Chapter 3

chapter three

ami

" H ey," I said after entering the house.

"Hey," Lee answered.

I put my things on the kitchen counter, grabbed a kombucha drink from the fridge and sat on the couch opposite of Lee.

"Was the bucket overflowing when you got here?"

"It was almost full. I dumped it. I'll check it again in a few minutes," Lee answered.

"So, are you going to explain to me how Mr. Barbecue Man number one seems to think he's going to take our spot?"

Caeli untucked her legs and turned to face me. "It was a stupid bet, Ami."

"What was the bet, Lee?"

I gave Caeli a lot of space and unchecked authority to make decisions related to Sweet Reasons. I trusted her business acumen like I trusted my nose to pull in oxygen and my lungs to push out carbon dioxide. I'd never known her to make a wrong decision, so there had to be a reason.

I continued, "And before you give me a half-assed response like we're not fifty/fifty partners in this business, I want you to really reconsider. While I love you and trust you, I've worked too hard for you to throw it all away."

"I'm not going to give you a half-assed response. When Barbecue Man number one – whose name is Brayden – saw us parked in their spot," Caeli used her quote fingers on the word, spot. "We got into a discussion about people buying cupcakes or barbecue. Then he said we could compare sales at the end of the day, and if we grossed half of what they did, then he would buy me dinner."

"And if we didn't?"

"If we didn't, then I would buy him dinner and never park in that spot again," Caeli answered.

"Lee!"

"I know! I know! He goaded me, Sissy. I did throw in that they'd have to promote us for six months if they lost."

"Girl. We sell cupcakes! They have a full barbecue menu, including meat, sides and drinks! We can't compete with that!"

I couldn't believe what I heard. Not my business-savvy sister making a dumb-ass bet with an established business owner. What was really going on?

"I know! I agreed before I even realized it. I guess I sorta thought he was flirting until his girlfriend showed up at the truck today, and he rushed off to take care of her."

"So, now what?"

"Now nothing! He forfeited. We're not moving. I don't care what that jackass says."

I opened my kombucha and took a drink. I knew precisely why Caeli accepted that bet. She had something to prove, and we both did. We had something to prove to everyone who told us we couldn't start and run a successful business. We had something to prove to ourselves because even though we didn't say it out loud, we sometimes felt that we were in over our heads despite our success. We had something to prove to our parents, who never believed in or supported our dream.

I understood why, but it still was crazy and didn't make one lick of sense. We'd just won the ability to work in the best food truck location in the city, and we could lose it because we had something to prove?

Looking over at Caeli, I saw her deep in thought. We promised each other that we would be there for each other and believe in each other no matter what. I reminded myself of that pledge to my sister before I said, "I don't have the energy to waste being mad at you. I know that you are going to fix this. Let me know when it's all settled. I'm going to my room."

I stood to leave.

"I'm going to fix this. You know I will," Lee said.

I shrugged. "You always do, Sissy. Oh, and before I forget, Barbecue Man number two-Lennox-gave me the number of a handyman who can probably fix the sink issue. I'll text it to you. Nox said you could text him to find out his availability."

"Okay. Hopefully, he can come out immediately. That bucket trick isn't going to work too much longer. I'll send him a text," Lee responded.

I headed for the steps.

"And Sissy…" Lee called behind me.

I paused my steps and said, "Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

"I accept your apology, but it's not necessary. You get the chance to make mistakes, too. You don't have to be perfect, especially for me."

"I know. I'm learning."

"Text the handyman. I'll be in my room."

"Okay," Caeli responded.

Despite our parents, George and Ernestine's best efforts to create the perfect daughters, it was important for me to remind my sister that she was human and could make mistakes.

Caeli became the little big sister. She protected me from bullies and heartaches, often seeming to do it all with ease, but I knew she sometimes felt the burden of the self-imposed role.

I was always the free spirit, the creative, the one who played with butterflies and picked dandelions to blow them. I loved to color, paint, draw, bake and do anything else that would help me express myself. It was nothing for me to mindlessly doodle while Caeli, the analytical and pragmatic one, would be designing flyers, calling vendors, sourcing better products and setting up our budget. She approached challenges with a methodical mindset, always seeking efficient and effective solutions. Her calm and composed demeanor balanced my carefree spirit.

I trusted her and knew she would come out on top – knowing my sister, she would be on top, literally and figuratively.

I settled down in my room, grabbed the remote to my TV and mindlessly flipped through channels.

Unknown:

Did you lock my number in, or have you already forgotten about me?

I scrolled up and saw the previous text from Lennox.

Ami:

I didn't lock it in, but I haven't forgotten about you. I'm locking it in now.

I saved Lennox's contact information on my phone.

