I watched as she waddled away and disappeared into our bedroom. When I heard the shower start, I grabbed my phone from the counter and left, returning thirty minutes later with two Italian beef sandwiches and all the trimmings, fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
While I washed my hands, Malyah put our sandwiches and fries on plates and took them to the kitchen table. Before I sat down, she’d already taken a bite of her sandwich.
“Damn. You ain’t gon’ bless the food or nothing, huh?”
“The Lord knows my heart and how hungry I am. He’ll forgive me.”
“Do you forgive me for whatever I did to upset you today?”
She finished chewing and leaned back in her chair before responding.
“Your mother pissed me off, and I kinda took it out on you.”
“And what else?”
“When I came to your office the other day, I overheard your conversation with Callie, and I didn’t like what I heard.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah. Shit is right, and I honestly have no right to be upset, but even though this isn’t real, you promised you wouldn’t embarrass me and have me looking like a fool to everyone. You promised you wouldn’t cheat.”
“And I will keep my promise. I have no desire to cheat on you with anyone, especially Callie.”
“As I said earlier, time will tell.”
“You still don’t trust me?”
“It takes time to build trust, Kenzo, and it’s probably only been a week since the last time you asked me.”
“Since the moment we met, I’ve stood on my word. Everything I’ve told you I’d do, I’ve done. You should have a little more faith in your husband.”
“Maybe one day I will, but today isn’t the day.”
Her words stung a bit, but I understood her position, and I had no choice but to respect it.
The morning followingthe incident with Mrs. Goode, I went to the garage to use the stair climber. The thought of running into someone didn’t cross my mind until I saw Mr. Goode on the treadmill. If he hadn’t seen me, I would’ve retreated and waited until his workout was completed.
“Don’t be scared. I promise I don’t bite,” he said with a smile.
All three of the Kenzos looked alike, so the youngest Kenzo didn’t have to wonder what he’d look like as he aged. All three men were handsome, and the older two looked at least ten years younger than their age.
“Good morning,” I greeted with a smile.
“Good morning. I’m glad we ran into each other. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”
“Oh? About what?”
“Nothing in particular. You’ve been spending time with my father, and my wife told me you two went to look at venues yesterday. I figured I’d better do my part in getting to know you too.”
“I know you’re a busy man. It’s no big deal.”
I did a few stretches before beginning my workout. The machine was fancier than the one at work, so it took me a minute to select the settings I wanted.
“My father has taken a real liking to you. I haven’t seen him this happy since my mother passed away.”
“I think Kenzo said something similar. Gramps is a treasure, and I’m honored to spend time with him.”
“He says you have a gift and are an eager vessel. He wants to pour everything he knows about baking into you while he remembers it all.”
