Page 31 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“Hey there, Sugarplum.” Dad walked toward me carrying a platter heaped high with meat. He wore an apron that read Kiss the Cook. His dark hair, turning gray at the temples, was shellacked in place with Consort hairspray, maintaining his not-a-single-hair-out-of-place style. He smelled like Stetson cologne, freshly laundered cotton, and grill grease.

“Son.” Dad nodded at Caiyan. Calling Caiyan son wasn’t a hopeful endearment on my dad’s part. He called every man under fortyson.

“Sir.” Caiyan nodded at Dad. It was their mental handshake since my dad’s hands were full of brisket.

Dad put the plate of carved brisket in the center of the table. He ditched the apron and hot pads and returned to offer Caiyan a proper handshake and me a kiss on the cheek. He took his seat at the head, beaming at his BBQ creation like it was a new baby.

There was a fuss coming from under the table near cousin Darryl’s feet. “Awe, Dang. Tonto, I told ya, you can’t sit at the supper table.” Darryl’s pet Racoon jumped into his lap and poked his head up over the edge of the table. “He’s feelin’ a might left out seein’ as he always eats supper at the table.”

“Victory left one of the twins’ highchairs the last time they came over.” Mom pushed back her chair and walked to the hall closet.

Everyone sat dumbstruck. Mom never allowed pets at the table. She only allowed her own children at the table with strict rules, including freshly washed hands, no ballcaps, no swearing, no slouching, no slugging, no elbows on the table and, heaven forbid, no paper napkins.

She returned with a small plastic chair that clamped onto the table between Darryl and Eli. Tonto climbed into the chair, and she tied a little bib around his neck. Tonto tugged on the bib, made a hissing noise, and looked up at Darryl.

“You’re a guest,” Darryl warned the raccoon. Tonto unfolded the cloth napkin and placed it on his lap.

My dad leaned back in his chair. “This’d be the first time we’ve had coon at the table that’s not in some form of stew.”

Mom handed Tonto a small metal spoon and took her seat. Tonto hid the spoon in his fur and folded his claws in front of him.

“Bow your heads.” Dad held out his hands, and we all linked up. He was known for his lengthy blessings to the Lord. I bowed my head and closed my eyes. Caiyan’s fingers warmed my hand, and it felt good to hold hands with him.

During the prayer, I cracked open an eye at Darryl. If that jackass asked Ragina to marry him, I’d stab him with the meat fork.

Ragina sat to my right and was also peeking at Darryl. She rubbed her empty ring finger with her thumb. Eli cleared his throat across the table. He sent me a scowl, shook his head, and mouthed the wordcake.

Did he honestly think Mom would withhold cake if I stabbed Darryl?

I glanced over at Caiyan and felt a rush of lust. His mouth curled into an evil smile. He usually blocked my ability to read him, but for a brief second, he opened himself up. The craving to do naughty things to me zinged up my arm, causing me to clamp my thighs together.

Caiyan vibrated with contained laughter. He was playing with me. I’d get him later. Right now, my sights were set on stopping Darryl.

Dad’s prayer was coming to the climax. The Amen was right around the corner. I could almost taste the tangy maple flavor of Mom’s homemade BBQ sauce. The front door banged open. Dad paused. Gertie rushed into the dining room.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

“You’re just in time, Gertiebug.” Dad smiled at her.

She slid into the seat next to him. “Thanks, Uncle J.”

My dad patted her hand. “I’ll start the prayer over.”

A unanimous groan followed from everyone except for my mother, who was too polite to complain, and Caiyan, who squeezed my hand, sending another round of testosterone-induced sexual desire in my direction with such intense force it gave me an orgasm.

* * *

After Mom served the cake,Darryl stood and clinked his beer bottle with the tines of his dessert fork. “I’ve got an announcement.”

“Not now. We just got to the cake.” I looked around. Everyone was staring at me. “Did I say that out loud?”

Mom’s head swiveled in my direction, and her tweezed brows knitted. “Darryl has something important to tell us. The cake can wait.” She spoke through clenched teeth.

Ragina straightened in her chair, and I slumped in mine. Caiyan chuckled at me.

“As you know, I’ve been thankful for y’all lettin’ me stay at the brick house rent-free.”

What the frig?Ipaid rent. That little fucker.

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