Page 76 of My Only

Hassani gripped the back of my chair, pulling it out a little more as if adjusting my position. “Your throne awaits, Mrs. Franklin.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Laying it on thick tonight, huh?”

He chuckled, pulling out his own chair. “Oh, I haven’t even started. I’m saving that for when we get home.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I shook my head, fighting back a smile.

We were at Vernon’s Prime & Seafood, an upscale yet cozy steakhouse in Manhattan, just a short distance from the Freedom Tower. The ambiance, as always, was perfect for date nights—intimate, warm, effortlessly romantic.

This place was a staple in the Franklin household. Hassani’s parents, Percy and Joslyn, had been coming here for years before introducing us to it. After one dinner with them, Hassani and I were hooked. It became our go-to for special occasions or nights when we just wanted to indulge in good food and each other’s company.

The decor had a timeless elegance—rich mahogany interiors, plush dark green leather booths, and gold-accented details that whispered luxury. Freestanding tables were spread throughout the dining area, offering the perfect view of the open kitchen, where fresh seafood swam in live tanks, waiting to be selected.

But what I loved most? The desserts.

One dessert in particular.

Which is why I pulled out my phone and said, “I gotta give Mrs. Franklin a quick phone call.”

“Of course you do.” Hassani smirked as he placed his phone on the table. “Y’all do this every time.”

I grinned, navigating to my contacts. It was tradition—whenever either of us dined here, we had to call the other to ask if they wanted dessert. The answer was always yes.

The moment she answered, Joslyn’s voice rang through the phone’s earpiece, warm and teasing. “Good evening, Mrs. Franklin.”

I giggled. “Hey, Mrs. Franklin.”

She laughed, the sound as rich as the coconut-rum sauce drizzled on the dessert I was about to order for her.

“Hassani brought me to Vernon’s,” I said, peeking up at him and blushing. “So you know I had to call and ask if you wanted us to bring you the guava & cream cheese bread pudding.”

“Oh, Ayla, you know the answer will always be yes, my love.”

I grinned. “We’ll stop by after dinner then.”

“Can’t wait!”

The guava & cream cheese bread pudding was one of Vernon’s best-kept secrets. Joslyn adored it, always saying it reminded her of her Caribbean roots. The warm, buttery bread pudding infused with sweet guava puree, the mascarpone cheese pockets, the coconut-rum sauce that added just the right amount of kick. It was nostalgia on a plate for her.

For me? It was the caramelized sugar crust and the toasted coconut flakes that did it. Not to mention the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting on top, sealing the deal every time.

“Thank you, love,” Joslyn said. “I can already taste it.”

I laughed.

“And tell Hassani I said thank you in advance.”

I placed the phone on speaker and said, “She said thank you.”

“No problem, Ma,” Hassani called out, leaning in just a little so she could hear him.

Joslyn let out a pleasant sigh. “I just love how you two still act like newlyweds.”

Across the table, Hassani and I locked eyes. He smirked, and I smiled despite myself.

“I love to see that,” she said with a smile. “Five years in, and you're still going to all your favorite places together. That’s beautiful.”

I nodded, offering an easy, “Yeah.”

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