“Everything is fine. One of Sylas’s women works here, and we just ran into her in the bathroom,” I responded.
“Shit,” Sylas whispered.
“What do you mean, one of Sylas’s women?” Mr. McCoy questioned, clearly puzzled by my comment.
“One of Sylas’s exes—” Taylor started.
“Hold on, Tay. She’s not my ex. She’s someone I dated, but she was never my woman,” Sylas corrected her.
“Whatever she was to you, she heard me say your name when she came into the bathroom and called herself warning Khiya about your commitment issues. Khiya set her straight, though. I can’t repeat what she said in front of the parentals, but it was good.”
Taylor burst out in laughter again, and I was so tickled by her reaction that I began to laugh, too.
“Boy! Are you crazy? Why would you bring Khiya here, knowing someone you used to deal with works here?” Mr. McCoy questioned.
“I tried to switch restaurants, but Ma said you weren’t budging.”
“If you had said why, it wouldn’t have been a problem, Son. You can’t be this dumb. I know I raised you with more common sense than this,” Mr. McCoy barked.
“Isn’t this cozy?”
Sylas groaned at the sound of Livvy’s voice, and I couldn’t say I blamed him. She had some audacity, bringing her ass to this table.
“Can we help you?” Mr. McCoy asked.
“Hi. I’m Livvy. I’ve been dating Sylas for a year. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Oh shit,” Maison whispered.
Livvy extended her hand to Mr. McCoy, and he looked at her like she had a screw loose.
“Young lady, we’re trying to enjoy a nice family dinner. I’m sure you have some work to do elsewhere,” Ms. Rita told her.
“I’d think after dating your son for a year, I was part of the family. She’s only been around for a hot second and?—”
“Girl—”
Sylas held his hand up and shook his head, cutting me off.
“Aye. Look at me.”
I gave him my attention.
“Don’t ever feel like you have to argue with another woman about me, especially if it’s about your position in my life. I told you what was up with her last night. I don’t know why she’s acting like she suddenly has amnesia, but she knows what’s up, too. There’s a reason why, after a year of dating, she couldn’t be where you are after two months. Are we clear?”
I nodded.
“Nah, I need to hear you tell me you understand, baby.”
“I understand.”
He leaned forward and kissed me softly. My panties were soaked, and I prayed no one noticed my hardened nipples. Sylas begrudgingly turned around to address Livvy.
“Livvy, I’m trying to remain respectful in front of my parents and in this establishment. I need you to leave my family’s presence.”
“But Sylas?—”
“If I have to ask you again, today will be your last day of employment here, and I will be banned from coming here ever again. Please go away,” he continued.