Lennox:

I ate the cupcakes. They were superb.

Ami:

I told you. Those aren't even the best ones.

Lennox:

I'll have to try some other flavors.

Ami:

They will change your life.

Lennox:

I believe it.

" I 've printed out all the forms you need to turn in for the Indie Love event," Caeli explained.

"And what do I need to do?"

"You need to go to the city building and file all the necessary permits for a spot outside the event. The spaces are limited, so we have to be there first and have all the paperwork in order. If any of the paperwork is missing, it's an automatic no for the spot. You know the event brings in tons of readers, and they're all going to be hungry during the event. This is the perfect time to expand our customer base and make some money.

Also, each truck will have to add something to a gift box for the authors attending the event. This might be a good time to debut your Mojito Twist," Caeli answered.

"It's not ready. I still need to tweak the recipe."

"Girl! It's perfect already!"

"Now you're just saying that to get me to move forward with it."

Lee laughed, "You irk."

"Now you know how I feel."

"Anyway! I've put all the forms in this folder. I've labeled them with these colorful stickies, so when the clerk asks for each one, you can just hand them to her. I also have a backup set of forms just in case something falls out, or you can't find it among the labeled ones. And…"

She sent me digital copies …

"I sent you digital copies. You can ask for their email and send it to them if the hard copy is missing."

Caeli was the very definition of a type A personality, proactive and goal-oriented. That was why I didn't sweat the bet too much. She wouldn't let anything happen to our business. We'd worked too hard to get where we were.

"Okay, three copies, city building, stickies, get there early…"

"No, get there first," Caeli corrected. "In the words of Ricky Bobby, if you're not first, you're last."

"First, got it," I repeated.

" T oot, toot, toot," I made the flute sounds while listening to André 3000's flute album, New Blue Sun.

I vibed out as I drove through the streets of Carmel Cove headed to the city building. After a brutal and gloomy winter, summer was finally here. I planned on living it to the fullest. I had no idea what that meant, but I planned on having some fun.

My phone rang with a call from my friend Tysha.

"Hey, Girl!"

"Hey, Girl!" Ty replied. "You are talking to the new supervisory management analyst at Caramel Cove Electric."

"What! Congratulations, Ty! I knew you would get it."

"Yeah, you said I would. Now, we need to celebrate. Are you still coming to the UrbanEats outing?" Ty asked.

"I'm going to be super tired because it's after the big event I told you about."

"The book event?" Ty asked.

"Yeah, Indie Love. I'll be at dinner, though. It's been a while since I had some fun."

"Right! And it's summertime. Heat's out, cheeks out!" Ty said and laughed.

I joined in on her laughter.

Ty and I went to high school together. Heat's out, cheeks out used to be our motto for the summer. It meant that we would wear our summer clothes and have a good time. I'd since graduated to slightly more modest clothes, but the sentiment still rang true.

"Who all is coming? Jordan never sent a final email detailing who all joined the group."

"There are eight of us attending on Saturday. I can't think of everyone's name right now, but everyone is a foodie. They are all okay with the financial arrangements, and they all understand that there are no plus ones until the group opens up to receive more members," Ty explained. "It should be a good time."

"I hope so."

The UrbanEats Society was a supper club founded by Ty and her boyfriend, Jordan. They were both foodies and wanted to create a space for a group of people to explore restaurants together. Each person had to agree to the terms of being a part of the group, which included splitting the check equally, having no guests, and having no negative energy at supper. Ty and Jordan facilitated everything from the restaurant reservations to the color scheme for the evening. I thought it was a fantastic idea and was eager to be a part of it.

"Let's pre-game at Greetings I was second.

There, in all his beautiful glory, was Nox.

"Well, look at who it is," Nox said when our eyes met. "You're here for the Indie Love spots?"

"I am. I figured y'all had an in with the folks around here and didn't have to do the menial tasks like submitting permits."

He smiled.

I internally swooned.

Lennox was a gorgeous man. He wasn't as cocky as his cousin, but I knew he had to know he was fine. I did a quick perusal of his casual outfit, white t-shirt, black cargo shorts and a pristine pair of Jordan 11 Bred.

Another great shoe choice.

"Sometimes we have to get our hands dirty," Lennox answered.

We both laughed.

"I'm sure you guys always have success with getting these spaces for events, huh?" I asked.

"Not when we first started. We had no idea what we were doing, and no one was willing to help us. I think they just saw two street dudes trying to encroach on their territory."

"Yeah, I get the territory thing," I replied.

Nox chuckled before he continued, "We tried and failed a few times before we found our groove. Since we've discovered our niche, we've been successful at securing spots."

"I'm excited about this journey. Lee and I said we wanted to grow the business, so that's what we're doing."

