Washington said, “Despite Big Country’s ego, I hope you get things right with that fine lady at the table before she’s gone. That’s why I took it there with your knuckleheaded ass.” He shook his head. “Forgive. While you can. Things went sideways with Maddy and me. Still can’t fathom it.”
I almost spoke. What did you tell a man who said he’d stay married forever?
“Montana, pray I don’t end up in the bayou with the way Maddy hates me.” His chuckle was drier than unbuttered cornbread.
As he left, I stood near the French doors watching the street. A saxophonist captivated a crowd on the corner, but my mind?
Was on Zuri.
Maybe even my brother’s safety. Did I believe Maddy would kill him? Nah. Didn’t even think he’d cheated her in the divorce. She just wanted to get him mad. Now, my brother developed a reputation … as a sellout. Even when I gave her that money, I asked her to be honest.
Girl admitted to not wanting anything. Her pride ruined his reputation. She was beautiful and big mad.
I turned around, and Zuri was helping the server grab plates. Before she could disappear into the kitchen, I stalked after her.
I’d had a couple of fears in my life.
Monsters in the closet. But I was five then.
These days?
Hope you get things right with that fine lady at the table before she’s gone…
Hell, that statement? My brother won the round table diss off with that.
I tucked my arm around her waist. “What are you doing, Zuri?” I whispered low in her ear.
“Helping.”
“You’re off the clock.” I grabbed the plates stacked in her hands.
She didn’t let go. “I don’t want the servers’ side-eyeing me for the special treatment.”
“They won’t.”
“Theyhave.”
“Which ones?”
Zuri let go of the plates. “Not tonight, Montana. You were nasty to your brother.”
“Would love to get nasty with you. Different category, though.”
“Well, you’ve already been this type ofnastywith me!”
I stared at her, waiting for her to sprout three heads. She mumbled, “3X.” The irony.
I put the dirty dishes on the clean white linen table.
“There!” She glared at the plates. “That’s the point, Montana! The busser changed the linens on this table, and look at what you’ve done.”
“Follow me.” I wrapped my arm around her and guided her into the back office, closing it after us.
“This because of Adelle?” I asked, leading her to the pink furry chair.
“Nope.”
Rolling my eyes, I turned toward her and sat. “No more Adelle. I told her she wasn’t you.” My brow lifted when she didn’t respond. “Zuri, lemme make it up to you? Dinner tomorrow? Paris? New York? Italy?”
