Page 9 of See No Evil

“We’re good!” Axel raced out of the kitchen in the direction of the basement.

English walked back in, bouncing Cameron in her arms.

“My mother is about to take the baby so I can help you. What do you need me to do?”

“English, can’t you cook? Axel said you could, but maybe he lied to save face when I told him not to marry you.”

“I detest you, Legend.”

“You actually love me, but for real, you know it wasn’t anything personal. I was wrong… I’m glad he didn’t listen to me, and got hitched to you. He’s the happiest he’s ever been thanks to you and Cameron.” She smiled at that. “Anyway, why didn’t you think of doing this if you know your way around a kitchen?”

“I cook okay, but I don’t grill well, Legend.”

Just then, English’s mother walked in and wrapped her arms about the baby, a big smile on her face.

“Come here, my lil’ angel!” The older woman cooed as she made her way back towards the patio door. Before she exited, she turned to him. “Honey, Chloe ain’t the only one that was eyeballin’ you. You’ve got a whole bunch of admirers out here. Once they find out you can cook, they’ll be all over you like white on rice!” She cackled before disappearing out the door.

“So you’ve told everyone that I’m cooking, huh? Just knew you had this in the bag. Y’all just use me up and spit me out!” he half-teased.

Ignoring him, English grabbed her phone and called Melanie. He overheard her explaining the situation as he picked out certain items from their refrigerator and placed them on the counter to dice and slice. As soon as she hung up, he railed into her.

“Where are your good-looking friends, English?” He grabbed the salt and pepper shakers off the kitchen island. “Ain’t shit out there but married women and monsters! I mean, I know I’m no Ryan Reynolds or Michael B. Jordan, but damn! I don’t ask for much! Just have all of your teeth, be clean, and no rainbow-colored hair!”

He could tell the woman was on the verge of laughter, but stopped herself.

“Legend, don’t start your shit.” She cackled. “Sorry we put you in this quandary, but I’m so grateful you’re willing to do this for us. We’re all in a bind, so let’s make the best of it.”

“Don’t try to change the subject. Axel told me you had a bunch of single, good-looking friends and cousins. Their asses sure aren’t at your house today. What happened? Did they enter the witness protection program?” He waved angrily towards the patio doors, then slammed a tub of butter on the counter.

“A lot of people I invited couldn’t make it, and Chloe isn’t bad looking. She just has an unusual style.”

“Is that what they call lookin’ like a sack of cat balls now?”

“Anyway, we both know all you want to do is smash and dash. I’ve heard about your reputation, and I have overheard your comments about women when you’ve talked to Axel on the phone.” She looked him up and down, judgment dripping off her gaze. “My friends aren’t prostitutes.”

“And I don’t want a prostitute, because I’m not payin’ forshit. I ain’t no trick, and I ain’t no simp. But your husbandisgoing to pay me for this. That’s for damn sure. All right.” He clapped his hands, ready to get serious. “Cut up some onion real fine, baby. Celery, too. I’ll do the potatoes, then we gotta boil ’em.”

“Cool. I got it.” She grabbed a couple big knives from a drawer, then a few cutting boards and bowls, and set them on the kitchen counter.

“Oh, and I need better work conditions than this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Turn that aggravating elevator music off, and put on Jamie Ray’s, ‘COWBOY GANGSTA!’ Let’s GOOO!

Chapter Three

“Damn that wasgood! I told you!” Axel bragged, as if he had been the one soaked in sweat, slaving over hot coals. People lounged around, clearly happy and satiated. Smiles on their faces, drowning in food comas. Legend had barbecue stains on his new white shirt, but now that he was on his third beer, he secretly enjoyed all the compliments he received about his cooking.

Melanie sauntered over, wearing little of nothing. He supposed she was trying to catch a new man, but he was certain she too was sadly disappointed to see nothing more than some guys who looked like their names may have been Otis Sr., or teenage boys that tried to shoot their shot at her.

“Legend has always been able to cook.” His sister bounced over, licking her fingers.

English sat under the umbrella, finishing her burger.

“Legend, have you ever thought about going to cooking school?” English said around a mouthful.

“What I need to go to cookin’ school for? I already know how to cook.” He gulped his beer.

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