Page 44 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“I started recording them for clients who couldn’t make it to class. Then people began sharing clips online. The demand grew from there.”

“So you built another business from a solution to someone’s problem.”

“When you put it like that, I sound impressive.”

“You are impressive.”

His compliments felt factual rather than appeasing and that made me feel proud of my accomplishments.

“I had help,” I said. “My mother watched Malik while I recorded, and Naomi helped with the early business paperwork. Journey told everyone she knew until strangers started ordering.”

“You have good people.”

“The best.”

“That’s a blessing, Frankie.”

“So are you.”

His hand moved across the table and covered mine. The waiter returned to take our orders. I chose lobster ravioli, and Elijah ordered osso buco. Our conversation continued through dinner without effort. We talked about travel, music, our first jobs, and the worst dates we had ever endured.

Elijah’s involved a woman who spent an entire dinner livestreaming herself.

“She introduced me to her followers as Mystery Doctor,” he said.

I laughed. “Did you make it to dessert?”

“I left money for the check and went home.”

“You abandoned her?”

“She barely noticed.”

My worst date had arrived with his mother because she was “already in the car.”

Elijah’s laughter turned heads at nearby tables.

“She sat between us,” I added.

“No.”

“She ordered for him.”

“Frankie.”

“And cut his steak.”

His eyes widened. “How old was he?”

“Thirty-seven.”

“I apologize for him.”

“You’re laughing. I see the smirk.”

“I can be sorry and entertained.”

We both laughed.