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We all filed behind him until we were seated at one of the large hibachi tables. A server quickly arrived at the table to take our drink orders. I asked for water, but Onyx was quick to remind me about the Sake and ordered some for us. Then everyone else decided that sounded great.
Wonderful. Me, Mike, and alcohol.This was fine.
We barely picked up our menus when the server returned with our drinks and Onyx ordered a few sushi rolls to get started.
She held the small ceramic glass up in the air. “To Jaz. It's been a long journey, but you’re in the home stretch now. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we are all so proud of you!”
“Cheers,” sounded in unison around the table and everyone sipped the warm sweet liquid.
“Thanks, sis. Yeah, hoped to be done a little sooner but I think it all worked out the way it should.” I took another small sip and winced. “I think this round is enough. This is too sweet for me.”
“How many people can even say they made it this far? You’re being too modest,” Lucy said as she sipped her Sake. “You’re gonna be a freaking doctor, Jaz!”
The server came over and took our orders. Onyx, Lucy, Amy, and Val all ordered some beers and everyone else ordered sweet tea. When the server returned, Onyx pushed the beer in front of me.
“I told you, it’syournight. Loosen up, have some fun.”
I rolled my eyes but took the bottle and sipped. Much better than the Sake. Picking up chopsticks, I mixed some wasabi into the small dish of soy sauce then grabbed a piece of sushi roll to dip.
As I shoved the whole piece into my mouth, Lucy asked, “Mike, are you looking for work?’
He answered, “No, I’m on at the hospital just down the street.”
Rice dribbled from my lip as I fought to swallow the hunk of sushi roll without choking. Jason jumped from his chair, ready to wrap his arms around me and thrust any food up, but I waved him off and grabbed the beer to wash it all down.
Mike looked like a deer in headlights as he stood with Jason. “Are you alright? Can I get you water?”
I smiled at him but waved them both off. “I’m good. Just a big piece.” They both made it back to their chairs. “So, Kennestone then?”
Mike grabbed his beer and took a sip before answering. “Yeah. But not a doctor, just a nurse practitioner.”
My mouth dropped open as a sharp pain jabbed into my chest. But I managed a quick recovery. “That’s great. Wow, you always said you’d love to be in medicine but didn’t think you could swing medical school. That’s…wow…just great, Mike.” I took a long draw from my beer, trying to stay cool.
Val spoke up. “That’s a great facility. I was there at the beginning of the summer, and they took wonderful care of me.”
Amy rubbed her hand over Val’s shoulder. “She scared the shit out of me that day.” Val grabbed her hand and pressed her lips lightly to her fingers. I was so happy they worked through their issues. They were so perfect.
“Yeah, scary day. Jason and I were headed to dinner. Saw the whole accident. But in typical Jason-fashion, he went to check on everyone and saved the day,” Lucy said with a gleam in her eyes as she looked over at Jason. He patted her hand and thinned his lips. He always was a man of few words and didn’t do well with doting.
Onyx chimed in. “Jaz told me about that. I’m so glad it all turned out well. Sounded scary.”
Mike looked at me and we locked eyes. My heart was still recovering from his big news that probably wasn’t even news to anyone else, but I was working overtime to keep my usual calm demeanor. He looked like he was about to say something, but the chef came, rolling his loud cart next to him.
We all turned and welcomed the chef, then the conversation slowed as we all watched the show. He was fun and interactive, making sure to have big flames and steaming onion towers. He even tossed some scrambled eggs at the men to catch in their mouths. Neither got it the first time but they demanded a do-over and both got it the second time.
Our fried rice was plated, and we were all too busy stuffing our faces to talk. Gradually, the chef added veggies, then meat. We ate as the chef cleaned the grill and we gave him a huge round of applause before he left.
After sushi, Sake, beer, and a large portion of my rice eaten before I even got my whole meal, I was stuffed. From the looks of the other ladies, they were, too. Jason and Mike continued eating but they didn’t have much left. I always wished I could master eating like a man. So much time in my life would be saved. They practically don’t chew, though. Terrible on digestion.
“Ugh, I need a box. This is so good, but I can’t possibly eat one more bite,” Lucy said before Jason stabbed a piece of her steak. She gave him a light smack on the shoulder, and he grinned at her. She rolled her eyes but had a silly smile on her face. I was happy for them, too. Especially Jason. He had a rough time, losing his mom in high school and his dad in college. He had to take on the responsibility of the club, which originally was his dad’s. He says he loves it, but he’s the type of man that acts out of duty and responsibility as much as he does sheer joy. Then he and Lucy finally clicked, and they’ve been thick as thieves ever since. He finally started smiling again and it was thanks to her. And thank God I didn’t have to watch her waltz into the club with another loser boyfriend. They both lucked out when that finally happened.
The server came over to ask how to divvy checks and brought to-go boxes for us. Jason and Mike started arguing over who was taking care of the check, but Onyx jumped into the fray. “Boys, I am at least paying for ours since we crashed your party. I just wanted to celebrate my sister before she starts the next leg of the race.” While we were all arguing, Val had slipped her card to the server. They all looked at her with their mouths hanging open, but she simply brushed her long black hair over her shoulder and smirked while Amy beamed at her.
“We can’t let you do that Val!” Lucy’s voice was five octaves higher than normal.
Amy chimed in. “She’s more stubborn than Jason, you won’t change her mind. Plus, she’s my sugar momma now.” Val represented some musical talent and two of her clients were doing very well at the moment.
Mike, Jason, and Onyx all threw cash at her, and Onyx snipped, “For the tip.” Val rolled her eyes, but Amy grabbed the cash and straightened it up. Everyone stood and made our way outside once Val signed the receipt and Amy placed the cash on top. The hot summer air was thick but there was a breeze coming from passing traffic and we had stayed so long it was dark outside. The restaurant was in a busy area, so it was still well lit.
