Despite Brion being adamant about the cheating being a deal breaker for her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she took her ex back at some point. Seven years was a lot of history, and they had three children together. After seven years of being in a relationship, you don’t just pop out with someone new unless it’s a rebound. I was deep in thought sipping my drink when the doorbell rang bringing me back to reality.
Standing up, I walked over to the door and when I opened it, I was reminded of just how fine Brion was. That hair. She rocked her natural hair, and I loved that shit. She didn’t have makeup on, but she had lash extensions that accentuated her slanted eyes. Clear gloss made her lips shine, and she had on eyeliner.Brion was dressed casually in black capri’s, a fitted, black muscle shirt, and black sandals. Not over the top, not overly dressy, but casual and sexy.
“Damn you looking like that, and I have on pajama pants.”
Her smile showed off her stark white teeth. “You are at home. I wasn’t going to leave out of the house in pajamas. You have a very nice place,” she looked around.
“Thank you. The chef is almost done preparing dinner. You want something to drink?”
“Ummmmm,” she sat down on the couch and contemplated. “Maybe a glass of wine. I don’t want to do too much since the drive back isn’t a quick one.”
“Gotcha.” After nodding my understanding, I went to the wine cooler and grabbed something expensive that would have her feeling good after a few sips but not overly drunk.
“Thank you,” she gave me a small smile as I gave her the glass. “Do you only live in Diamond Cove during the season?”
“Correct. I have a home in Atlanta. During the off season, I don’t do too much besides rest and travel. I have passive income that I invest in because during the off season, I’m not doing any kind of work, and I don’t want to be bothered.”
“And you shouldn’t have to. This is really good,” Brion eyed the wine glass in her hand after tasting it.
“I’ve never drunk wine a day in my life, so I had my sister to stock the wine cooler. I just told her to get the good shit.”
“You don’t drink wine, huh?” she smirked playfully. “So, the good shit is for the guests?”
“Yes, it is,” I chuckled. “I don’t have a lot of company, but my sister comes through a lot when she’s in town. And in the event that I do have a guest like tonight when you stay ready you don’t have to get ready.”
“I know that’s right,” she simpered.
The chef walked into the room with a small smile and a head nod. “The food is done. I prepared steak fried rice with sauteed vegetables, shrimp egg rolls, and red velvet cupcakes for dessert.”
I stood, walked over to him, and gave him dap. “Appreciate you, man. See you next week.”
Walking over to the bar, I set my cup down and grabbed the tequila. One more shot would do me right. I wasn’t trying to get drunk. Just a nice lil’ buzz to help me sleep better. In the kitchen, I pulled a chair out for Brion, and she thanked me. The chef had already fixed our plates and left pitchers of water and lemonade on the table.
“This looks amazing,” Brion’s gaze poured over the food.
“My man can cook his ass off,” I assured her. “I’ve never tasted anything he cooked that wasn’t top tier.”
After bowing our heads, we said grace, and I finished off my drink. Before I could grab my fork, Brion was chewing. “Oh my God,” she moaned with her eyes closed. “How hard do I have to work to be able to afford him?”
“I’ve used him for so long that I don’t know his regular prices. We have a set amount locked in, and I tip him lovely. But anytime he cooks for me, you’re welcome to some.”
“This would have for sure come in handy when the girls were smaller. Honestly, even now that I’m working. Women that can afford help are very lucky. I love my kids, and I was never mad at staying home with them, but I also like being able to work and make my own money. Working, raising kids, maintaining a house, it’s a lot.”
“Do you want more kids?” I put a forkful of food in my mouth. “Got damn that’s good.”
Brion laughed. “It’s actually delicious. I’m not sure. I’m leaning toward no. My ex wanted another, but he wasn’t handson enough with the three we had, so that was a hard pass. And for sure no more babies out of wedlock, so yeah, there’s that.”
“I feel you on that.”
“When did your love for football start?” Brion changed the subject while digging into her food.
I told Brion all about how I used to climb onto my grandfather’s lap when I was six and watch football with him. For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be like the guys on television playing ball. Even after both of our plates were clean, we conversed for at least another hour. To my surprise, I didn’t want the night to end, but Brion had to get home, and I had to get some sleep. Walking over to the cabinet, I told her to take some cupcakes to her daughters.
After placing four cupcakes into a Tupperware container, I walked Brion to the door. “I enjoyed dinner.”
With a sheepish grin, she shifted her weight. “I did too. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Look, I know your situation, and I know you need time. But would it be too much to ask if I wanted to see you again? I know you might be tired of coming to my home, but I’m sure you understand why I want to be private. That being said, maybe we can take a flight to Atlanta, go to my house there, and watch a movie in the theatre room.”
