Page 56 of When Love Takes Root

Cassia smiled. “Can we please order before y’all start arguing in the parking lot?”

For other people, a restaurant was just a restaurant.

After Big J died, places like this offended me. People still ordered appetizers and flirted across tables as if death hadn’t just rearranged my whole world.

Tonight, I didn’t resent it.

I envied it. Brick & Ember glowed amber against the evening, the scent of smoked wings, honey butter, and charred lemon greeting us. Music rolled beneath the clatter of plates and laughter, the restaurant alive with people determined to enjoy their Friday, despite whatever waited for them tomorrow.

A waiter approached before we reached the hostess stand. He was young enough to believe confidence could save any sentence and handsome enough for some women to let him try. His smile found me first.

“Good evening, ladies. Welcome to Brick & Ember. I can get y’all seated. Table or booth for four?”

Calista’s eyes slid to me.

Leilani’s did too.

I ignored both of them. “Yes, a booth please.”

The waiter grabbed menus. “Right this way. And I gotta say, your hair is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“I mean it. It frames your face real nice. You got one of those smiles that make people forget what they came in mad about.”

Calista made a strangled sound.

Leilani pressed her lips together.

Cassia became deeply interested in a wall mural.

I gave the waiter the same soft smile I gave clients who thought kindness meant invitation. “That’s sweet. Thank you.”

He pulled out the chair near the booth. “Anything for you.”

Leilani muttered, “Lord, he bold with benefits.”

I looked at her. “He works in customer service.”

Calista coughed. “He pulled your chair out like he was applying for a position.”

“He pulled out a chair, Calista. He’s just trying to get a tip.”

Leilani leaned close and whispered lowly, “Oh, he wants to show you the tip of something, alright.”

Calista choked so hard Cassia had to pat her back.

“Leilani,” I hissed.

“What?” Leilani asked innocently. “I’m pregnant—not blind.”

The waiter returned with waters, still smiling at me. “Can I start you ladies with drinks?”

Leilani answered, “Water with lemon. And don’t look at me like that. I’m pregnant and under supervision.”

Calista said, “Strawberry margarita. Sugar rim. Heavy on whatever makes me forget my siblings.”

Cassia smiled. “Peach tea, please.”