Page 79 of Surrender to Love

“Maybe I’ll just cook one dish,” she says and I grin. She just has to cook for her family.

“We’ll see.”

“This is such wonderful news.”

“Maybe you can bring a date?” I question. She still is tight lipped about that dating event, so I thought I’d try.

“We’ll see,” she says. The server returns with our food, and as she places it on the table, Shuga says, “Saved by the bell.”

I don’t press because she’s not giving up the details. As we eat, we focus on everything but that. We talk about Maui, the cabin, and my upcoming wedding. Time flies so effortlessly that I almost forget to order Shiro something to-go. He’s getting off late and will be hungry. When I garner the attention of our server, I also get the unexpected attention of someone walking in.

Lord, two bitches in one day?

What is really going on?

The stupid little trick who begged for that ass whopping at Shiro’s shop just entered and is seated just two tables from us. When our eyes meet, I roll mine and she darts hers away. The server thankfully returns and I place my to-go order. The minute the server walks away, Shuga stares at me with a smirk.

“So I’m guessing she knows you?” Shuga says in a questioning tone.

“Who?” I ask, although I have an idea.

“The young lady staring the entire time you were placing your order. She and her companion were.”

“Trust me, she’s not important,” I say, then look back in her direction. She quickly turns her head, but not before I catch her doing exactly what Shuga said.

“Oh my goodness. That’s her. That’s the girl from the shop, the one you⁠—”

“Wait! You know about that? Shiro told you what happened?” I ask incredulously with a little attitude because I know he didn’t.

“No, no. It wasn’t Shiro. He didn’t tell me anything; one of his brothers did.”

“Oh my God!” Shaking my head, I add, “Why would they tell you?”

“They don’t keep much from me. I encouraged it when they were kids and a few of them haven’t outgrown it. It’s fine. I probably would have done the same thing. Some disrespect deserves contact,” she says before finishing her second glass of sangria.

Shuga never ceases to amaze me.

For the sake of this restaurant and my peace, I don’t even glance back at the table. I may be on her mind but she definitely isn’t on mine. She tried me; I beat her ass and got the man. There’s no competition, especially when I’ve already won.

I pour myself another glass of sangria and eat another meatball. Four large ones came with the order but two are really enough. Shuga and I continue to talk until the server returns with Shiro’s food bagged, the check, and to-go containers for our leftovers. Shuga insists on paying, but of course, I refuse because this is my treat. As we pack up to leave, Shuga looks over at the table.

“I guess they left,” Shuga says. “You ran her off.” Shuga grins as we leave.

“Baby, all of this?” Shiro asks when he walks into my living room.

“Yes. Probate is a really big deal. For weeks, she’s been working hard and it all pays off tomorrow night. This really isn’t that much. You should see what Reya has.”

“And how long do we have to be there?” he asks.

“DAZ is first, so maybe an hour. It’ll go by fast. I promise. Plus, you might actually like it.”

Tomorrow night is Alami’s probate and I’m so proud of her. She made it and we are all invited. Reya and I are naturally doing the most. FREE 23 posters for Alami are all over my living room floor along with enough new DAZ paraphernalia for ten sorors. Reya and I are going to decorate her dorm tomorrow right before probate.

December has arrived, and as usual, it’s been hectic. It’s the final week before winter break, and besides DAZ faculty advisor duties, I’ve been dealing with final grade submission deadlines, preparing for new students who enter during the upcoming term, and finalizing the schedules for the spring semester.

As for the wedding, we have a planner. Haute Events did such a great job with my Maui themed event and has done some beautiful weddings, so naturally I chose Tae and her team. Shiro and I also have set the date, the twenty-first of March. Spring break starts the day after and my new husband and I will be spending our week-long honeymoon in Antigua.

After easing on the floor behind me, Shiro wraps his strong arms around me then rests his chin on my shoulder. His scent, warm body, and presence instantly soothe me. I relax into him and drop the glitter pen in my hand.