Page 12 of My Heart Belongs to You

I giggled, running my index finger over my eyebrow. “I’m past due for a self-care day.”

She handed me a round, navy plate with gold trimming, urging me to eat. I’d always loved Raven’s style. The modern, art deco style in her home had been the inspiration for my restaurant, down to the unique dining ware.

“Don’t worry. I got you, princesa,” she said with a wink.

I rolled my eyes at her. My family knew how much I hated that nickname, especially since they were the reason I was so “spoiled.” Being the youngest of three had its perks. Raven and Starling never let me want for anything, and I made sure they felt the same way. Our closeness had been my anchor through all the chaos last year.

After putting a little bit of everything on my plate, I took a seat at the table. I smiled at the centerpiece, a large bulbous vase holding their bouquets. Their decision to use high-quality faux arrangements was a last-minute decision, but it worked out. Now, they’d have a reminder of their union every day.

Raven was all smiles as she joined me at the table.

“So, what have you been up to?”

With a shrug, I said, “Studying, working with Adrienne as needed, preparing for B&B’s opening, and meeting with my study group to study some more.”

The mundanity of my life was nearly unbearable. Saying it aloud really confirmed how boring I'd become. Since failing my master sommelier exam last year, I’d been obsessed with redemption. Failing the test cost me thousands of dollars. I had to push back the opening of B&B, which had me shelling out unnecessary money for a mortgage. The cost of signing up for another study program in addition to paying for the exam was another couple thousand dollars.

If I had stayed focused on passing the exam and not chasing my ex-boyfriend, I would’ve been on track with my five-year plan. Now, the goals I should’ve accomplished in five years had been pushed back by another two. I had no choice but to shut out all distractions, especially men. I vowed to never let another man get me so caught up that I lost myself.

Raven’s sigh snapped me from my thoughts. “Sounds like this breakfast was necessary.”

Seconds later, Sadé’s footsteps could be heard as she ascended the stairs. Once she reached the top, she showed us bottles of champagne. “I’m back with the goods.”

Hanging from her lip was a joint, making me chuckle.

Raven and Sadé knew how to have a good time.

I watched as my sister hurried over to Sadé, taking a bottle from her hand to open. Sadé placed the joint on the kitchen counter near the crème brûlée Raven prepared for dessert.

“To the best Maid of Honor a sister could ask for.” Raven popped the cork and shrieked as the nectar bubbled over and spilled onto their floor. I bowed my head, heat filling my cheeks from the outpour of love from my sister.

“Thank you,” I said while accepting a glass. We waited for Sadé to make her plate before eating. “So tell me about the trip. How was Anguilla?”

Sadé grabbed Raven’s hand, both smiling as Raven replied, “It was beautiful. We hope to go back soon.”

“I’ll show you the pictures later,” Sadé said, still looking at Raven.

I nodded, then continued eating.

“Drink up, Rob. Today’s theme is bottomless.” My sister held up the bottle before refilling her half-full flute.

After swallowing my food, I washed it down with a sip of champs. “I can’t turn up today. I have plans later on.”

“Plans?” Raven sounded offended. “Don’t make studying an excuse to kick us to the curb.”

“Actually, I'm having a… small tasting at B&B.”

“And we weren’t invited? Who’s tasting the food?”

I knew my sister would feign offense for not being invited to this tasting. Although she didn’t follow the same path as our parents by becoming a chef and restaurateur, she still had the palate of a food critic. I valued her opinion and envied the ways she could dissect a dish and analyze its flavors, but today’s mission was different.

“Nadir,” I chirped, annoyed by the fluttering in my stomach. Sadé snorting at my response didn’t help as heat flooded my cheeks. “He knows what people in Roseville like. If I can't impress him, I’ll need to go back to the drawing board.”

I really needed someone to help me finalize the menu. When I originally drafted it, I was a bit ambitious. I wanted to stay true to the vibe of a traditional wine bar while using my family's recipes. Since Nadir was a foodie, and a Roseville native, I figured he could help me narrow down the options.

“I don’t know. Sounds like foreplay to me,” Sadé said after wiping her mouth. “Just you, him, and charcuterie boards?” She covered her mouth, muffling a laugh. “We need to do that, honeybee.”

“Right,” Raven drawled. “You didn’t tell me things finally progressed between y’all?”