Page 19 of Bayou Sunset

As he sipped his beer, he suddenly felt a strong urge to spit it out. He struggled to find the right words to explain that his feelings for her had changed from friendship to something more romantic. However, he couldn’t deny that she had always been off-limits, as she was his best friend’s sister. Instead, he shrugged. “Dere be no time. I stayed busy with college, my job with the FBI, and my current job with HIS. I video-chatted withMamauand Papa, so we visited plenty.”

Daisy Mae gently shook her head, her expression filled with compassion. “That wasn’t the same; yamamanand papa truly missed ya.”

Romeo felt the sharp impact in the pit of his stomach, causing him to look down instinctively. His eyes focused on the surface of his beer glass as he absentmindedly traced his finger along the smooth rim, lost in thought. Romeo had anticipated their response, but they had reassured him to embrace life and not dwell on their absence from it. Above all, he yearned for the warmth of his mother’s embrace and his father’s encouraging pats on the back. However, as time passed, he realized he couldn’t alter the past.

Exhausted from the emotional turmoil of being drawn to a woman unlike any other, he boldly decided to change the dynamics of their relationship. “Why didn't ya leave Bayou Junction?” He wanted to spout out “I know how badly you wanted to leave.” But, instead said, “Why stay? I heard ya had an academic scholarship offer. Why ya no take it?” He poppeda nacho chip piled with chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, jalapeno, and guacamole into his mouth to halt his urge to ask more. He had numerous questions for her but knew he had to approach them slowly.Like—Is it true what ya brother said about ya liking me? I’d thought it a ploy to leave town, not that ya really wanted me.

Daisy Mae delicately grasped her glass, giving it a gentle swirl as she fixed her gaze upon the rich amber liquid in the beer mug. “How did ya hear about dat?” She looked up at him and raised a brow.

Romeo put on his “duh” face. “Remember, ya brothers, and I be friends. We chattedbeaucoupwhen I first left.” He stopped. When he discovered a chance Daisy Mae might come to his college, he decided to sever all ties with her brothers to find solace and distance himself from her.

“Mais, oui.” Just as their dinners were brought, she finished the last bite of the crispy nacho plate. Both had chosen the day’s catch from Bayou Junction’s waters, served with a colorful assortment of fresh, steamed vegetables and golden, buttery potatoes. Despite Romeo’s indifference towards the veggies, they were a part of the meal plate. He’d push them aside, focusing on the succulent fish and the comforting presence of potatoes prepared in some delicious form.

When Daisy Mae closed her mouth around a bite of fish, closed her eyes, and moaned, Romeo's dick reacted. Like an inexperienced youth, he couldn’t restrain it around Daisy Mae. It seemed to have a mind of its own. Lord, he was in trouble.

Not sure what to ask next, Romeo quickly looked away and shoveled some mashed potatoes into his mouth. He still needed to remember his previous question.

Realizing she wouldn’t answer, he swallowed and tried a different conversation. “How be business?”

Daisy Mae gently pressed her lips together to one side,her brow furrowing in concern before she spoke. “It feels like everything, it be moving slower with each day. Bayou Junction be like a hidden gem compared to de other destinations near here. We no actively promote our town to tourists, but somehow dey always manage to find dere way here. Or, at least, dey used to.”

He could no longer withhold the burning question on his mind: “Are ya planning to venture outencoreafter someone took a shot at ya?” After contacting the sheriff’s office, Alice arranged to meet them at Duke’s to gather their statement and assess the repaired damage. Fortunately, Daisy Mae had taken photos of the damage before it was repaired.

“Mais oui.”

He stilled his fork. “Are ya kidding me? Someone shot at ya. You don't know who or why. It could happen again.”

Daisy Mae sighed loudly. “Steve, leave it be. I be a big girl and can take care of meself.”

Romeo decided she was mad. “Well, then, I'm going with ya.”

Her fork clattered as she dropped it to the plate, and the sound ricocheted in the room. “Mais non!”

“Why not? What's the problem?”

“’Cause I no need ya. You be in de way.”

“No, I won't, and I be going.”

Daisy Mae closed her beautiful eyes. “Merde.” She opened them again and pinned his stare. “Ya work. Me hands be due for vacation.”

He believed it to be a triumph despite his belief that she would keep him occupied enough to avoid any chance of their paths crossing. Little did she know about his true capabilities.

Romeo engaged in light conversation as they finished their meal, touching on various small topics such as the current weather, local events, updates about their families, and anythingelse he considered to be non-controversial.

Daisy Mae carefully set down her silverware on the table, taking a moment to draw in a deep breath. “Steve, why dis chit-chat?” she asked, looking at him intently. “That no be you. What it be ya want to know?”

She had managed to capture him unawares. He had underestimated how well she knew him before he departed from town. “I want ta know dareal reason ya stay.”

Daisy Mae raised her brows in a challenge. “Mais, I want ta know darealreason ya left.”

Absorbed in the moment, Romeo became acutely aware of the impasse they had reached. As he delicately placed his silverware on the table and briskly wiped his mouth with the napkin, his eyes remained fixated on Daisy Mae, observing her every subtle movement and expression. Her gaze fixed on him with an enigmatic expression he struggled to interpret. It wasn’t one of joy or sorrow; it simply was. Her eyes gleamed brightly, drawing him in as he yearned for her to reciprocate his feelings. At that thought, Romeo's dick jerked and hardened.

“Truth?” he asked.

She nodded. “Truth.”

The moment had arrived to reveal the truth. He realized they could carve out some time to be together while he was visiting. Then, he wouldn't have to jerk off thinking of her.

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