Page 38 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Geneva’s little ass is so nimble on that horse.”

“You know she did gymnastics for a few years then got into equestrian vaulting.”

“Equestrian what?”

“Basically, gymnastics on a horse. She competed for years and went to the Olympics a few times too.”

“Why did she stop competing?”

“Dad got sick. Angel was in school, so she stopped competing and became the caretaker.”

Mel whistled. “That’s some deep shit.”

Geneva had sacrificed a lot to protect her family’s legacy. It wasn’t all in vain, but I knew she lived with many regrets. We’d shared similar feelings over a fire and bottle of whiskey once. By the end of the conversation, we realized our parents’ dreams had to align with our own. What they left for us wasn’t something we could just give away or mishandle. Our family businesses deserved our all. Ray’s was more than something my dad left behind. It was a legacy two generations worked hard to build; I had to see it through.

When my mom and uncle told me I had to be the owner and manager of Ray’s, I was scared out of my mind. I was young, and dumb, wasting my time and money on women and partying. Taking over my dad’s business wasn't on my mind. I expected at least another decade to pass before my dad and I had that conversation, but we never got that chance. At least Geneva got to hear her father’s wishes from his mouth. She got to ask any questions, learn secrets, and the whole thing. I got two paragraphs in a will and a journal that left me with more unanswered questions.

“I used to envy y’all for having something rooted in the community. But as I watch you manage Ray’s and after hearing Geneva’s story…”—Mel shook his head, then continued—“I wouldn’t have lasted. That family legacy shit is serious.”

“Tell me about it,” I replied moments later.

“I’ma grab another beer,” he mused, waving his empty bottle at me. “Want one?”

I looked down at my bottle, swirling it to gauge its fullness.

“Nah, I’m cool. I’m ready to grab some food though.”

Mel patted his stomach while nodding. “Yeah, let’s do that.”

We walked the short path from the pen to the food area, greeting people we knew along the way. The path was lined with food trucks and stands from restaurants all over the DMV. While Mel listed the ones he wanted to visit, I nodded absently, my mind elsewhere. My eyes darted around the crowded park in hopes of seeing Robyn. I texted her before the show to see where she was and she still hadn’t responded. I hoped she hadn't gone cold on me.

“Look at Peaches fine ass,” Mel marveled as we walked past his longtime crush’s ice cream truck. “Hey, Ms. Parker,” he crooned while saluting her. She smiled back before waving us over.

“What can I get y’all?” She looked at Mel, her eyes low and smile inviting.

“I want the special,” Mel replied with a grin.

The titter that fell from her lips made him chuckle. “Mel,” she lilted. “I’m serious.”

“Shit, me too.”

She rolled her eyes. “What can I get you, Nadir?”

I shook my head. “I’m good. But uh, can you recommend a spot for me?”

Peaches pointed out her favorite food trucks then returned her attention to Mel.

While they continued talking, I looked at the truck next to us, a Jamaican spot that Peaches raved about. The line was long, but none of that mattered once I saw Robyn and Adrienne near the middle.

“Mel, I’ll be over there.” I pointed my chin in the direction I was going.

We bumped fists before I stepped away from the window with my sights set on Robyn. She licked her ice cream cone then giggled at something Adrienne said to her. My eyes skirted over her frame, stopping to linger on the curve of her hips. She wore a blue halter dress with black platform sandals, her hair in big curls framing her pretty face. I held my bottom lip between my teeth in an attempt to stop smiling.

We hadn’t talked since I left her house the other day. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel a way about it, but I understood she needed space. The “thank you” cobbler I found on my desk the next day made me feel a little less worried about the status of our friendship.

But I needed to see those eyes.

Only then could I rest, knowing we were good.