Page 196 of Sweet Dominion

“I kept the oxtails last because. . .uh. . .” Banks turned to Moni. “Cause you know. . .the dish came out of motherfuckers being evil, but still everything worked out. And that’s how I seethiscookout. Because. . .”

Banks put his view on me. “It looks like whether we’re all down for this new. . .relationship or not, the South and the East may be spending more time together than we thought we would.”

I swallowed.

“So. . .let’s hope that shit is just as tasty and successful as these oxtails and this fucking dope ass cookout too.” Banks winked at me, dropped the microphone like some rock star and then strutted off the stage.

Moni leaned my way. “That’s his way of saying sorry.”

DJ Hendrix put onHot Barbecueagain.

The music blared and the crowd cheered louder as Banks sauntered over to Chef Foo.

And to my surprise, Chef Foo handed him a beer and they began laughing and talking like two best friends.

DJ Hendrix spoke over the song, “Alright, judges. Paper and pen is being handed out to all of you. Remember. Only one name can be written on that paper. Foo or Banks. That’s it.”

Aunt Suzi pouted, “This is so unfair!”

Chloe bobbed her head. “I think they both won.”

I dug into the oxtails and my mind was blown. Once again, the meat was tender, flavorful and rich.

Enjoying the hell out of the food, I checked on Barbara Whiskers and sure enough, she was tearing into her plate with an intensity I hadn’t seen in a cat before.

She’d practically demolished her oxtails.

Who will win?

Looking across the table, I saw Dima and Rose chuckling and sharing a private joke as they savored their food.

Moni nudged me gently. “What do you think, baby?”

I leaned back, staring at the remnants of Banks’ dishes, then at Moni’s satisfied face. “Honestly, this isn’t fair. They’re both incredible, in different ways. I agree with my aunt and Chloe, I think they should both win.”

Moni laughed softly, nodding in agreement. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

Jo shook her head. “Naw. There can only beone.”

I grinned. “We can’t make it a tie?”

“Naw. That’s sucker shit, bro.” Jo ashed her joint. “We have to dig deep and pick the winner, even if it’s hard.”

DJ Hendrix went on a whole Michael Jackson jam session, playing various songs by the legend.

Dima really scared him good.

DJ Hendrix seamlessly transitioned from the hauntingThrillerto the upbeat, infectious rhythms ofBad.

The smell of the oxtails still hung heavily in the air.

The staff began cleaning up our dishes, while other waiters brought out pieces of paper and pens.

“Fuck.” Moni looked at me. “They both cooked their hearts out. We have to say it’s a tie.”

“I must admit that they did.”

Jo jumped in, “There's no such thing astwowinners in a competition. That's not how it works.”

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