Page 93 of Honey's Special Roux

“I’m just happy to see my girl again. It hurt me deeply to be blocked out of your life.” Dayari addressed Honey.

Honey smiled softly. “I’m sorry, girl. I had to put me first. You and Marq are like brother and sister—too damn close to test those waters. We are up now, though. It’s time to make more memories.”

“You’re right. Add me into the auntie schedule with Jenifer and Chamille.” Dayari grinned.

“Definitely.”

I claimed my seat, and the music took over as we all chatted amongst ourselves.

“How serious is the relationship the second time around?” Mr. Hix asked.

I pinched the tail of the crawfish before twisting and removing it from the head of the mud bug. I sucked the juice from the head and then removed the spicy meat from the tail.

“I know for a fact I’m going to marry Honey. I would have proposed the day we crossed paths again. She deserves the best version of me, and I had to do a lot of soul searching and reflecting to be the man I am at this table with y’all tonight. Shit ain’t been easy, but Honey’s worth every overcoming every obstacle.”

Mr. Hix nodded approvingly—a simple bob of his head with a satisfied stretch of his lips.

Mrs. Hix wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin before she addressed me. “I appreciate the work you did within to be what Quis and Honey need. My girl has always had a soft spot for you, so I must admit… I was a bit apprehensive to see what happened when the two of you got back together. So far, I’ve loved the energy you two have brought back into the family. Long as you continue to give my baby girl your all, I support. Plus, I’m happy to expand our family to include all of the Kents.”

Aunt Dee grinned. “Thank you for that. I was getting a little jealous.”

“Why is that, girl?” Mrs. Hix asked.

“Y’all had all of Honey’s good cooking to yourselves. I craved Miss Janie’s cooking all the time. When I saw her packing those trays up, I was a lil envious.” Aunt Dee chuckled.

Honey’s smile faded a little bit as she looked away. I wiped my hands on the sanitizing hand towelette before I reached out and rubbed her arm.

“You want a breather?” I asked in a low tone.

She nodded.

“C’mon.” I stood up and stretched. I grabbed both of our shell bags and tied them in a knot. “We’re about to go get some drinks. Any requests?”

“You know what we like,” Chamille stated.

“Say no more.” I nodded my understanding of her request.

“We’ll be back, y’all.” Honey stood up and headed into the house through the back door.

We walked together into the house and washed our hands thoroughly. As Honey rinsed the soap off her hands, she began to cry softly. I dried my hands with a paper towel before I ripped one off the roll for her to do the same. I opened my arms for her. She wasted no time burying her face in my chest and holding me tight. Her sobs were quiet but strong. My shirt became damp from the number of tears she’d shed.

“Let it out, baby. I’m here. I got you always.”

Her sobs turned into gentle sniffles. She took a step back and grabbed another napkin to blow her nose. Once she was good to go, she tossed the napkins into the trash and returned to me.

“Thank you for letting me have my moment.”

“Grief isn’t a linear experience. There will be triggers. Aunt Dee meant no harm, I’m sure, but I know sometimes those memories of your grandmother can stir up some real deep emotions.”

She nodded. “I miss my favorite lady so much.”

“I know, baby. All you can do is continue to live the life she would be proud of.”

She poked out her bottom lip. “Gimme kiss.”

I licked my lips. “I got one better. Aunt Dee and Uncle Cee over here. They house is empty. We can hit up the corner store afterwards.”

“You’re so mannish.”

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