Page 112 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“That goes without saying. I’d sacrifice myself before I let anything happen to him.”

“Those knuckleheads are meeting you all. Prepare yourself.”

Milo and Makai. Without hearing their names, I knew that’s who she was referring to.

“It’s not Milo. It’s that fucking Makai. Our mother dropped him on his head a few times. There’s nothing that can convince me otherwise.”

“Me either.”

Chem leaned in and landed a kiss on Anna’s forehead before taking off toward the truck. Horns honked behind Malachi. Impatient drivers wanted him out of the way so they could get to their destinations sooner rather than later. To their dismay, they’d honked at the wrong truck, on the wrong day, with the wrong passenger present.

Chem’s visible waistline knotted my stomach. I watched the barrel of his gun as maneuver until it was airborne, pointing toward the unruly drivers behind Malachi.

“Blow that motherfucker again,” he dared.

The driver of the first vehicle quickly took note. The second didn’t until the barrel was tapping his window. Chem never made it to the third vehicle. It reversed and headed in the other direction.

“Baby!” I bellowed, hoping to snap him out of whatever trance he was in.

“I’ll see you back at the house, Choc,” he responded, blowing an air kiss as if he didn’t just scare the shit out of three unsuspecting victims.

I turned toward Anna, expecting an explanation. She didn’t have one. Her shoulder lifted and fell just as she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the restaurant she’d mentioned. Still in a state of shock, I followed.

The sun began setting as we approached the intricate dwelling with roped solar-powered lights and small pods decorating the patio. Rich, yet bold colors covered every inch of the space we entered. The chairs and tables were thrifted at some point in time. None of them matched, but they were all perfect additions to the vintage-inspired space.

“Reservations?”

“For two. Anna Domino.”

“Yes. Yes. Your table is ready.” The hostess tapped the iPad a few times and then led us toward the door, which gave us access to the patio that I’d fallen in love with from afar. Standing among the beautiful chaos made me fall a little deeper into the unique space.

“Pod six. Alex will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you,” Anna responded, taking a seat on the right side of the egg-shaped fixture.

I sat on the opposite side, taking note of the confidence Anna exuded. It was quiet, but it was so fucking loud. She reeked of wealth, good fortune, and knowledge.

Her face disappeared behind one of the menus that had been sat on our table. I took the opportunity to study the other one. When I waitress asked, I cared to know what I’d be starting with.

“He’s in love with you.” Anna’s voice carried through the rounded pod where we were seated, halting the beating of my heart. Immediately after, it restarted. Harder. Louder.

“Chemistry?” The question was never meant to leave my head, but somehow, it had surfaced.

“Well, surely, I’m not referring to Malachi.”

With a smile, I nodded. “Right.”

“He won’t ever admit it, but he and Makai have a lot in common. The death of their mother ended their interest in companionship. They avoid commitment. Not because they want to but because their hearts aren’t ready. It feels good, really good, to know Chemistry’s heart has progressed and his brokenness hasn’t rendered him helpless. He’s a gem, Eden. Though he might seem cold at times, his heart is pure.”

“I know,” I confessed.

“Don’t break it,” she warned. The softness of her voice had subsided and was replaced with a stern, firmer combination that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand.

I don’t want to.

“Hi, I’m Alex. I’ll be waiting for you this evening. What can I get started for you ladies?”

Our waitress appeared with a smile that could light any room. Dressed in a black and white ruffled dress, she blended well with the vintage decor.

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