Page 38 of Rose
“The scary-looking man with the barber cape still on?” Ahzii asked, brows raised.
Kyre nodded, laughing harder. “Yeah. But by the wayyouwere looking at him, he didn’t seem all that scary toyou.”
Ahzii gave her a flat look. “You just full of jokes today, huh?”
“I’m just trying to cheer you up,” Kyre said gently, her voice softening. “You been down all day.”
Ahzii sighed, her eyes dropping to her plate. Today wasn’t one of her best days. It had been a week since Willow’s birthday, but the weight of everything still hadn’t lifted. The nightmares kept coming—vivid, cruel, and real. Some nights, it was Willow’s voice calling for her. Others, it was William’s laughter echoing in dark corners. And sometimes... she was back in that house, trapped in a moment that wouldn’t let her go. She’d wake up crying, sweating, shattered—because none of it was real anymore. Grief didn’t just knock. It kicked the door down and made itself at home.
“I’m good,” she lied.
Kyre rolled her eyes. “Stop lying. You not. But... I’m not gonna force you to talk.”
Ahzii nodded, grateful. Kyre never pressured her. She just showed up. Again and again. Like a sister, not just a friend. And even on days where Ahzii didn’t know who the hell she was anymore, Kyre somehow still did—and loved her anyway.
“But back to fine-assSavior,” Kyre said, sliding back into playful. “Did you see the way he was looking at you?”
Ahzii groaned and rolled her eyes, but before she could answer, a woman approached the table—striking, radiant, and unmistakably the owner of the place.
She was beautiful. Skin rich and blemish-free, long boho knotless braids styled in a chic half-up look that showed off her bone structure. Her “Gold” restaurant uniformwasn’t the standard black one worn by the staff—hers was white with gold lettering stitched just over her heart, perfectly matching the black, white, and gold decor of the restaurant. At 5’5, her gym-toned body moved with confidence and elegance, and when she smiled, her deep dimples lit up the entire room.
Gold herself.
“Hi ladies! Sorry to interrupt your lunch—” Sarai began with a bright smile, but her words were cut off by a gasp.
“Ray Ray?!” Kyre blurted, eyes wide.
Sarai’s face lit up. “ReRe?!”
The two women met in a tight embrace, laughing like no time had passed. Ahzii watched the exchange with a soft smile, curious. She’d never seen this woman before, but there was something familiar about her.
“Girl, it’s been so long! How you been?” Sarai asked, pulling back.
“Girl, working—like always. You?” Kyre grinned.
“Same,” Sarai beamed. “Actually, this ismyrestaurant.”
Kyre’s eyes flew open. “Really? Girl, this place is beautiful!”
Ahzii nodded in agreement. The food was amazing, the atmosphere warm and modern—but knowing a Black woman owned it? That sealed it.
“First time here,” Kyre added. “Mazi told me about it, said we had to check it out—but he didn’t say you owned it.”
Sarai laughed. “It’s good hearing you two finally stopped being stubborn and fell in love.”
“Amen,” Ahzii chimed in, making Kyre laugh.
“Oh, and I’m rude,” Kyre said, remembering. “Ray Ray, this is my best friend—really my soul sister—Ahzii. Mazi’s twin.”
Sarai turned to Ahzii, and her smile widened. “Wait, I never knew Mazi had a twin! Y’all are identical—like, damn. Not saying you look like a man—because you don’t—butwow. You’re beautiful.”
Ahzii chuckled, shaking her hand. “Thank you. Same to you.”
“Zii, this is Sarai,” Kyre said. “We met at the campus café back in college. She graduated early though—smart ass only stuck around for a semester.”
Sarai laughed. “Girl, I was ready to dip. Culinary school is no joke.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” she added, turning back to Ahzii. “Did you go to FAMU too? I don’t remember seeing you on campus.”
