Page 34 of Surrender to Love

“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—”