"One thing that will get you a spot over most of these people that are coming today is making sure you fill in every block on your paperwork. Don't leave any line on any of the forms blank. Even if it doesn't apply to you, put n/a on the line," Nox said.

"Are you serious?"

"Dead ass. It took us four events before someone finally clued us in on how anal they are about this stupid paperwork."

I sat down in one of the chairs and opened the folder with the paperwork. As I looked through everything, I noticed that not only did Lee give me duplicate copies, but she also included blank forms. There was even a copy of my driver's license. I didn't even know when she copied it.

Sure enough, there were empty spaces for the questions that didn't pertain to us. It took me a few minutes to go through every line on every form, but I got it done. I was grateful I'd arrived with enough time to correct the forms.

A line of other food truck owners formed while I worked on my forms. Some of them I recognized, including Mike from Burger Bus, Emily from Rolling Ramen, and Carlos from Taco Trekker. Some people chatted among themselves while others checked over their paperwork. I wondered if everyone knew the information Nox had shared with me.

Sissy:

Did you make it to the office first?

Ami:

I'm second.

Sissy:

?? Who was first?

Ami:

Guess.

Sissy:

Brayden's old whack ass?

Ami:

No. Barbecue Man #2-Nox.

I looked over at Nox and saw him looking at something on his phone.

Sissy:

Don't let Nox charm you and steal our spot.

Ami:

He's first. I'm sure he doesn't want to steal second place.

Sissy:

You never know. Stay focused. Remember, he's the one who gave you the handyman's number.

Ami:

LOL! That's true. It all worked out, though.

Sissy:

Barely.

Ami:

SMH. I'll let you know when I'm done.

Sissy:

Please do.

A woman emerged from the office, propped the door open and made an announcement.

"Good morning. You will all come in one at a time to present your paperwork. If your paperwork is not in order, you will not be included in the group of food trucks eligible for the six spots for the Indie Love event."

She produced a stack of papers. "Please take one and pass it back," she said to Lennox.

"This paper is a list of every form you should have with you today. Please go through it before you come into this office. Please review your paperwork to ensure that you have seven forms. If you are missing any of the required paperwork, you are automatically out. Today is the only day we will accept it. We will not accept any emails after today or phone calls explaining what happened. All seven forms should be signed and dated by at least one owner of the truck. You should have a copy of your state-issued identification, and there should be a copy of your Caramel Cove food handlers permit. You will have until I call you into this office to get that paperwork in order. We will begin shortly," she finished.

Everyone silently acknowledged her statements.

I looked at the paper she passed out, then went back into the document folder to put everything in order based on the checklist. I triple-checked the blank questions to make sure I'd put n/a on the line. Satisfied with the organization of the forms, I closed my folder and waited to be called into the office.

I looked over and saw Lennox feverishly texting.

Put his phone down and quickly looked through his paperwork again.

He let out a sigh and then sent another text.

His phone pinged.

He made a face and quickly typed out a response.

"Fuck," he said under his breath.

I thought about minding my business, but when did I ever do that?

"What's wrong?" I whispered.

"Man…" Lennox looked at me and shook his head. "I'm missing form number five. I'm first in line. I don't have time to go and get it. I remember seeing a piece of paper on the counter, but I didn't think it belonged to the stack. I sent a text to Bray to see if he could get it to me, but he's on the other side of town. He wouldn't get here in time."

"Which form?" I asked.

"Number five. The one with the checklist," Lennox answered.

I opened my folder, found the extra copy of the form and handed it to Lennox.

He looked at me and said, "Where did this come from?"

"My overprepared sister. She sent me extras. You can have it. I don't need it."

Lennox smile lit up his entire face.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Hurry up and fill it out before she calls you," I instructed.

"Thank you, Ami. I owe you," Lennox replied.

"You told me about the blank lines. I think we're even," I said and smiled. "But, I don't mind you owing me."

"I got you," Nox replied with a smile. "What are you doing after you're done here?"

"I don't have any plans aside from mastering a recipe."

"Which one?"

"I'm still working on the one with the rum. I'm trying to make it taste like a mojito, but it's eluding me."

"If you want a brain break, we can hang out after this."

"Is food involved?"

"It can be," Nox smirked.

"Then yes. I'll take a brain break."

"Number one," the woman called out.

"I'll wait for you outside?" Nox said as he gathered his things to go into the room.

"Okay," I agreed.

nox

Damn, now I had to come up with something to do on the fly. I racked my brain, trying to figure out somewhere to take Ami. I felt a little pressure to make sure she had a good time even though it wasn't a date per se. I wanted to get to know her better, so it had to be somewhere where we could talk and enjoy ourselves at the same time. I wanted to spend some time with her and get to know her.

