Page 131 of The Need to Know

“Shoes,” I reminded him. “And then dinner at Dellucci’s.”

He blinked. “My spot?”

“Our spot.” I put on a clever smile. “I put in a reservation.”

Ezekiel narrowed his eyes and said nothing. After he’d changed back into his street clothes, we went over to the section of Dashing called Sneaker Head where the whole back wall was dedicated to men’s shoes. Ezekiel picked out a white pair of Vans and didn’t opt for a second colorful pair.

While we’d been shopping, I wasn’t checking the price of anything he picked up. When we went to check out and the total came to almost four hundred dollars, Ezekiel groaned behind me.

I handed over my card and didn’t bat an eye. When it was the other way around, Ezekiel never stressed how much he spent on me. Before I became his girlfriend, he’d spoiled me plenty, not even in an attempt to get me into bed, just because that was who he was. He was considerate and patient, and he gave so much. All I wanted to do was give back.

I paid for his clothing and Ezekiel carried his own bags back out to my car.

For dinner, I would’ve let Ezekiel choose, but something told me he would’ve tried to pull a fast one and suggest a place like Zaxby’s or Sonic.

As we were seated across each other at our reserved table at Dellucci’s, one look over at Ezekiel told me I was exactly right.

“Do you feel emasculated, Zeke?” I asked as I read over my menu. I’d loved the dishes we’d tried the first time I was here, but to go with the night’s theme, I wanted to try something new.

“Not at all,” he answered quickly. “You have to understand, this is different for me. I’m not used to taking a back seat and having a woman pay for everything. I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not,” I said adamantly. “If we’re going to be together⁠—”

“If?”

“If we are, I should be able to dote on you just as much as you dote on me.”

“I mean, if you want to give me something you could⁠—”

“Shut up.”

Ezekiel cracked a smile and went back to his own menu. Despite his unease, he ordered their lasagna and I opted for the eggplant parmigiana.

“How was the meeting with your father?” I wanted to know as we waited on our appetizers.

Ezekiel bobbed his head. “Good. Good. The Battle of the Sexes joint went viral. The CelebriTea posted us, so you know it’s about to be a busy month.”

BLVCKJVCK was more than just a nightclub, it was a beacon, a sanctuary, a place where you could dance with your friends or partner, or kick back and relax. There was a place for everyone and that’s what made it more unique than the other clubs Atlanta had to offer. I was certain this wouldn’t be the last time Ezekiel or the club got a buzz online.

“Pops wanted to ask our advice about having Glocc host and do a show for us,” Ezekiel went on as he grabbed his glass of wine. “His mixtape is fire, and he’s been doin’ his thing, but when he does BLVCKJVCK, I’m positive we’ll break him.”

Glocc’s song “Hold Me” with Tiffany Thomas was a favorite of mine. His sound on his own was gritty, but hearing him soften up and do a love song made me warm up to him entirely.

“Oh, that’s what’s up. I’ll be there,” I said.

Ezekiel chuckled. “Of course.”

Our server came and set out our appetizers. A tray of oysters and another of stuffed mushrooms. I wondered if Ezekiel had specifically chosen the oysters to get even more into the mood. Either way, it was a treat watching him scoop one up and swallow the meat within the blink of an eye.

“How are things with Alannah and Oisin? He did a good job last night with your father,” Ezekiel pointed out. “Mr. Graham wasn’t holding back at all.”

“We grabbed breakfast earlier,” I said. “I like him, he can take a punch. I think it was good for all of us for me to be there. I can tell Ali is relieved to be out with her relationship and to have things smoothed over between us and our parents. It definitely feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” Ezekiel said as he grabbed another oyster. “I’m so close to my Pops, and I just couldn’t imagine us not having that relationship. I’m glad your father apologized and y’all can move forward. Life’s too short, you know?”

“Right,” I agreed.

I raised my glass of water and clinked it against Ezekiel’s.