A couple of hours later, the sides were done. Remy dropped the lobster and crabs in to cook once Ronnie and Boogie called to let us know they would be arriving shortly. I was watching him remove the lobsters when the doorbell rang.
He looked over his shoulder. "Can you grab that, beautiful?"
"Of course." I nodded. Opening it, my best friend's face went from a frown to a wide smile as we threw our arms around each other.
"Bitch, I missed you," she cooed as we rocked side-to-side.
"I missed you more." I pressed my cheek to hers. "You look pretty." I pulled back to appraise her outfit. A cute little off the shoulder two-piece.
"Thank you." She flipped her hair over her shoulder's eyes taking in my flowy dress. "You look like a suburban housewife," she teased.
"Shut up," I snorted a laugh smoothing it down. "Come in." I pulled her inside.
"Girl, tell me why some nigga in a red Lambo cut me off." She frowned stepping in. "I almost shot out his tires. Muthfu—" her curse word was cut off by Melo's little feet running over.
"Hi!" he chirped. "I'm Melo."
Ronnie's face softened instantly and she looked at me with her hand pressed to her chest. The same look I had when I met Melo.
"Oh my gosh. Aren't you the cutest little thing." She squatted down to his level. "Hi, Melo. I'm Ronnie."
His dimples sank in deep. "Hi, Ms. Ronnie." When he extended his hand, Ronnie almost melted into the floor. "Stoppp.Not he a little gentleman," she gushed, shaking his hand gently.
"He gets it from his father," I smiled warm and proud, hand on his shoulder.
Remy was wiping his hands and approaching with a smile. Ronnie was already sizing him up in approval, that playful smirk on her face.
"Nice to formally meet you, Ronnie." Remy held out his hand.
I was expecting her to say some off the wall comment about his looks but—
"You too, Chef," she replied politely shaking his hand. "Thank you for having me. Your home is beautiful by the way."
I blinked rapidly at her politeness giving her a questioning look.
She shrugged casually. "What? You told me to be on my best behavior," she smiled.
Remy chuckled. "Come on in. Make yourself at home. I have some wine on the table. Dinner will be ready shortly."
"Thanks, Remy." Ronnie waved sweetly as he and Melo made their way back to kitchen.
Ronnie looped her arm through mine leaning in close. "Bitch, I just know he talk you through it don't he?" she whispered. "Deep ass voice."
Snickering, I nudged her. "And do."
We laughed low, slapping each other's hands. We were about to head to the dining room when I saw headlights flash in in the driveway.
"That's probably his friend." I looked back, slipping my arm out of hers. I opened the door only to see a red Lamborghini parking.
"I know damn well that ain't him," Ronnie muttered next to me as the car door slid up smoothly.
"Ronnie, be nice," I hissed under my breath as Boogie stepped out. Tall. Chocolate. Waves. Beard. Broad shouldered. Ronnie's exact type. I glanced over, and sure enough she had that look in her eyes. This was about to be an interesting night.
"I made it." Boogie strolled over with a Colgate smile stopping in front of us. "You must be Gianna." He held out his hand.
"I am," I smiled taking it. "It's so nice to meet you, Boogie."
"You as well," he replied warmly. "Remy can't stop talking about you and I can see why."
