“Did you invite me to Santa’s fucking workshop?” He gestured toward the miniature reindeers cascaded across the ceiling.
“Please,” I grumbled. “It’s beautiful in here. They change decorations depending on the holiday. It’s always festive, plus the food is amazing.”
“It better be. It’s dark in here, the space is cramped, and I feel like cinnamon is coming out of my pores.” Loso pointed to the present I brought with me. “Who is that for?”
“You.” I guided the gift across the table. “Open it.”
I rested my chin on my fists while Loso removed the tissue paper from the bag then set it in the empty seat beside him. I studied the tatted man as he examined the miniature cherry red Mustang I bought for him.
“The other day, you said you hate Christmas because it triggers thoughts of things you’ve never had.”
His eyes raced up to mine. “I didn’t say that.”
“Hm. That’s what I heard.” I snickered. “I’m not sure if you were joking about the toy car, but if you weren’t, that’s one less thing you haven’t had.”
With ease, Loso’s broad shoulders loosened. The jewels in his mouth added light to the dim setting.
“When I agreed with you at the party, I didn’t mean—You know what. It doesn’t matter. This is dope as hell.”
“I’m happy you like it.” I clapped. “What else do you want for Christmas?”
His lids went low. “I don’t know, but when I figure it out, I got you.”
“Perfect! Now, let’s order. We can get down to business after that.”
I moved from side to side in my seat as I looked over the menu. Everything sounded divine, making my tongue sweep over my bottom lip. I had been salivating over the restaurant’s Instagram posts for so long, I didn’t need to see the menu to decide what I wanted.
“Everything sounds so good. I want one of everything.” I moaned.
Loso’s silence made me shift the menu out of my line of vision, giving me a clear view of his twisted expression.
“Fix your face. It’s notthatbad.” I pestered. “Nothing is catching your eye?”
“Nothing on the menu. I have never heard of a peppermint patty made out of wagyu.”
“Trying something new won’t kill you. That’s your problem. You’re stuck in your ways.”
His closed lip chuckle caused his frame to fall back against his seat. “All right, hot shit. You order for me.”
“I got you.”
Along with our food, we ordered drinks. Loso kept it simple, ordering a double shot of tequila whereas I picked a Long Island iced tea. I didn’t make it a habit of drinking on the job, but Loso was family. I knew I was in good company.
“What do you need me to handle for the party?” I asked after taking a sip from my straw.
Loso’s head jerked back. “I don’t know. I’m paying you to figure it out.”
“Okay, but you have to give me something to work with. I spoke to your mom this morning. She said her previous planner emailed you all the information we need, and she told you to print everything out.”
He retrieved a folder from the seat beside him. “Done.”
“She also said you know what she likes,” I continued as I flipped through the receipts, mood boards, and emails that confirmed reservations that were already in place. “Mrs. Terri is still the sweetest. She speaks highly of you. I never knew you were a mama’s boy.”
“Believe it or not, we haven’t always been so coo’, but the older we got, the closer we got.” He scoffed, urging my attention to find him. “I can’t say the same for my dad, but after all these years, I’ll take what I can get.”
“You could also go after what you deserve. If you want to rebuild the relationship with your dad, do it.”
A red tint stained his peanut butter brown complexion. “You make it sound so simple.”
