Page 24 of Taste The Smoke
“I’ve been trying to get him to do it at the spa and he flat out refuses, and I know he gives the best massages. He gets my neck and shoulders when I’m all tensed up. I swear his hands are magic.”
She agreed. His hands, his mouth,him. He was magic.
“We’re getting ready to pull out,” Alonzo said, coming back to the table. “You need me to do anything?” he asked his sister.
“Not right now. You two kids go have some fun, and Kenya, you might want to be careful about eating some of these treats being sold by the vendors. They can be pretty potent.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Kenya said with a chuckle. Alonzo entwined their fingers and started for the upper deck. They’d just left the harbor and people were already lighting up. The scent of weed drifted past her nose. As they made it to the top, the smell was less noticeable in the open air. She walked over to the railing and braced her forearms on the top. Alonzo stood behind her with his arms around her. Content, she leaned back against him.
“This is nice.” He nuzzled her neck.
“It is. Sometimes, I just want to get away from it all, go someplace for a couple of days and chill. You know what I mean?”
“I do, and we can make that happen whenever you like.”
“I’m readynow.”
Alonzo laughed. “And I’m making it happennow. Don’t you see us out here on the water? Away from stress, life… Speaking of stress, has your father called or come by the house again?”
“No. I haven’t heard one peep. Phaedra said Mom called and threatened him with some stuff that happened when they were married. Whatever it is, apparently, he doesn’t want to mess with her.”
“In other words, she’s got receipts. I wouldn’t want to tangle with her, either. The way she dropped him with one punch was enough warning for me.”
Kenya leaned back to see his face. “Nah, she likes you a lot, and thinks you’re cute.” Actually, her mother couldn’t stop singing his praises. She brought up his name in everyconversation they’d had since the incident, and had even gone so far as to hint that he’d give her pretty grandbabies.
“I like her, too. And your sister.”
“I’m blessed to have them in my corner.” The conversation tapered off and she didn’t know how long they stood there before she felt a vibration. “Is that your phone or mine?”
He shifted slightly. “It’s mine. Sonya needs my help. Apparently, she has a long line. Will you be okay on your own for a bit?”
“Yeah, babe. I’ll be fine.”
“Am I your baby?” he asked.
She turned in his arms. “Yes, you’re my baby. Until I met you, I didn’t know there were men like you still out there. You’ve helped me not be so afraid of love anymore.”
“All I did was help you get back what has always been inside of you. You’re one of the strongest and most courageous women I’ve ever met. It’s okay to let your guard down and be who you are with me.”
“I’m finding that out. And I think I like it,” she added with a smile.
“So do I.” Alonzo kissed her softly, sweetly, then disappeared in the crowd.
Facing the water again, she realized that he was right. And even if things somehow didn’t work out with them, she’d never go back in hiding again.
Alonzo had a hard time getting through the throng of people surrounding Sonya’s table.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Sonya said when he reached her side. “Can you take payments and bag, while I handle the rest?”She passed him her iPad and Square, along with the decorative shopping bags she’d had designed.
“I got it.” He jumped right in, and with his assistance, they were able to get the line down to a manageable state after about thirty minutes. His listened while his sister explained to a small group of women about the benefits of CBD massage and encouraged them to take advantage of the discounted massage coupon she handed each woman.
“Does he work at the spa, too?” one woman asked.
“He’s the co-owner,” Sonya answered.
Another woman said, “Count me in ifhe’sgiving the massage.” She exchanged a high five with a third woman.
“Sorry to disappoint you ladies. I’m not a massage therapist, but I can promise you that the staff will take very good care of you. We have group half and full-day packages that are perfect for a girls’ day out. You can also add a light lunch and wine to your package. In the meantime, you can try out the products now.”