Old eagle-eye Margorie looked over my paperwork, trying to find an uncrossed t or an I missing a dot. She seemed disappointed when she had to stamp "approved" on my permits.

"Thank you, Margorie. I'll see you next time."

She fake-smiled and handed me my paperwork. I didn't like her, and she didn't like me. We knew the disdain was mutual.

When Bray and I first started with the truck, we encountered a lot of Margories who seemed to take joy in our failure. When I first brought the permit paperwork to the permit office, and Margorie looked at it, she failed me without telling me what was wrong. I took the paperwork three times, and each time, she failed me. The only way I figured it out was because I overheard her telling an unseasoned food truck owner what they needed to do. Justina, one of the older Black women who worked in the office adjacent to the permit office, pulled me aside and filled me in on everything. She connected me with the Soul Food Truck owner, Thurston, and he became our mentor.

Now, Brayden and I were pros at the permit game. That's why it was easy for me to help Camilla. I understood how brutal it could be.

I left the office through another door, so I didn't see when Ami went in. I posted up on the wall outside the exit door and scrolled through my phone, trying to figure out somewhere to take Ami.

A calendar notification popped up on my phone, reminding me of the Arts and Culture event kick-off at the Caramel Cove Botanical Gardens.

I saw the announcement on social media months ago and marked it as an event I was interested in attending.

"Perfect."

I went to the Botanical Garden's website and purchased two all-inclusive tickets. I wasn't exactly sure what Ami was into, but a blind man could see that she was a creative. The event was supposed to have live music, vendors, a new art exhibit and food. Seeing all of that should give us time to talk.

"That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Ami said after exiting the office. "I really appreciate the tip."

"My pleasure. Are you all good? You ready to roll?"

"Yep, all good. Should I follow you? I don't want to leave my car. The parking will expire."

"Naw, you can follow me to my place, and we can park it there, or if you're comfortable with me knowing where you live, we can take it to your place."

"I don't have a problem with you knowing where I live. Whatever won't take us too far out of the way. I live in Lindenwood."

"The north side or the south side?" I asked.

"I don't stay on the side with new developments. I live on the north side."

"In those big historic houses?"

"Yep. Where do you live?"

"About ten minutes away from your neighborhood in Bedford Grove."

"I love Bedford Grove. I always wanted to see inside one of those brownstones."

"Well, I own one, so you can see it whenever you like."

"Then we will park my car at your place."

"Cool. I can give you a quick tour, or would you rather we do that after we're done?"

"I don't want to mess up your plans. I can wait until after, but you'll have to tell me all about it on the way to wherever we're going."

"I can do that."

After successfully getting back to my house, we parked Ami's miniature car, and she got into my truck with me.

"This truck is huge!" Ami commented once she was settled.

"I need it to get supplies for the truck and for my house. It is huge compared to your little car."

"Her name is Mary Kay, and she's the perfect size," Ami answered.

"Why is her name Mary Kay?"

"Because she's pink like Mary Kay products and like the Mary Kay Cadillac."

"I guess that makes sense."

"I mean, it does, and it doesn't, but everything doesn't have to make sense. Sometimes things can just be, you know?" Ami explained.

"I think my brain is always trying to figure things out and make them make sense."

"There are a lot of people in the world whose brain operates that way. There's nothing wrong with it. You just have to have people like me around to balance you," she said with a smile.

She was adorable.

"So, you said you would tell me about your place."

"I did. So, I purchased it about two years ago…"

ami

I listened while Nox told me about his brownstone and all the work he'd put into it. He talked about it with so much pride. I enjoyed listening to the details.

I enjoyed the conversation about his place so much that I didn't even think about where we were headed. I didn't even think to ask. I was comfortable with Lennox, and I had no idea why.

Nox slowed as we approached the Botanical Gardens.

"We're here," Lennox announced.

"I love the botanical gardens. I haven't been here in such a long time."

"I was hoping you'd like it. They're having a cultural fair, and today is the opening of the next exhibit."

I smiled.

It was rare for me to meet a man who was creative enough to plan anything other than dinner and a movie.

After finding a parking space, Lennox said, "I'll get your door."

"Does it not open from the inside?"

Nox chuckled. "It does open from the inside, but I would like to open it for you."

"Oh! Okay."

I watched him get out of the truck and walk around to my side.

My phone vibrated with a text message.

Sissy:

How did it go with the paperwork?"

Ami:

It went well. Not one question or problem. I'm out with Lennox now.

Sissy:

Where?

Ami:

We just pulled up to the botanical gardens.

Sissy:

Make sure your location is on. He might be a jackass like his cousin.

Ami:

It's on.

Lennox opened the door.

"Everything okay?"

