Page 20 of Taste The Smoke
“Then we’ll have to make sure we dance often. Since we’ve decided to take a break, how about we get lunch going?”
“Works for me. I’ve danced off all my breakfast.” Kenya took a step, then let out a squeal when Alonzo swept her into his arms. “What are you doing?”
“Carrying you. Does this make your back uncomfortable?”
“No.” And even if it did, she wouldn’t say so because she liked being in his arms. She looped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder as he strode purposely to the kitchen. Once there, he gently set her on her feet. They washed their hands and got started. While he made the mix for the crabcakes, she fried the bacon.
“Do you mind if we bake the crabcakes instead of frying? I’m not adding a lot of fillers and this particular recipe seems to taste better from the oven.”
“I don’t mind at all.” She snagged a stray piece of crabmeat that he’d missed. “Oh, my goodness. It’s so good. Where did you find this?” It tasted fresh, like he cooked it himself. “Please don’t tell me you spent all night cracking a crab.”
“I didn’t. There’s a great company that ships it fresh. All I have to do is open it and eat.”
“If I asked nicely, would you share the name of the company so I can order some? My mom and sister love seafood, too, and I’d like to get some for them.”
“I’ll get you some when I place my next order.”
“I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do that. I know this isn’t cheap.”
“Sweetheart, don’t you know I’ll get you whatever you want if it’s in my power? I like doing things for you.”
She liked it, too, but the practical side of her didn’t want to be indebted to him in case things went sideways. Instead of commenting, she came up on tiptoe and kissed him. After finishing cooking, the two sat at the kitchen table to eat the fabulous sandwiches that they’d paired with homemade chips and glasses of lemonade. Kenya would definitely be ordering the crab.
“I’m so full, I don’t know if I’ll be able to pack anything else,” she said with a groan.
Alonzo leaned over and kissed her temple. “I don’t think it’ll hurt if we chill a little longer.” The early April temperatures had risen to the low seventies and would be perfect for sitting under the swing her grandmother had erected several years ago under the covered patio.
“Oh, I wanted to ask what you’re doing on the twentieth. My sister and I are going to be vendors on a CannaBliss sunset cruise. It’s a celebration of cannabis culture in all its forms. There will be music, food, all kinds of cannabis products.”
Kenya angled her head. She’d heard of the celebrations, but had never even considered going to one. But he had her curious. “I’d love to go.”
“Good.” He rose from the table, collected all the dishes and carried them over to the sink. “It’s a nice day outside, and not too hot, and I see there’s a swing. We can relax out there for a few minutes before getting back to work.”
““Sounds good. I’ll help you—” She cut off the sentence when she heard the doorbell. “I wonder who that is. Probably one of my neighbors. Be right back.”
Kenya opened the door and saw her father standing there. “Dad, what are you doing here?”
“How dare you ignore my calls?” he yelled. “I can’t believe I’ve raised such an ungrateful child.”
“Actually, Dad, Mom raised Phaedra and me. You were too busy with all your other women to be bothered with us.” They’d almost lost their house because, unbeknownst to her mother, he had stopped paying the mortgage. To pour salt in the wound, also he’d taken one of his “women” down to get a loan and forged her mother’s signature. Fortunately, her mother was able to prove it wasn’t her when the unpaid bills started arriving.
“Don’t you talk to me like that. I’m still your father and this house should be mine.”
Kenya let out a startled scream when he grabbed her arm and raised his other hand to hit her. Out of her periphery, she saw a movement. In a flash, Alonzo was across the space and had her father pinned against the wall next to the door, with his legs dangling in the air, and Alonzo’s arm across the older man’s throat.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Alonzo roared. “Don’t you ever put your hands on her again!”
“Take…take your hands off me,” her father croaked, clawing at the forearm and struggling to breathe.
Alonzo ignored him and turned to Kenya. “You okay, baby?”
Trembling and rubbing her sore arm, she turned her teary gaze to him. “I…I don’t know.”
“Say the word and I’ll toss his ass out.”
“You can’t throw me out. I’m her father.” His words came out staccato, as he continued to struggle.
“A real father wouldneverput his hands on his daughter. He would protect her, you sorry piece of shit!”
