that stew alone. She made that for your brother. I’m getting the turkey wings.”
“Well damn, shit. A’ight,” he says while nodding.
Thankfully, he listens and drops the spoon into the sink.
I really didn’t want to curse him out. As I place the eggs into the pot, he grabs a bottle of water from the fridge then sits at the small table in the kitchen.
Shuga grabs her containers from the fridge and fixes him a heaping plate of food.
“You know what? Keep the pot it’s cooking in. It doesn’t make sense to transfer pots,” Shuga says.
“Shuga, I can really buy one. I bought my crockpot to transfer it into anyway.”
“Then, you still take this one,” she says, tapping the one on the island. “I’m giving you a pot,” she insists.
“Yes, ma’am,” is all I say before closing the lid.
“Good. Now, you can turn the burner off. The eggs will simmer and the rice should be ready,” she says and a smile spreads on my face. Truly appreciative, I step toward her and wrap my arms around her.
“Thank you so much for this.”
“Oh honey, you welcome. You’re helping me. Now, I’m not the only one in the family who knows how to make it. Plus,” she begins and her tone drops. “I might need your help with something in a few weeks.”
“Anything you need,” I assure her. “You just let me know when, but let me get this crockpot. I left it in the living room.”
“Deuce can get it,” she says but he’s already up and walking out of the kitchen. As soon as he’s out, she turns back to me. “I’ve been thinking about going to this dating thing at the Blue Mountain Resort in two weeks,” she whispers and I’m elated.
“Really! You should definitely go,” I say excitedly. I love everything about Shuga and she deserves happiness in the relationship department. I know firsthand the heartache that happens when your husband betrays you. That shit hurts.
“I RSVPed for it but I don’t know.”
“No, Shuga, go and have some fun. You deserve it.”
“I just haven’t done this in a long…wait. I’ve never done this. The only man I knew was Asa—”
“You want this on the counter?” Deuce’s deep voice booms, interrupting us.
“We will continue this later,” Shuga whispers before tapping my arm.
“Yes we will because you definitely should go,” I mumble back before turning to Deuce. “Yes, here on the counter is fine, and thank you for getting that for me.”
“You good,” he mumbles.
After placing my crockpot on the counter, Deuce steps back to the small table and retackles his plate. While I have a million questions for Shuga, Deuce is clearly planted until he’s done eating and I need to get this stew to Shiro. I step toward her and speak lowly.
“We can talk about the event later.”
“Yeah, I’ll call you. I think I’m going to need you and Reya’s help if she’s up to it,” she says and I nod. “But please don’t say anything to Shiro.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I assure her, then grin. I can only imagine how Shiro, and hell, even his brothers, will react to Shuga going on any kind of date. They are so protective of her. This is going to be interesting.
“Good.” She smiles then pulls me in for an embrace.
“Thanks again for sharing your recipe with me and teaching me how to make this. I would have never figured it out on my own.”
“Yes, you would’ve. It’s not that hard,” she says and I purse my lips.
It’s hard as hell.
“Well, let me get ready to go. I’m sure his breakfast has worn off and he’s about ready for lunch.”
“Thank you,” she says.
“For what?” I genuinely question because why is she thanking me.
“For loving my son enough to do this. This is all I want for them. First Quintus, now Shiro,” she says and I immediately notice how she doesn’t mention Ace and Sade.