"It's fine. I was just telling my sister where I was just in case you try to kidnap me or something."

Lennox chuckled. "I thought about it, but you agreed to come with me on your own."

"I wouldn't have put up much of a fight had you chosen the kidnapping route."

We both laughed.

He held out his hand to help me navigate the running board.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

We walked the path to the entrance to the botanical gardens.

"Oh! Is this the Echoes of the Diaspora exhibit?"

"It is," Lennox confirmed.

"I wanted to see this! I saw an advertisement for it, but I had totally forgotten about it. They have some pieces from Leila Armstrong. I love her work."

"You don't know about Leila Armstrong," Nox said.

"I do! I admit that the first time I saw her work was on TikTok, but I looked her up and have been a fan ever since. Do you like art?"

"I didn't at first. It's a more recent thing for me. I was looking for something to put on my walls when I first purchased my house. I came across a guy on Instagram that had some dope pieces. He was just starting out, so I commissioned a piece from him. I hung it on my wall and was hooked."

"What's his name?" I asked.

"Montez Kirk."

"Shut up. You have one of Montez's pieces?"

Lennox looked at me and said, "Are you playing with me, or do you really know his work?"

I pulled out my phone, unlocked it and handed it to Nox.

"Look at my screensaver."

"I recognize this one. It's one of the first ones I saw," Nox said, after examining the picture on my phone.

"Exactly. I started following him a long time ago, hoping I would be able to purchase one. He's so popular now, I can't afford him."

Nox gave me the phone back.

"Yeah, he blew up. So, you like art for real?"

"I love art."

"Cool, then we should enjoy this exhibit."

Lennox and I walked inside the massive building and followed the signs to the Echoes of the Diaspora.

As we stepped into the dimly lit room, my eyes were immediately drawn to the large exhibit. A large, weathered, wooden boat was filled with various objects like chains, pieces of pottery, pieces of fabric and other personal items that represented the lives and histories of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade. Above the boat was a canopy of digital projections that played on an endless loop. The images of turbulent ocean waves, maps of historical slave routes, and glimpses of the vibrant landscapes were presented.

Ambient ocean sounds and distant drumbeats played in the background, lending to the moving experience of the installation.

I stood next to Lennox, enjoying the scent of his cologne, while I read the information on the piece.

This piece is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our ancestors and a call to acknowledge and learn from our past. - Jamal Kendrick.

"They started out the exhibit with a bang, didn't they?" I asked.

"They did," Lennox responded.

We continued on to the next piece of artwork.

"Ms. Ami, who are you?" Lennox asked a pace or so behind me.

"I'm Camilla Young, a phenomenal cupcake baker and recipe inventor. I grew up in Lake Grove with my sister, who is the same age as me, for a couple weeks of the year."

"Is Caeli your only sibling?"

"Yes. We are the only two. Who are you, barbecue man number two?"

"Is that my name?"

"It was."

"Why am I number two?"

"Because I met Brayden first. Well, not technically, but for the purposes of Lee's and my conversations, that's just how it went," I explained.

"So, you've talked about me to your sister?"

"Of course I have, but what I said isn't your business."

Lennox laughed. "That's fair. I'm a regular guy who works hard and keeps his head down. I have one sibling, a sister, who is in college."

"Yes, the one from the liquor store. What does she want to be?"

"A neurosurgeon. She's wanted to be a doctor since she could talk. I thought once she had friends and got interested in boys, she would've changed her mind, but she didn't. She's a smart kid," Lennox answered.

"Is she at Carmel Cove University?"

"She is. She received a few scholarships."

"Good for her. I went to school at Lake Grove Culinary Institute. I'm not a sit-still-and-learn type of person, but I got through the program. I figured a formal education would help us do better with the truck."

"I didn't go to college. I've just hustled and worked hard since I was fourteen. When my mother brought Peaches home, I knew I had to step up. My mother is not the mothering type. She's a good friend but not a mom."

"I understand. Our parents were good providers, but they weren't the best parents."

"Are they here in Carmel?" Lennox asked.

"No, they are in Lake Grove. Lee and I inherited our great-aunt's house and moved down here."

"Was she rich?"

"She's not dead. So, no, she's not rich. She had a good husband who took care of business and made sure she was taken care of once he passed away. She decided to move into a senior living facility and gave us the house early. She'd already put it in her will."

"That's different."

"Yeah, I love that house, though, so it's cool."

Lennox and I continued around the art museum, admiring all the pieces. I enjoyed listening to his take on each piece. To look at him, you wouldn't believe that he was an art connoisseur, but he knew a lot.

I didn't miss him gently touching my lower back, telling me to move forward when someone was trying to get around us. It was a brief touch, but it was nice.

