Page 54 of Loving a Libra
He pondered for a moment before responding. “I guess it is. That’s crazy.”
“I would have to agree since you bought me a house, we’re engaged, and I’m carrying your child. I gotta do better and expect more.”
I pouted, folding my arms across my chest, pretending to be mad.
“You ain’t on the run no more, baby. We outside, baby. Where do you want to go?ERL?”
I knew he was joking aboutERL, but their food was top-notch.
“First of all, I wasn’t on the run. I was simply trying to make a smooth exit from a bad relationship. Secondly, I have been craving wings fromERL. Do we have to stop eating there since you sold your portion?”
“Why would I give that nigga my money?”
“I’ll use my money. Those wings are to die for.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Anything you want, baby, but hopefully, you’ll enjoy this restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed it when I visited.”
“You got me all dressed up and in heels, so my expectations are high.”
We rode in silence with soft jazz music in the background. When he pulled up to the valet, I allowed the young gentleman to help me out while Tariq came around. He gave the young man his keys, took the ticket, and asked me to put it in my purse. Once that was done, we entered the cozy, upscale restaurant, holding hands. After Tariq gave the host our names, he led us to a small table in the back.
“Is this your first time here?” the host asked.
“Her first, but I’ve been here a few times.”
He proceeded to share the specials and some of his favorites on the menu. Before leaving, he placed a menu in front of each of us and promised the server would be with us shortly.
“The food he described sounds delicious. How’d you hear about this place?”
“I came here for a business meeting about six months ago. After eating the best soul food I’d ever had in my life, mymother’s included, I found out they were on the verge of going bankrupt.”
“Really? If the food is that good, I’m glad they found a way to stay open so I could try it.”
He smiled and looked at his menu. I got lost for a moment looking at his handsome face before I focused on the menu.
“Wait a minute. This place is calledDevyn’s Soul Food?” He nodded. “My name isn’t that common, and the spelling is even less common. Tariq, what’s going on?”
“This is my new business venture. As I said, they were close to bankruptcy when I visited. I met with the owner to see what was needed to keep them open. It took a few months to iron out the details, but ultimately, I became a silent partner. At the very last minute, I added one final request.”
“Devyn’s?” He nodded. “You named a whole restaurant after me, and we weren’t even together?”
“I did, and not long after they agreed to the name . . .”
“We became us. Wow! Talk about manifesting. This is—I can’t even put into words.”
He was seated next to me, but I still got out of my seat to show him my appreciation. Naturally, he pulled me onto his lap, and I showered kisses all over his face.
“Don’t get nothing started in here, baby.”
“I will let you fuck me on this table, Mr. Silent Owner.”
“Don’t tempt me, because the thought got my dick hard. Go back to your seat.”
After a few more kisses, I returned to my seat, still in awe of what he’d done.
“So, is this your other business venture?”
“Yes. You’re the only person who knows I’m a silent partner.”
