Hummingto the melodic tunes of Summer Walker, I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as I rode the streets of Milly Grove. Tonight was a much-needed date night for TJ and me, and I couldn’t wait to see him. Our work schedules made it impossible for us to spend time together these days, so I was thankful for any time alone. Approaching the red light, I lowered my sun visor and checked my makeup for what seemed like the hundredth time.
“Girl, you never had to do much…” I simpered as I puckered my lips and applied more gloss. “That man is lucky to have you.”
As the light changed, I eased my Range Rover back into traffic and continued the route to Prime and Platter. It was a Wednesday night, but I was hoping the place wouldn’t be toopacked. I loved all things crab and steak, so until he took the initiative to plan our dates, I was picking the same place every time.
As I neared the restaurant, an incoming call through my Bluetooth interrupted my music. I groaned aloud at the name on the screen. My first mind told me to send the call to voicemail, but I would never hear the end of it if I did.
“Hello, Mika,” I answered as happily as I could, although I felt anything but. “How are you doing today?”
“Better if I knew why my son wasn’t answering his phone.” Her voice was scratchy from all her years of smoking, and the deep inhaling through the receiver let me know she couldn’t care less about any of that. “Where the hell is he?”
“Okay, let’s reel it back a little.” I frowned as I turned into the parking lot of the restaurant. Just like I knew it would be, there were a million people here. Instead of fighting and struggling to find somewhere to park, I pulled into line for the valet. “Be a little bit more respectful when you’re speaking to me. Now to answer your question, he’d better be on his way to the dinner date we had planned for the night. When we get situated, I will make sure that he calls you. Have a good evening.”
“Listen here, you little?—”
Beep. Beep.
Pressing the end call button on my steering wheel, I rolled my eyes as I parked at the entrance. TJ’s mother was a bitch, and for some reason, she couldn’t stand me. While I would love to have a relationship with his mother, I wasn’t going to tolerate her disrespecting me. After checking myself out in the mirror once more, I grabbed my small clutch from the passenger seat as the valet held my door open for me.
“Good evening, ma’am.” The cutie gave me a small smile as he extended his hand to help me out of the car. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Well, aren’t you a charmer?” I smiled back, handing him the crispy hundred-dollar bill as he led me over to the sidewalk. “I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve heard that.”
Leading me over toward the restaurant’s entrance, I glanced down at my attire for the evening. I decided to keep it simple and cute with a blue jean romper from a local designer named Imani Rose. The girl was born and raised in Milly Grove and was talented like no other. With a fresh wash and set from my bestie, Stacy, I felt as good as I looked today. The fine cuisine wouldn’t be the only thing TJ ate tonight.
If he was lucky.
“Well, if the man in your life isn’t telling you how pretty you are often, maybe you need a new one.” The valet worker winked as he held the restaurant door open for me. “Enjoy your dinner.”
Giving him a bashful smile, I held my head high as I stepped inside the establishment. As the smell of freshly cooked seafood filled my nostrils, my stomach growled instantly. My mouth watered at the damage I was about to do.
“Good evening, and welcome to Prime and Platter,” the bubbly host greeted as she grabbed her clipboard. “How may I help you?”
“Hi. I have a reservation for Reid.” I went into my clutch, retrieving my phone to give her the confirmation code. “It’s for a party of two.”
After verifying my information, she asked if I wanted to wait for TJ or go ahead and sit. After seeing he texted me and said he was on his way, I told her she could seat me. Following behind her, I trekked the narrow aisles and made my way to our table. Along the way, I could feel eyes on me. It always made me nervous when people stared, but I should’ve been used to it by now.
All my life, I’ve been in the spotlight of sorts. My father, Carlton Ried, has always been into politics. For many years, heserved as a city councilman in Milly Grove before he went on to become a senator. Eventually, he ran and won his political race to be governor and has been serving the people of Georgia for almost four years. It is currently an election year, so the family has been making more appearances lately to help my father win his second term. My face has been plastered all over the television, but it comes with the territory.
The hostess let me know my waitress would be with me to take my order before making her way back to the front of the restaurant. As I relaxed in the leather chair, I pulled out my phone to call TJ. Before the call could connect, he was already approaching the table.
“Hey, baby,” he greeted, showing all thirty-two. “You look good as hell.”
“Thank you.” I tilted my head back, meeting his lips as he kissed me before pulling out his seat. “You clean up well yourself.”
As he got comfortable, I took the time to look him over. He looked so handsome in his black-collared shirt and matching slacks, which told me he was fresh off work from the precinct. He was just promoted to detective and was working on becoming a lead. His chocolate skin glowed under the lights, and his eyes shone as he scanned the menu. TJ and I had been dating for two years and engaged for a little over six months. While the relationship moved a little fast, he and I cared greatly for each other. Lately, I felt like I’ve been competing for his time, and I was hoping we could change that.
“How was work?” He glanced up, winking as he caught me staring at him. “Did you go scavenging for scraps?”
“Let’s not do that.” I frowned, setting my menu down as I took a sip of the water. “You know as well as I do that I’m great at my job. Now, if I asked you did you enjoyed your day playingBlue’s Clues, you’d be pissed.”
We engaged in a brief stare-off as the waitress came over and took our drink orders. The way she lusted over TJ didn’t go unnoticed, but I couldn’t be mad about it. He was handsome and nothing about that could be hidden. Not to mention, I was too pissed about what he’d just said. I take pride in being the top realtor in the city and one of the best in the entire state. Outside of being the governor’s daughter, I’ve made a name for myself that stands on its own. I wouldn’t let anyone, not even my man, play on my head about it.
“Baby, did you hear me?” He pulled my hand into his, snapping me from my thoughts. “I ordered us a bottle of Chardonnay. Also, I apologize for my comment. I don’t want to argue tonight.” He lifted the back of my hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss. “You forgive me?”
“I guess…” I answered, rolling my eyes playfully. “Dinner is on you tonight to make it up to me.”
“I can think of other ways to make it up to you, if you let me.” He winked, licking his lips as he scanned me. “I can’t wait to take that jumpsuit off you, girl. Maybe tonight we can?—”
