Page 33 of Beauden & Yelena

“You good?” I ask.

“Yes,” she says with a fake ass smile. “I’m full. I think I ate too many of those mini waffles.”

“You sure that’s it?” I’m not buying her answer. Plus, I expected her to have a million questions.

“I’m sure. You saw how much I ate. But you were right too.”

“About what?”

“That being the best brunch in town. She’s got your cooks beat,” she says and I agree.

“Facts. No one can cook like her.”

Yelena is scheduled to leave in the morning and I still don’t want her to leave. I’m serious about her staying here with me. Even right now with her quietness and fake ass smile, I still feel a connection. This woman was made for me. I just need her to realize that shit too.

“I think I should have bought a bigger purse. I want some of those preserves your mom had and I want some of those candles she was burning.”

“You don’t need a bag. I can carry whatever you want.”

“Remember you said that when I hand you a million bags.” A more genuine smile is now on her face.

“That’s a bet. I told you I got you.”

Because the roads around Town Hall are closed due to Jubilee, I park six blocks from the main event. Each year, we park in the John Deere dealer parking lot. I do so much business with them that the owner doesn’t mind.

“How far is it from here?” she asks when I kill my engine.

“About half a mile. You okay with that?”

“Yes. I need to walk this food off anyway. I’m so damn full. I really ate too much. God only knows what your momma thinks of me.”

She’s worried about her impression on my mom; that’s a good ass sign in my favor. However, she has nothing to be concerned with. Eden really liked her. The fact that she let Yelena in her kitchen and hugged her when we left speaks volumes because my mom isn’t that friendly during a first meeting.

“She liked that shit. She loves when people enjoy her food.”

After getting out, I walk over to her side and when I open the door for her, a gush of cold air hits her and she shivers. “I should have worn my heavier coat. I wasn’t thinking,” Without hesitation, I remove my leather coat and drape it over her. “And what are you going to have?” she asks.

“I’m good,” I assure her before I place my hand on the small of her back, right above her perfect ass. “Let’s go. It’ll be warmer once we are at Jubilee. They have outdoor heaters in certain areas, especially for the tree lighting.”

As soon as we reach the area blocked off for Jubilee, Yelena’s face lights up at the sight of the Christmas decorations and many booths set up by local vendors. With wide eyes, she scans the set up then looks up at me.

With a huge smile on her face, she says, “Oh my gosh! This is too cute. It’s like a scene out of a holiday movie. And y’all do this every year?”

“Ever since I can remember.”

“I love it already and I hope your bag carrying hands are ready. I love to shop.”

“Have fun tonight. I got you.”

* * *

As the night progresses,I’m more and more convinced she’s for me. Even though I’m carrying umpteen bags, I’m still enjoying this. Her pretty ass even has me smiling out here in these Miller’s Pointe streets. A few grins and side eyes from people I do business with or those I just know lets me know how simp-like I must look. But I don’t give a damn. It feels good to let go for once.

When I hear the words “If you want me to” come out of my mouth at her request to make a snow globe, I know I’m caught up for real for real. The snow globes are for kids not big ass negros like me. However, when her whole pretty face lights up at my answer, I place her bags to the side of the chair then sit my big ass down.

“My mom is going to freak out. She loves snow globes. Can you take a picture of me? She’s not going to believe I actually made it.” She beams as she hands me her phone.

“I’ll take it on mine. Yours is too little. What is that anyway?” I ask as I look at her tiny ass cell.

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