I laughed lightly. "Of course I'm looking forward to tonight. I can't wait to see you. Been looking forward to this since you agreed."
"I'm flattered," she replied. "FaceTime me right quick?"
"Right now?" I sat up surprised.
"Yeah. I wanna see what you got going on."
Biting back a grin I obliged. Seconds later, her beautiful face filled the screen. It looked like she was outside, the sun was shining down on her, making her skin glisten and the brown in her eyes more transparent.
"I wasn’t sure if we were on FaceTime level yet, but I'm glad to know that we are," I said.
She just smiled and shrugged.
"That must mean you like me a lil' bit," I teased again.
She rolled her eyes playfully but she didn't deny it. "So…what's on the menu for tonight, Chef?" she asked instead.
"It's a surprise." I leaned forward with a smile. "But I think you'll enjoy it. And if you don't, I'll bring you back to the restaurant and you can eat whatever you want on the menu."
She chuckled. "Sounds like a plan." She tilted her head to the side slightly, a playful smile on her face. "You look cute today. I like your lil' shirt and tie. You look like a big business boy."
I laughed loudly. "I'll take the compliment. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
There was a pause as we just held each other's gaze for a moment. I could get lost in her eyes.
"Do you need me to pick you up? Send a car?" I asked finally.
She shook her head, still smiling." No, I got it. Thanks though."
"Okay, beautiful."
"I gotta go and I'm sure you need to get back to work," she said. "I'll see you tonight."
"Absolutely. I'll text you the address and hit you up around six to make sure you don’t need anything."
"Alright," she gave me a small wave. "See you soon."
"Be safe, beautiful," I replied.
We ended the call. I placed the phone on my desk and took a deep breath. I was nervous. I hadn't had a date in eons. Everything in dating was different now. Women were differentas well. But I pushed the nerves down because if not now, it would never happen.
I had our evening planned perfectly. Being in the restaurant business has its perk. I was able to secure a spot last minute at this test kitchen. Had to spend double what I normally would to rent the space, but it was well worth it. Ms. Tami helped me secure a dope florist to get a rush order on some custom bouquets and her granddaughter was kind enough to offer to decorate the space as long as I promised to tag her on my socials.
Done.
I had to pull this together in two days all while working, parenting, and keeping it from my family. If things worked out, I'd be happy to share, but at the moment I was going to continue to keep it to myself. I couldn’t even fathom what my mama would say when she found out about Gianna's lifestyle. I shook the thought off and checked the time. It was almost time to pick up Melo. I needed to drop him off, prep and prepare dinner.
Rubbing my hands together, I grabbed my phone and keys off the desk, heading out. I spoke to my managers and head chef for a minute—just letting them know I would busy for the evening and to only call for an emergency. My manager Brenda looked surprise. She knew that beingtoobusyfor my restaurant was never a thing. Once I checked in on the kitchen and grabbed the packed food, I headed out.
In the car, I received a call from Boogie.
"What's up, frat?" I answered.
"You apparently, bruh," he answered. "Big night. You nervous?"
I exhaled slowly. Paused—then— "Hell yeah," I admitted with a smile.