We stood in front of one of Leila Armstrong's paintings. Melanin Dreams was a large-scale, vibrant painting of a black woman sleeping with different scenes in dream bubbles above her.

"Now, this is a dope piece," Lennox said.

"I know, right? The attention to detail is incredible, even in the character's eyelashes. And the scenes above her are so intricately painted, it's like you're stepping into her dream," I marveled.

"Yeah, Leila is a master," Lennox agreed.

"Why a barbecue truck?" I asked Lennox while still admiring the painting.

"Why a barbecue truck?" I asked, still lost in the painting.

"Because we're good at it," Lennox immediately responded. "We had to find something that was sustainable and could grow."

"If cooking or barbecuing was not an option, what would you do?" I asked.

"Probably something with photography."

"People or nature?" I asked.

"Whatever is interesting to me."

"How did you get started with photography?"

"We needed someone to take a picture of the food for the truck's website. People were charging too much, so I went to YouTube University to learn the basics of photography. My first camera came from the pawn shop. It was a Nikon D3100, and it was a few years old, but it was perfect for a beginner."

"Do you still use that one?"

"No, I've upgraded a couple times since then. I use different cameras for different things."

"That's cool."

"What about you? If baking was off the table, what would you do?"

"If baking was off the table, I would wither and die," I said with a chuckle.

"You really enjoy it?" Lennox asked.

"I really do. I remember when I first knew I wanted to be a baker. I was seven. I went with my aunt to her friend's house, who was a neighborhood baker. You know, the one who will accept all forms of payment, food stamps, a couple of forty-ounces, a dime bag…"

We both laughed.

"Yeah, I know the hood baker very well," Nox said.

"She was making some cupcakes for a party and let me help her in the kitchen. I loved how all the ingredients were neatly lined up on the table with the appropriate measuring device in front of them. I adored the way you had to know the right amount of pressure to use to crack the egg without destroying it and the way the dry ingredients mixed into the wet ingredients to make the batter. All of that stuff on its own didn't taste very good, but when it was mixed together, it became a masterpiece.

So, yeah, I love it. Now, I love perfecting seemingly impossible recipes. I take immense pleasure in watching people's reactions when they taste my recipes for the first time," I finished.

"You didn't see my reaction when I tried the ones you gave me, but they were top-notch."

"Thank you. Once I figure out the mojito one, you'll have to try that one, too."

"It would be my pleasure. Which flavor is your favorite?"

"I can't say that I have a favorite flavor. I have some that I really enjoy preparing, like the smores cupcake. That's mostly because I can have fun decorating the top."

My watch vibrated. I read the message from Lee.

Sissy:

We passed the inspection. We are a go for Indie Love!

Ami:

??

"We passed the inspection," I cheered. "Thank you again for telling me about the paperwork."

"Congratulations. Of course. Thank you for saving my ass."

I wanted to say, "It's a nice ass." Instead, I said, "You're welcome."

I thought Nox was fine already, but the way we easily communicated and shared interests made him even more attractive.

"Are you excited about the event tomorrow?" Lennox asked.

"I am for two reasons. One, because we will have a large group of people who've never tried our cupcakes, that will be cool. Also, because I'm an avid reader. I love black-on-black romance novels."

"I've read a few of those nasty books y'all be reading," Lennox said. "I'm more of a "Black Boy"…"

"Oh, I read Black Boy by Richard Wright?"

"Yeah, or Long Way Down by…"

"Jason Reynold," we said in unison.

"I read Long Way Down with Peaches."

"Those are good books. I read romance because I love love, and I need a happily ever after when I read fiction. Although, the happy for now books are cool with me too. A few of my favorite authors will be at the event tomorrow. I'm hoping I'll be able to sneak away and buy a few books."

"If you love, love, why aren't you in love now?" Nox asked.

"Who said I wasn't? You've never asked me if I was dating someone."

"Once you agreed to come out with me, it didn't matter."

"Wow, it's like that?"

"Just like that," Nox replied. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't seem like the type of woman who juggles relationships. I figured that if you were willing to flirt with me at the liquor store…"

I smiled, "I didn't flirt with you, Mr. I know my rums…"

"And," Nox continued, ignoring my comment, "Asked me about my girlfriend, who is my sister…"

"I was curious," I interjected with a shrug.

"Then you agreed to come here with me without knowing anything about the location or the plan. All of that leads me to believe that you are indeed single."

"O-kay, Easy Rawlins."

"Who?" Nox asked with a confused expression.

"Don't tell me you don't know who…" As I was speaking, Nox began to smile. "I was about to say! You can't be a reader and not know about the Easy Rawlins mysteries."

"Walter Mosley is one of the go-tos for mysteries," Nox said.

We both chuckled.

