"Mmmm..mmm!" I'm savoring the flavors coming to life in my mouth as I gaze at Big daddy with love in my eyes, "Marry me, Big daddy. I'm in love!" I laugh out, making him chuckle his deep, big, belly-shaking laugh.
"Oh girl! If you had a delicious piece of meat swinging between those legs of yours, you know I would take you up on your offer." Big daddy elbowed my side softly, making me giggle.
"Guess I'll just have to settle for your cooking every now and then."
Big daddy sticks his head up proudly, "I'll cook for you anytime you want, young lady. I'm glad you like it. If you didn't, then I'd think something was wrong with you."
"If she didn't like your cooking, I'd know something was wrong with her." Brian comes over and lifts a brow at the tender morsel of meat in my fingers still.
I take a bite, "Mmmm.... So good..." I tease him.
Suddenly, Brian's mouth is on my fingers, snagging the other bite of food!
"You thief!" I squawk at him, smacking his arm, "That was mine!" We're laughing as he just smiles wide, visibly chewing my last bite of the pork rib.
"Children! Children! Calm yourselves! Food's ready. I know you're in desperate need of a good meal Brian, but you don't have to steal the lady's food you know!" Big daddy act's like he's reprimanding Brian, who gives a shamefaced puppy look.
"I'll forgive him, Big daddy. Let's eat!" I say with my eyes on the bigger prize.
That bigger prize was a rib, two skewers, mashed potatoes with gravy, greens, corn on the cob and a handful of other vegetables from the trays. I took a seat on the porch swing I have on the back porch with my drink in hand.
I needed a little space from everyone, even though I'm having a good time, it's just a little overwhelming at the moment.
I'm enjoying my food when, I realize I didn't grab a napkin.
"Napkin?" A pair of shoes comes into my view along with a napkin.
"Thanks." I say taking the napkin, looking up to find Brian.
"Hey." He smiles warmly down at me, "mind if I join you?"
I shake my head, "Go ahead. You gave me a napkin, I think you may be allowed to sit." I say with a roll of my eyes and a smile.
Brian sighs as he sits, "I see why you were at my office earlier. Why you may be concerned. However, I also think it may just be from you two living in such close proximity to each other for the last few weeks."
I sit up a little straighter, "You think so?"
Brian gives me smile and a nod, "Yeah, I do. I also overheard what Simon was telling you. Don't listen to him, he's trying to read the future but he's not good at it. He should stick to being a bartender."
We both chuckle at that with each other, knocking our drinks together.
Brian breaks the silence, "You know, I'm proud of you though. You've made progress opening up your home to do this. I know it takes a lot for you to have done something like this."
I laugh, "Actually, it was spur of the moment. I didn't even give it any thought."
Brian leans back looking mildly surprised, "Then I'm really proud of you." He gives me a giant warm smile and we knock glasses again.
I scan the group sitting at little groups around my backyard and notice Lance looking my way, sitting next to Big daddy. I send him a smile and raise my glass, for him to do the same.
"He's been scanning the faces and finding you all night, you know that?" Brian says under his breath going for his food.
I cock a brow at him in response.
"You've been doing the same. People who are closer to each other will do that in a crowded setting, it helps calm them subconsciously." Brian says nonchalantly.
I roll my eyes, "Romantic movies show that as a sign of love too."
"That is true, but you said it and not me."
I smack his thigh, "I thought you were supposed to be helping my anxiety, not raising it. Ass."
"Hey!" Brian holds a hand up, "I'm just teasing you. I'm just being a friend right now though." He looks down at his food and reluctantly says, " You know, Lance would never do any of the things that POS did, right? I understand your hesitancy, but if he does express that there is deeper feelings just don't be cruel if you're still not ready. You're not the only one who's been hurt."
"I know that, Brian. So as my friend, what are you trying to say?" I give him a reading look, knowing he's saying something just not aloud.
Brian shakes his head, "Exactly what I said. That's all."
Movement out of the corner of my eye, has me raising my head to see Lance coming our way.
"Hey you two, Charlotte is about to cut her Red Velvet cheesecake. Would you care for a piece?"
I get up at the mention of cheesecake, "Oh yes, please."
Brian shakes his head, "No thank you, I'm sweet enough."
A scoff escapes Lance, as we head over for a slice of cheesecake.
"Thank you, Charlotte. This looks divine!" I thank her and dig in to my piece.
I devour my piece in no time, leaving Lance to look at me amused.
Is there something on my face? Did I look like a cheesecake maniac or something eating it?
"What?" I inquire, "It was good!"
Lance chuckles shaking his head, "I could see that, would you like the rest of mine then?" He offers his piece that only has two bites taken out of it.
I hesitate reaching out for it, "Are you sure?"
He nods, "I'm sure." He holds it out for me to take, "Take it, you know you want it."
"Alright." I go to take it and he pulls it back from my grasp.
"OH! You tease!" I scrunch my face up in annoyance and stick my tongue out at him, as I cross my arms and look away.
He bursts into laughter before I feel the gentle tug of his arm on my own, pulling me closer to him.
"Hey..." He apologizes with his eyes, "here you go." He holds the plate up between us and I take it but not before he snags a bite with his fork.
"There now it's yours." He smirks with a tight lipped, devilish grin.
I roll my eyes and pick up the piece and stuff it into my mouth before he can try to snag another piece. My mouth is so full its hard to chew, and the fact that we are all laughing, is not making it any easier. I'm covering my mouth with my hands, when someone hands me a napkin.
"Mmaank mou." I mumble as I slowly swallow and get the cheesecake down, as tears flood my eyes.
When I finally start to dab my tears away, I notice the laughter has died down a bit. I look up and see Aman, Dr. Patil, with a unsure smile with a question in his eyes.
"Aman?!"