I posed and smiled as he snapped one photo. When I realized he was done, I put my hand on my hip. “Did you take only one?” I laughed. “Take more, I need options!”
“Okay, okay, I got you,” he said as he held the phone up and took more. When he handed me my phone, he smiled. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I rose up on my toes and puckered my lips. It took only half a second for him to lean down and kiss me. “Let’s take one together,” I murmured against his lips.
He got behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and I snapped a few selfies with the phoenix in the background.
“This is cute,” I said of the picture.
He kissed my cheek. “Send it to me.”
“Done.”
He slid his arm around my shoulders, and we walked into the opulent restaurant. My eyes widened. From the marble flooring, to the chandeliers, and the mood lighting, the place was impressive. The place was filled with diners speaking quietly over white tablecloths.
“Welcome. Your name please?” a formally dressed man greeted usin a low tone. Lamar gave his name for the reservation, and then we were led to a table toward the front.
Lamar pulled my chair out for me, and then he took his seat. We were given our menus and then left on our own.
“You come to this place for wings?” I asked in a hushed tone across the candle in the middle of the table. Looking down at the menu, I didn’t even see chicken wings. “I see frog legs but not wings.”
He chuckled. “It’s on the menu at the bar.”
I followed his finger to the immaculate bar in the back. “Are we allowed to order them here?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t have picked this place if we couldn’t get the wings. What do you have a taste for?”
“The filet mignon and thick-cut chargrilled vegetables,” I answered, scanning the menu one more time. “What about you?”
“I’ll get that, too. Medium.”
“Ah yes.” I nodded. “You like your protein alive and well.”
He chuckled. “Medium is medium. You’re acting like I’m ordering it rare!”
We were still snickering when a deep voice broke through the quiet atmosphere. “Sorry we’re late.”
“Yo!” Lamar rose to his feet and took a step away from the table.
A tall, brawny, light-skinned man with locs and a beautiful dark-skinned woman with a vibrant orange dress embraced Lamar. After greeting them, he took a step back and reached out for me. I put my hand in his, and he helped me to my feet.
“Jazz, this is Erickson and Tara,” he started the introduction. “E, Tara, I’d like you to meet Jazmyn.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand to shake.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Erickson returned with a warm smile and an enthusiastic handshake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“It’s so good to finally meet you,” Tara squealed excitedly. Waving my hand away, she threw her arms around me. “I’m a hugger.”
I gave her a squeeze. “It’s so good to meet you, too.”
Lamar pulled out my chair, so when the hug ended, I sat.
“You trying to make me look bad,” Erickson joked as he rushed to pull out Tara’s chair.
She looked at me. “He’s not quite the gentleman Lamar is, but E has his moments.”
Erickson sucked his teeth comically. “Lamar learned that shit from me!”