"I am single. You're right. I don't believe in juggling men. I'm faithful to whomever I'm with."

"Why aren't you with someone now?" Nox asked.

I took a deep breath.

"My sister would say it's because I'm too trusting. Because I see the glass half-full instead of half-empty, red flags look green to me."

"What would you say?"

"I just haven't met the person who understands me enough to protect me while I chase butterflies and blow dandelions. Typically, when I'm chasing butterflies, they take it as an opportunity to chase women. I can't say that's always been my experience, but that was my last experience for sure. That clown was all over the place doing shit he wasn't supposed to be doing. I didn't know because I'm not the girl who looks through phones and checks alibis. If you tell me that you're at your mother's house, then you're at your mother's house. I probably need to get better about caring or paying more attention."

"Or just find a man who is grown enough to treat you right."

"In recent times, that feels easier said than done," I replied.

We continued through the exhibit, which was phenomenal. Every piece was better than the last. It felt good enjoying the art with someone who understood art and could have great discussions about it.

"If you get a chance to go into the event tomorrow, come and get me. I'll go in with you," Nox said while we were looking at the last piece in the exhibit.

"For real?"

"Yeah, maybe you can tell me which X-rated book I should read next."

I laughed.

"I can suggest some good romance novels," I corrected.

We left the art exhibit and walked down the pathway to the botanical gardens.

"So, what about you? Why aren't you in a relationship?" I asked.

"I haven't made romance and relationships a priority," Nox answered.

"What are your priorities?"

"My business, my finances and Peaches."

"No family, friends or fun? You didn't even list yourself. If you're not a priority, then none of the other stuff will work, right?"

Nox shrugged. "I guess? I try to eat right, be a good person, exercise and drink my water, but I don't obsess over any of that."

"Humph…"

"What does humph mean?" Nox asked.

"It's a sound a person makes when they are thinking about something," I said and smiled.

"What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking that you probably need more cupcakes in your life. No one can be so serious when they eat cupcakes."

"Is that your official diagnosis, Doctor?"

"Yep. It is."

"And where should I get my cupcakes from?"

"Oh, I know of a place."

nox

I couldn't remember the last time I'd gone out with a woman who kept my attention the way Ami did. At first glance, you see a pretty woman with big, innocent eyes and a gorgeous smile. As soon as she starts to talk, you realize there is so much more. She seems to have a way of making anyone around her feel comfortable.

When we were at the botanical gardens, she complimented multiple women on their hair, shoes or anything else. She told a little girl whose hair was all over the place that she was the prettiest girl she'd ever seen. The little girl smiled and blushed like she'd never been told she was pretty. Ami went on like she hadn't just made the little girl's day.

Ami talked a lot, telling me about her life and her business. She also asked questions about me and listened like I was telling the most fascinating stories.

I enjoyed spending time with her and didn't want it to end.

"Hey," I said as we were pulling out of the parking lot of the botanical gardens. "Do you have plans this evening?"

"Just making sure everything is in order for tomorrow morning," Ami responded.

"Yeah, it's going to be an early morning for sure. Would you like to have dinner? I could show you my place, and we could order something?"

Ami smiled.

"I would love to see your place. Dinner would be perfect. I was probably just going to snack while I prepped for tomorrow."

"Someone once told me that if you don't take care of yourself, then how can you take care of anything else?" I said, repeating her words to her.

"They sound super smart," Ami replied.

"Yeah, I agree."

We chatted as I drove through Caramel Cove back to my house.

"I've never been to Lake Grove. Do you miss it?" I asked.

"No, not really," Ami replied, while shaking her head. "I mean, it will always be home and hold some special memories for me, but I knew I didn't want to stay there. Once Lee and I had a chance, we got out of there."

"And you like The Cove?"

"It's beautiful here. I've always loved coming here to spend time with my aunt. She and her husband, Uncle Cecil, would make our time here special by cooking and baking together, taking walks through the parks, driving around town and showing us where they met or telling funny stories about their time here. I fell in love with the city because of them."

"That's cool. The Cove is a dope place to live."

"And it's full of dope people, too," Ami said.

"Definitely. Here," I handed my phone to Ami. "Go to my Uber Eats app so we can order our food."

She accepted my phone and said, "Okay, what do you like to eat?"

The first thing that ran through my mind was not the answer I gave.

"I could go for some pasta from Bella Cucina."

"I like pasta, but I've never had it from Bella Cucina."

"It's one of the best in the area. Check out the menu. I'll take the lasagna with extra garlic bread and the Caprese salad. Order whatever you want."

"What would you recommend?" Ami asked.

"What do you like?"

"I'm not particular," Ami shot back.

"Try the rigatoni with sausage and peppers," I suggested.

"Okay, that sounds good."

