Page 90 of Honey's Special Roux

“Before you go, I’ve got something for you.”

I raised a curious brow as he stood up and moved to the safe. He unlocked it and grabbed a backpack. He tossed it to me, and I opened it.

“What’s this for?” I asked.

“Handling a final job for me,” he explained.

“I ain’t do that for money.”

“I know. He’s no longer an issue for either of us, so I wanted to give you a final token of my appreciation. No strings attached. Do with the money as you deem fit. Open up your own business, treat your family to a vacation. Anything.”

I stood up and dapped him up. “Thanks, Unc. I appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it. We are good.”

“For life.”

Leaving Merlot’s spot, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. With this money, plus the money I had in my safe, I could give Honey and Quis the world. My lady was her own boss, bringing in her own money, but I knew she would appreciate someone spoiling her again.

The opportunities were endless. What path would I travel to take some of the weight off her shoulders?

A few monthslater

“It’s been a while since I’ve had some child-free time with other adults. I’ve been so absorbed in making this transition work for Quis, I stopped using my village for real.” I looked around the dimly lit lounge.

“I’ve enjoyed the family time, fa sho. However, I’m glad we get some grown folks’ time in. It was nice of your sister to take him tonight.”

“Right.” I agreed.

Marquise had asked me out on our first official date since we’d rekindled our flame. We’d both been so occupied with Quis that time seemed to fly by. Marquise had been staying over most days. He took care of Quis’s daily schedule: He took him to and from school, read to him, and made sure he got his thirty minutes to an hour of outside play when the weather allowed it.

“Tonight, we celebrate us. I want you to release your inhibitions and let the vibes control the night.” Marquise pulled me closer to him as I sipped the lemon drop I’d ordered when we first arrived at the lounge.

We were at an R&B lounge with live singers and a DJ. Between each performance, the DJ would play a mix of 90’s R&B hits. All the performers so far had done a great job. We’d also been knocking back drinks like our lives depended on them. I had a nice buzz going, but my limit would be approaching quickly. Luckily, Moe had settled in months ago and resumed his duties.

I thought back to the first time Marquise met Moe and giggled.

Marquise had stayed home for a few days because of the change in his work schedule. When he pulled up on the following off day, he saw Moe help me out the car. He stalked over to us with nostrils flaring.

“Who the fuck is this?” he asked as he balled his hands into tight fists.

“Jealousy doesn’t look cute on you, stink,” I teased. I grabbed my purse and thanked Moe for getting me home safely.

“Man, don’t piss me off. Who the fuck is this?” Marquise asked as he tugged me behind him.

“Q, get your angry ass on.” I tried to move him out of the way, but he wouldn’t budge.

Moe chuckled and cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, sir. My name is Moe. I’ve been Honey’s driver for about five years. No, I have not fucked your woman. No, I don’t want to fuck her. I am a happily married man with many rugrats of my own to worry about. I do this job because I consider Honey a great friend and employer. She always goes above and beyond to make sure I’m good.”

Once Moe set the record straight, he and Marquise dapped each other up and laughed it off. Men. Once they’d gotten over that, Marquise didn’t give Moe any more trouble. In fact, Moe drove us to the lounge.

He told us to have all the fun we wanted. He’d be outside whenever we were ready to head home. Currently, “Come & Talk to Me” by Jodeci blared from the speakers. Then the music transitioned into “Sweet Lady” by Tyrese.

Marquise stood up and pulled me close to him. He swayed back and forth before he started singing to me.

“Any other day, I would play it cool, but I can’t now, ’cause I want you.” He sang along with Tyrese in an off-key. He serenaded me and made my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.

“You better sang, baby.”

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