TORI
THE GIRLS DINNER DISCUSSION
Ipeeked at the gumbo brewing on the stove.
She smiled at me. “What do you think?”
“It smells pretty good,” I replied.
“I’ll take that. Ritchie said your gumbo is amazing.”
I beamed on the inside at her words.
“I’ll admit, I felt a little nervous cooking this for your dinner party.”
“Janeesha, if Ritchie trusts your cooking. I do too. Thanks for helping out.”
A wide grin lifted her mocha cheeks. “It’s my pleasure.”
I walked into the formal dining room. My eyes fell over Bianca, Asia, and Simone.
“Girls, I’m so happy you all could make it.” I hugged each of them.
“Ezra told Catch you suffered new injuries from the last explosion.” Bianca cocked her head to the side.
I poured myself a glass of Moscato, then glared at Simone, who sat to my right next to Bianca. “Your husband can’t keep anything to himself.”
“Husband?” Bianca and Asia shrieked at the same time.
I laughed, holding Simone’s gaze while she explained herself out of that one.
“Bianca, how pissed were you after the last kidnapping?” I arched a brow.
The girls burst into laughter.
“Very fucking pissed. But Catch made up for his actions.” She smiled. “With his tongue.” Bianca winked.
Our banter kicked up as we slapped hands around the table.
Janeesha rolled several serving dishes toward the table on a rolling cart.
“Do you need help?” I asked.
“Absolutely not. Ritchie said, I’m not to let you lift a finger.” Janeesha replied as she placed the dishes of food in the center of the table.
I raised my hands like I was surrendering. “Okay, it’s so hard not to lift a finger.”
Asia grabbed my left hand. “It’s okay to accept help. Rémy and Romeo are teaching me that, too.”
Janeesha returned with Brock. They placed a giant sheet of parchment paper loaded down with corn on the cob, shrimp, crab legs. All the makings of a great crab boil.
Chatter kicked up around the table as the girls marveled at the spread of food.
“Let me know if you ladies need anything else. I’ll be in the kitchen,” Janeesha said.
“Thank you,” we yelled.
We dug into the food. The girls and I didn’t say a word. Only moans left our lips as we ate.