Page 44 of Surrender to Love

“Men are dumb,” she says with a grin. I don’t want to but I can’t help joining in.

“Dumb as hell.” I shake my head. “I asked if they found a replacement for Shuga and he said yes. That was his moment to tell me the truth, but no, he didn’t say shit. I know he’s not fucking her now, and I even believe it was one time, but still.”

“Still,” Reya agrees. “See, dumb.”

“That’s why I told him I need time.”

“Do you really need time?”

“I need a few days to get over my anger, to forgive him and myself. Plus, he needs to suffer, just a little.”

“True. He has to learn. Just don’t hurt the man too bad. He’s my brother and I love you and him together. He makes you happy, Kyrah.”

“Very, just not today,” I admit, then smile. “You mind if I get a drink? I need one.”

“You know I don’t. Fix yourself a strong one. Hell, maybe two because you’re spending the night.”

“Reya, I can go home.”

“But you’re not. Not tonight. Fix your drink and I’m going downstairs to check on dinner. I’m starting to get hungry.”

“Oh, that’s right. Quintus grilled suya fish.”

“And veggies and jollof rice. He cooked since I finally have my appetite back. Fix your drink and come down to eat.”

“That does sound good,” I admit. “I’ll be down in a minute.”

She stands and so do I. When I head to the bar, she walks out. Thankfully, they have my favorite tequila. After pouring and downing a shot, I mix another shot with a splash of grenadine, lime juice, and bitters. I don’t have a name for my drink but it’s good as hell and definitely vital for my sanity right now. Right after I take my first sip, a little person with a big personality struts in.

“Auntie, my uncle gone?” Niya asks with a cute little frown.

“Yes. He left a few minutes ago.”

“Oh. I thought he was eating with us. He left you?” she asks and I grin amusedly but keep my true thoughts to myself.

I made him leave.

“He needed to go home and get some rest.” And sense.

“You spending the night?”

“I am. I’m going to stay until the morning. I’m about to eat dinner with y’all. I heard your daddy cooked.”

“Yeah. He cooked cause Mommie can eat now. My brotha letting her eat today ’cause she ain’t been eating a lot.”

“Well, let’s go eat. I’m getting hungry.”

“I been hungry but I couldn’t eat ’cause y’all were in here talking and cussing,” she says and I laugh this time.

This little girl!

We head downstairs to the kitchen and the sight I see is so precious and inspiring. Reya stands in front of the island placing pieces of fish on plates. Quintus is behind her, kissing her neck and making her giggle like a teenager. Mireya’s happiness is everything and I love all of this for her.

“Aht, aht,” I say loudly, clearing my throat dramatically.

“Sit. We got this,” Reya says. “And we’re eating in here.”

Niya and I sit at the table in the nook while Reya and Quintus dish up the food. Then, two by two, Quintus brings our plates to the table and Reya is behind him. After grace, we dig in. I’m midbite when I see my friend spoon the eyes from her fish and eat them. I’ve witnessed little Niya, Shuga, and Shiro do this, but never Reya.