Page 54 of Surrender to Love

“Monday off? Why? It’s not a holiday.”

“Some student holiday. The school is open but no students. She’s going to come to court with me. My calendar is light.”

“She is going to love that.”

“I know, right? Especially since she wants to be a judge now. I think I’m going to get her an engraved gavel.”

“Aw, now that would be too cute.”

“I know. But speaking of judges-to-be, Quintus is starting to worry about Alami. She missed the past two Sunday dinners and hasn’t been to our house either. I told him I’d ask you,” she says and I give her a wry smile. “What?” she exclaims, reading my face. “She’s failing school?”

“No, she is not failing. Alami is an honor student,” I say, hoping that’ll ease the concern in her voice. It works for her concern but not her damn curiosity. Reya is so damn inquisitive. After cutting her eyes at me, she asks, “Is DAZ having a fall line?”

“Reya, you know I can’t tell you that.”

“Oh my God! They are and she’s pledging. This summer she was so interested in Delta Alpha Zeta. I should have known. She’s on line, isn’t she?” she asks, as if I can answer. While DAZ is definitely having a fall line and Alami is pledging, I cannot divulge that information to Reya and she knows it.

Ignoring her question, I say, “Where’s our server? I’m getting hungry.”

“Aww. She is. I bet she’s going to ask me to pin her. I’ll act surprised,” she says.

“I didn’t confirm anything you asked.”

“I know and that’s why I know it’s true. I’m so happy for her.”

“I can’t stand your inquisitive ass,” I scoff playfully. “Act surprised and don’t say anything to Quintus.”

“I won’t,” she assures.

Thankfully, our server, a tall, beautiful young lady, approaches and places two small menus in front of us. Since this is a tapas style restaurant, each dish on the menu has one serving, maybe two, and are brought out when ready, not all at once.

“Hello. I’m Tanya, your server this evening. Can I start you ladies off with a drink?” she asks.

“Just water for me,” Reya answers.

“And I would like water with lemons and a Tropical Storm. That’s tequila, right?”

“Yes. Cimmaron tequila.”

“Yes. That’s it. And can we start with two orders of salted cod and potato fritters? We will order more once we have our drinks.”

“I can do that. I’ll have your drinks right out,” Tanya says before walking off.

“This is so cute and the food looks good. I think I’m going to try the olive salad. Briny and salty sounds so good. And I want honey bourbon lamb champs. If they are good, I’ll get some for Niya and Quintus to-go.”

“They are so damn good. I’m getting some for Shiro to-go too but I think I want the chicken curry empanadas and the rocket salad.”

“Rocket salad? I missed that,” she says, then lifts the menu again. After studying it, she says, “Yeah. I want that too. They’re small portions, right?”

“Yes, truly tapas.”

Tanya returns with our drinks and the fritters and we place the rest of our food orders. As each small plate or bowl is brought out, we taste and share each dish. We also talk about Shuga and what we can only guess is going on in the ballroom. We are truly excited about her stepping out. If anyone deserves total happiness, it’s Shuga.

The more I’m around Shuga, the more I think about my relationship or lack thereof with my mother. It’s been almost three weeks since that setup she tried to orchestrate at her house and I haven’t talked to her. I just can’t as long as she refuses to acknowledge my hurt and Kym’s wrongdoing.

Right after we place our to-go orders, Reya sharpens her already straight posture. She tilts her head then darts her eyes to the same side.

“Is that Raquan?” she utters and I squint. “With another lady who’s not Kym,” she adds and I glance up. She’s right. It’s his trifling ass.