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I sigh and shake my head, embarrassed at how easily she flusters me. But not too embarrassed to tell her the truth. “Nah, just that I wouldn’t take her advice. I never told her you’re my sunshine. I thought I should tell you first. You are. Since the day I met you in kindergarten, you’ve been brightening my life.”
A million emotions run through her eyes as she blinks back tears. Her fingers entwine with mine, and she pulls me inside. “Do you mind if I find her a spot before we go?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you.”
She releases my fingers and sets about moving plants around until she has the perfect place for the new addition to her family.
Stepping back, she stares, her head tilting to the side. Then she turns and walks toward me, determination in her eyes.
When she stops in front of me, I breathe deeply, steadying myself.
“You are the most wonderful, amazing, beautiful soul I’ve ever known.” She presses a soft kiss to my lips then pulls away.
Without another word, we walk hand in hand to my truck and drive to the restaurant in silence.
There are a million things I want to say. Years of things have piled up. But that kiss…the meaning, emotion, intention behind it. I’m not sure how to start a conversation without knowing what she’s thinking, and I’m afraid of what she is.
Taniyah’s husband, Jerome, shows us to our table—the table Taniyah has reserved as mine. It has the best view of the landscape she and River created. It brings me joy, and our friend knows that.
“I’m always in awe of how beautiful this place is.”
Her words shock me. “I didn’t realize you eat here.”
The way her eyes widen, I’d say my words shock her too. “Why wouldn’t I?” She raises a brow at me, but I refuse to say his name and ruin our night. So, I shrug. “The food is incredible and I come here weekly to take care of the plants and catch up with Taniyah.”
Of course she does. She doesn’t just sell plants, she checks on them for her customers to make sure they’re thriving. It’s why her business is so popular.
“I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen you here.”
Sadness sweeps across her face, and I regret the comment instantly. “I asked Taniyah when you come in so I could avoid those times.”
Her lips open to say more, but she closes them. She doesn’t have to say anything else. She was trying to protect me. Telling her it was unnecessary will only hurt her feelings. I’m ready to move beyond the time we missed.
Taniyah walks out before either of us can respond. “It’s about time this happened.” She points to us. I want to smile, but the tension in the air is thick. Strangling. “Do you want your regulars?”
We both nod. She hugs us and heads back to the kitchen, but not before adding, “It makes my heart happy having you here together.”
My smile is forced. River’s is too. This date is not going at all how I planned.
“I love these tables,” I blurt out, searching for any way to get things back on track. “Taniyah told me her uncle made all of them. Handcrafted from Blue Mahoe trees. Did you know they’re the national tree of Jamaica?”
Her head tilts slightly to the side as she inspects me. She knows what I’m up to. She smirks, which makes me happier than she can imagine.
“I did know that, but I’m sure you already knew that I knew that. While we’re playing trivia, did you know the Lignum Vitae, that one right there,” she points to a tree with purple flowers, “is the national flower of Jamaica even though it’s a tree? It’s also endangered. Taniyah is helping to save them by having four here.”
“I did not know that.”
“Taniyah and I also started a non-profit to help save trees and plants like this and others around the world.”
My heart swells with pride knowing she’s been doing what she loves.
“When did you start that?”
“Two years ago. It’s all in her name. We didn’t want Craig to be able to use it against me in court.”
The desire to rage about him consumes me, but I push it down. She knows he’s a bastard. The last thing she needs is for me to remind her of that.
