Page 13 of My Heart Belongs to You

My eyebrows met and my nose wrinkled. “What? We’re just friends. He’s doing it as a favor.”

Raven and Sadé looked at each other and laughed. My cheeks were on fire as I watched them. Once their laughter subsided, Raven continued eating.

“Nadir is a cool guy,” Sadé told me while nodding. “He shows us love every time we visit Ray’s.”

“Yeah. He’s a sweetheart,” I mused.

The chortles coming from Raven had me hiking a brow. “Do you hear the way your voice changes when you talk about him? It’s too cute.”

“I’m not sure how we got here.” I tilted my head, not knowing where this conversion was going. “So… Next topic.”

I was well aware that Nadir and I had chemistry. It was one of the many reasons we were so close. The bond we’d formed over the last two years had been the safety net needed to navigate an unexpected breakup.

When Terrance and I had our falling out and eventual break up, Nadir was there for me. He gave me the space to be sad, cry, and complain, unlike my siblings. Heartbreak wasn’t an easy thing to navigate while juggling a million other things. Nadir’s understanding and care during that time opened my eyes to what real friendship meant. Months later, the tables turned, and I was his anchor when Vanessa moved.

I loved the space we were in and treasured our friendship. I had no interest in complicating things or diverting from my plan. Nadir was enjoying his bachelorhood and had no interest in settling down. We were on the same page, as always. I didn’t need unwelcomed opinions clouding my judgment, potentially ruining a vital relationship.

My thoughts stopped when Raven started talking about their honeymoon. A sigh escaped my lips and I leaned back into my seat.

When we finished stuffing our faces, Sadé and I went to the rooftop of their place while Raven plated dessert. As I settled into the oversized lounge chair, I admired the view. Their home was nestled between Main Street and Winston Boulevard, Roseville’s crown jewels. From their rooftop, you could see the shopping center, home to boutiques, the town’s movie theater, and a sundry of restaurants. Near the end of the shopping center, at the corner, where the parking garage and mall met, lived my restaurant, Brie & Bordeaux.

“How you feeling about the test?” Sadé asked, passing me the joint.

I inhaled the fragrant herbs, then exhaled slowly. “Honestly, I feel good this time around. I’m not stressed out like before. My sole focus is on the exam and nothing else.”

Peering at the joint, I smiled because it had successfully calmed my racing mind. I didn’t indulge in my former vice often, but with my exam around the corner, I did so every once in a while.

“I can tell you’re in a better headspace,” Sadé noted. “There’s no doubt you won’t pass this time.”

“Aw, thanks, DaeDae.”

She nodded. “Still on track to open this summer?”

“Yup. Even if I don’t pass, I’m still moving forward with the opening. Sometimes I regret waiting this long. I should’ve really thought through that decision. Instead of freaking out once I got the results.”

Sadé shook her head. “It’s all divine timing, princesa. Listen, when honeybee expressed wanting to move to Roseville, I wasn’t with it. I wanted to stay in D.C. and open our nail bar there. But look at how well we're doing out here. Everything worked out the way it’s supposed to. The same will happen for you.”

I smiled at her endearing words. Sadé always knew what to say and when to say it.

“Dessert is served,” Raven announced while carefully carrying a cart with three ramekins of the rich custard. I sat up, ready to indulge, while Sadé continued smoking. “What y’all out here talking about?” Raven hadn’t even settled in her seat before being nosy.

Sadé and I exchanged a look.

“Why are you so nosy?” Sadé rolled her eyes. Seconds later a smile spread across her face that made Raven do the same. I watched them in disgust. Sadé’s tan was just as enviable as Raven’s.

“I’m gonna take this to-go,” I told them, uninterested in watching them ogle each other.

Raven pouted. “Already? It’s barely noon.”

“Yes, I need to get to B&B and… I'm going out later,” I trailed off.

“Out where? And with who?” Raven looked at Sadé then back to me. “No invite, again?”

While standing, I said, “Wanna come with me to Ray’s? If so, pick me up at eleven.” I didn't wait for them to reply before I walked to the door.

As I descended the stairs to their back entrance, I heard Raven yell, “See you later!” as the door closed.

Several hours later, I had worked up another appetite. I inhaled deeply, smiling at the garlicky aroma coming from my Sea Bass Bilbaína. After arranging the dishes neatly on the serving table, I admired my work. While waiting for Nadir, I took a few pictures to post on my food blog, From Darla’s Kitchen, With Love, which was created to pay homage to my late abuelita Darla.