Page 61 of Awakening
I laughed. “My parents were the same. Always made space for me to be who I was. It’s rare, and I never take it for granted.”
She nodded. “It’s why I can live out loud now. I dated Caleb in high school for a minute. We broke up because I wasn’t living in my truth. I was scared, so I lashed out, always accusing him of cheating. The mix of puppy love and confusion was a lot to handle at such a young age.”
I looked at her, really looked. “Sounds like you found your way back to yourself and Black.”
“Eventually. I think we all do, if we’re brave enough to be who we are and not what others think we should be.”
The air between us was red hot, not uncomfortable, just charged. Her lips were stained from the tasting, her eyes half-lidded from the wine and whatever buzz was building between us. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. I couldn’t stop thinking of all the ways I would please her when I finally got the chance. And I couldn’t stop my dick from straining against my slacks in arousal.
Circling back to business was proving to be impossible when every look and touch felt like sex.
“I’ll do wholesale for you at twenty percent under market, if you agree to rotate seasonally and help me curate pairings that we can use to market both Maison Noire and Olive and Oak,” she said.
“You’re negotiating like we’re not already family. Just know I’d gladly help you curate the perfect pairings even without you giving me such a gracious deal,” I offered, in awe of her generosity, “And please know that your price is your price, baby, and I’d pay it gladly.”
Her cheeks turned a light shade of red as my words sent a blush through her body, “Business is business, Knox. Flirting is extracurricular,” we both laughed, “But seriously, I believe in the vision you have for Olive and Oak and even looking around at the renovations, I know it’s going to be a success and I’m honored to be apart of this journey from the very beginning, and the best way to show my appreciation is by giving you an amazing deal to let you know I believe in you,” she finished, her words causing my heart to pound in appreciation.
As I stood there listening to her pour into me like I was a glass and she was the full-bodied wines she spoke of, I couldn’t wait to eat her pussy on one of these tables sooner than later. Getting back to business, I grabbed the pen to sign the paperwork.
“Deal,” I said, “Seasonal rotation, pairings, even some joint promo events. Let’s feed them and get them drunk on love.”
“Now that’s marketing.”
When she left, she gave me a hug that lingered a little too long to be just professional, and I didn’t mind one damn bit.
My parents, Olivia and Carlos Fairfax, arrived two days before the grand opening of Olive & Oak. Watching them walk through the doors of the restaurant, still a little dusty with last-minute touches, I felt a calmness settle in me. Their presence always did that, like no matter what kind of chaos I was juggling, they were the roots holding me steady.
We hugged, tight and warm and long, and I couldn’t help but smile as I thought back to the phone call when I told them about Ajaih and Maverick. And us.
They were already used to the idea of me being bisexual; that conversation happened when I was a teen, standing in our old kitchen with a trembling voice and sweaty palms. But this? A throuple? With Maverick, who they’d always known as my gay lover? It wasn’t something I had planned on telling them over the phone, but it sort of spilled out one night after a few glasses of red and a moment of bold honesty.
“Wait,” my mom had said, her voice layered with curiosity and amusement, “You’re dating Maverick… and a woman?”
“Yes, ma,” I said, “The three of us are together. It’s real, it’s good, and it works.”
There was a beat of silence before my dad chimed in, “Well damn, son. We always knew you had a big heart, but this is some next-level sharing.”
I laughed so hard I nearly choked.
Maverick, who had been listening with his chin on my shoulder, blushed all the way down to his collarbone. “Mav, I know you’re standing right there laughing,” my mom said, causing Maverick to laugh loudly.
“Hey, Mama Liv!” The love he had for my parents was evident in his voice.
“Son, you’ve been gay as a rainbow all these years,” my pops added. “Now you’re in love with a woman? She must be a hell of a woman.”
“Turns out, love bends the rules,” I told them.
“Well,” my dad said, chuckling, “can’t wait to hug my sons and meet the woman who turned both your lives upside down.”
So when they finally stepped into our world in person, all I could feel was gratitude. Olivia kissed Maverick on the cheek like he was hers, and Carlos bear-hugged him until he wheezed playfully.
And when they turned to Ajaih, their faces softened. My mom pulled her in without hesitation, whispering something that made Ajaih laugh through her nerves.
Nothing in life was without imperfections, but being whole was the next best option, and in this moment, I felt whole. Food was my love language, and I wanted to cook for the people I loved most.
Deciding I didn’t just want to throw some catered preview together, or hand off the job to my sous chef. I needed this meal to be personal. A preview of Olive & Oak’s soul, Greek finesse twisted with Black Southern comfort, every plate a love letter to the flavors that raised me, the cultures that shaped me, the people I loved. So I made it a six-course experience.
The table was set in the restaurant’s private dining room, candles glowing low, plates lined like works of art.
