"That's him?" Ronnie perked up.
"Yeah," I laughed lightly placing the phone on speaker. "He can hear you."
"Heyyy, Chef Boyardee;" Ronnie teased.
Remy chuckled. "How you doing?"
"Good. You taking care of my bestie? You got her all holed up and shit."
I smirked as he straightened and smiled down at me. "She's in good hands. I promise."
"She better be, or I'ma kick yo' ass," Ronnie said seriously.
I bit back a laugh as Remy shook his grinning.
"What you cook tomorrow, Chef?" she asked, playful again.
"Gianna told me you love seafood," he began, "so I got us some fresh lobster, king crab legs, some nice prawns and scallops for you. It'll be a feast."
"Awww shit—" Ronnie dragged out. "That's right, honey, roll out the red carpet for a bitch."
He laughed lightly. "I hope you don't mind, but I invited my best friend Boogie as well. He wants to meet Gianna, so I figured why not have him join us."
"Best friend, huh?" Ronnie's voice dropped to that low, predatory tone. "He got some money?"
"Ronnie!" I gasped slightly.
Remy just laughed, clearly amused. "He's a senior partner at one of the best law firms in Vegas, so I would say…yes. He got some money."
"Yassss…." she drawled. "A rich niggaandseafood. I'ma tryna leave with my bellyandmy pockets full."
"Aight, bitch that’s enough," I cut in rolling my eyes but chuckling at her antics.
Remy was tickled thoroughly though. "We look forward to having you. I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed my cheek, gave my waist a squeeze and walked back inside.
"Ooo, bitch I like him," Ronnie said, I could hear the smile in her voice.
"He's a sweetheart, I told you." I looked back with a smile. "You better be on your best behavior though. Don’t come over here trying to run his friend's pockets," I warned.
Ronnie laughed. "Girl I'm a professional bag chaser. I ain't heard nothing you said. But I'll behave for your boo though. His boy is fair game."
I rolled my eyes shaking my head. Ronnie was going to be Ronnie.
"My client just walked in, babe," she said. "Gotta go. Love you! I'll see you tomorrow."
"Love you more, babe. Text me when you get home, please."
"Will do!" She blew me a kiss before we disconnected the call.
I slipped my phone into the pocket of my shorts and leaned back against the railing for a moment, staring out at the moonlight. The air was warm and calm. It felt peaceful in a way my life rarely ever was.
But like Ronnie said…Siren House was in my rearview, and maybe I could finally breathe again. I stepped back inside where Remy was waiting for me patiently. His arms wrapped around my waist once more. His lips brushed softly against my shoulder before coming up to rest on my forehead.
“You okay?” he asked quietly after a quick kiss.
I nodded, resting my head against his shoulder. “Yeah.” A smile tugged at my lips. “I think I am.”
“Mmm.” He kissed my forehead again. “That's what I like to hear.”
