Page 74 of Made to Love Ya

“Right.”

“Why didn’t I know that?”

“When he acquired the restaurant, I advised him not to publicize the fact that ownership had changed. People often get the impression that service might decline or something changes when that happens. I told him to keep it under wraps.”

“But we were in a full-fledged relationship, and before that, we were like family. Why wouldn’t he tell me?”

“That’s something you’ll need to ask him. But Izael didn’t push me not to hire you. That was my choice because I saw the pain etched on his face about the situation. He was torn. I told him that I would not hire anyone that would create any discomfort for him out of honor of our friendship. He was visibly relieved, and he thanked me.”

“So, how did it come around to him changing his mind? I overheard your conversation that day when you were walking to the reception desk. You said that you were grateful that he changed his mind, and had it not been for that, you wouldn’t have hired me.”

“He called me back after a while and stated that I was making a foolish decision. He said that he couldn’t think of a better person to cover that section of the magazine than you. He told me that you would bring a lot of creativity and expertise that I could never get anywhere else. He shared with me that he didn’t want his personal feelings to color a business decision. And I believe that he was right. It’s what I felt all along, but I also wanted to respect him as our board chair.”

“I understand and appreciate this. Thank you so much, Asante. This explains more than I could have imagined.”

“You’re welcome, but I truly wanted to let you know that he resigned as the board chair Friday. I know that it’s a Sunday and not a normal business day, but I really urge you to reconsider the position. Please, Talia. Maybe take a week to think about it and then let me know.”

“I can do that,” I stated with a smile.

We ended the call, and I began to get ready for my date.

* * *

“Come on in.No one’s going to bite you,” Izael stated as he held the door of the restaurant open for me.

“Are you sure? I know that this is sacred ground.”

He closed his eyes and exhaled softly. “It is.”

“Zae, why didn’t you tell me?”

“You never gave me a chance.”

When I stepped inside the restaurant, I saw the staff in the kitchen, but there were no patrons in the restaurant. Izael led me back to the banquet room. I noticed as we walked that the room sat at the corner of River & 3rd, according to the street sign posted outside of the room.

“I didn’t realize the restaurant was closed on Sundays.”

“It’s not normally. But today is a special day, and I will do anything for my queen,” he replied and looked tenderly into my eyes.

“What’s so special about today?” I asked.

“You don’t know?”

“No.”

“We met twenty-one years ago on this day. Today is a celebration of our friendship.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, baby.”

“Wow. I didn’t realize that.”

“I remember because it was three days after my mama’s birthday.”

I smiled up at him, and just when I expected him to kiss me, he stood aside and waved his hand with a flourish. In the center of the room was a blanket spread on the floor. Lit candles were strategically positioned around the room, and vases of pink frangipani were all around the room.

“Zae, what’s all this?”

---