"Add some extra garlic bread for yours, too."

"Okay, it's all added to the order. Do you want me to ApplePay you for my food?"

I glanced at her and looked back at the road.

"What? You don't like Apple Pay? We can stop at the ATM if you prefer cash," Ami said.

"I don't want either," I answered. "I will pay for your food. I don't need you to reimburse me. You ballin' like that with your cupcakes that you don't accept meals?"

Ami chuckled.

"I am ballin' – on a budget- but I don't want to assume that you're paying for my food."

"If you're with me, then I'm paying unless we discuss it beforehand and make other arrangements," I said.

"Is that the rule?"

"That is the request."

"Humph…"

I glanced at Ami again. This time, she volunteered to share what was on her mind.

"It's just that in my experience, guys think if they pull out their wallet, that automatically means I'm pulling down my panties."

"I don't think that you owe me anything because I want to be kind and pay for your food, open your door or anything else that I volunteer to do," I responded.

"See, this is when things get scary for me. I believe you, but should I?" Ami asked with a tented eyebrow.

We both laughed.

"Okay, I shouldn't have laughed, but I am serious."

"Okay, Lennox Young, I'll trust you until you give me a reason not to."

"Then you'll always trust me."

ami

I was happy Lennox asked if I wanted to have dinner with him. I'd enjoyed our impromptu day together so much. I didn't want it to end. I liked everything I learned about him.

"Oh wow!" I said after entering Lennox's house. "This is gorgeous. It's nothing like I thought it would be. It's actually better."

"Thank you."

"How many floors do you have?"

"It's three floors and a basement. At some point, I may rent out the basement unit, or I may let Peaches live down there once she finishes college. I haven't decided."

"Did you decorate it yourself?"

"Yeah. I found something I liked at the furniture store and got everything they displayed with it."

"Well, that works too! May I see the rest of it?"

"Yep. This is called the parlor level. The previous owners weren't into preserving a lot of the history of the house. This crown molding is a replica of the crown molding in Brayden's place. The previous owners of his kept almost all of the original woodwork."

"The ceilings are so tall. I'm sure that it took some time to get all of that molding back up there."

"It did."

"These couches are nice and plush. I love furniture that's made for comfort and not for show."

"I didn't know people actually sat in living rooms with nice furniture until I went to my mentor's house. He and his wife had the most comfortable house I'd ever visited. There wasn't any plastic on any of the furniture in the living room or anything. It was designed for comfort. I knew I wanted to do that when I finally purchased my place."

"Yeah. I love it."

The large, black, overstuffed couches and chairs in the living room looked like you'd fall asleep as soon as you got comfortable on them.

I followed him through the formal dining room with a large raw edge wooden table and plush black chairs, into the large kitchen.

"I didn't have to do a whole lot to this kitchen. The previous owners did a great job upgrading it. I did add this stainless steel farmhouse sink."

I followed him through the rest of the house as he pointed out different elements. His place was beautiful. Just as we were finishing the tour, the food arrived.

We sat down and continued our conversation while we ate.

"Do you have a lot to prep for tomorrow?" I asked.

"All the prep work is done. I'll go after dinner and put the briskets in the smoker. They will cook overnight."

"I've heard that brisket is hard to prepare. I know it's one of your more popular menu items."

"It is our top seller. We sell out every time we have it. It takes time and patience. It's worth the work, though," Lennox explained.

"I've never had it. I'll have to order a sandwich or something tomorrow."

"I'll put some to the side for you," Lennox said.

"You don't have to…"

Nox looked at me and reminded me of our earlier conversation.

"Fine. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I'm glad you told me to order extra garlic bread. This is really good," I said.

"Yeah, I can't quite figure out what they do to it to make it taste so good, but it is good."

I wanted to learn more about Lennox, so I asked, "Do you have any children?"

"No, you?" Lennox replied.

"Nope. I don't have any kids except my recipes. They're like my babies. Do you have any pets?"

"No, no pets," Lennox answered. "Animals are cool, but I don't have the time to care for them. I'm too busy."

"Yeah, I hear you. I love animals, but I'll just visit them at the zoo."

"I haven't gone to the zoo in years," Nox said.

"Me either. I used to enjoy it, though. Do you have any STDs?"

"No, or STIs. What about you?" Nox tossed back.

"Nope. One time, actually my first time, I thought I had one, but it turns out I'm allergic to latex."

Nox smiled. "That was probably a terrible way to figure that out."

"It was horrifying. It wasn't a pleasant experience, and on top of that, to have a weird burning sensation and welts afterward was no fun."

"Damn…"

"I have tons of stories like that once you get to know me."

"I would like to get to know you, Camilla," Nox said.

"I want to get to know you, too."