Page 72 of Honey's Special Roux

“Don’t overdo it, though. Take some time for yourself. You’ve been on go since you got in town.”

Chamille walked in from the backyard and grinned. “Let’s take a shot.”

“With what liquor?” I asked as an amused smirk tugged at my lips.

“Girl, please.” Chamille went into the pantry and returned with a bottle of tequila. The aged, light brown alcohol would be the perfect addition to my afternoon.

“This is why I love you,” Jenifer commented.

I went into the cabinet to retrieve three shot glasses. We poured them up and lifted them in unison. I closed my eyes and sighed.

“To Granny Janie,” I toasted.

“To granny!” Jenifer and Chamille said in unison.

We tossed two more shots back before Chamille put the bottle back in the pantry. I grinned as I led our trio outside. My eyes darted across the backyard. Dozens of people mingled to celebrate my grandmother. It was a beautiful sight to see.

As my eyes scanned the area, my gaze locked in on my son. Quis was seated under a tree with his dinosaur coloring book, juice box, and bag of gummy worms. He was in his element as the other kids ran around playing tag. I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face at the view of their childish innocence. The pure joy of children was needed, especially on days like this.

Jenifer headed toward some familiar faces from church while Chamille followed me over to an empty table. I sat back in one chair and stared up at the sky. The fluffy white clouds scattered across the light blue sky. Birds flew high in the air and chirped loudly. The breeze that swept across the backyard every few moments was appreciated because the sun was unforgiving today.

“There goes your boo,” Chamille stated as she nodded her head in the direction of Marquise.

My eyes perused his frame. He looked deliciously sexy in the pair of black sweat shorts, designer sneakers, and gray T-shirt. There was a single gold chain hanging from his neck. He looked so damn good…

He greeted my mother and father. Mama pulled him into a hug, and he rubbed her back softly. When they pulled away, he said something that made her laugh. My eyes followed his every move.

“Damn, if you stare any harder, he’s going to explode.” Chamille snickered.

“Shut up.” I waved her off.

“Why do you keep pretending like you don’t want that man?” she asked.

“Who says I’m pretending?”

“Your mouth says one thing, but your eyes say another. The twinkle in your eye when you see him is brighter than the sun. Stop fighting the obvious love you have for the man and give him another chance.”

“Well—”

“Hey, ladies.” Marquise’s voice startled me. I turned my head to see him standing a few feet away. The scent of his cologne was strong. It was a leather and cashmere type of scent—masculine and warm.

“Hey, Marquise.” Chamille giggled. She stood up and gave him a side hug before skipping off in the direction of Quis.

I shook my head. “She gets on my nerves.”

Marquise took the seat she’d left and smiled at me. His smile could rival the sun. It was perfect, straight, and comfortable.

“Hey, Honey.”

“Hi,” I replied in a dry tone.

“I don’t want to ask you how you’re doing because I can imagine. I will extend my condolences to you.”

“Thanks.”

“Listen—”

“Wait. Before you continue, please understand I do not have any extra energy to give to you. I am exhausted. I am overwhelmed. I am sad. I do not want to deal with any added stress, so if you’re here on some of that type of time, spare me.”

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