Page 51 of Sweetest Temptation
I woke up the next morning to the smell of bacon and Zanova’s soft snores. For a second, I lied there, staring at the ceiling and letting the quiet morning hit me. Then it clicked, somebody was in my damn house. I already knew it had to be my mother or my sister. They were the only two people bold enough to use their spare keys like they paid the mortgage.
I eased out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake Zanova. She looked peaceful with her hair spread across my pillow, lips slightly parted. I couldn’t help but smile as I stared at her perfect face. Seeing her so vulnerable without her usual defense up andready to combat me was refreshing. I knew why she was the way she was, though, which is why I was serious about taking her on a real date.
I headed to the bathroom to handle my hygiene. Thoughts of last night invaded my mind, and I smiled at how Zanova and I had each other hooting and hollering. I didn’t use a condom not once, and as I moisturized my face, I laughed. I ain’t regret that shit at all. I threw on some sweats before going to see who was invading my space this damn early.
Rounding the staircase, I entered my bright kitchen due to all the windows in the breakfast nook. Sure enough, my mother was at the stove flipping pancakes, while my Grandma was sitting at the counter with her coffee, already judging me with her eyes.
“Morning, baby,” my mama said without even turning around. “I figured I’d come pop up on my son since he clearly has been ignoring my calls last night.”
“Mmhmm. Hey, Grandson. You got company, don’t you? Who nice-ass ride parked out front?” My grandma was being messy, which wasn’t unusual for her.
I rubbed a hand over my face. I was planning on taking shit to the next level with Zanova, but I’m sure she wasn’t ready to meet my people yet. “Good morning to you, too, G-Ma.” I kissed her on the cheek, and did the same to my mother.
Mama turned around with one eyebrow raised and a knowing smirk on her face. “You might want to tell whoever’s in that bedroom to wake up. Breakfast is almost ready, and I don’t serve food in bed.”
I shook my head, fighting a laugh. Only in my family could a man have company and still get ambushed by his mama and grandma before 9 a.m.
“Yeah. Go tell her to come on down here and do that walk of shame with pride.” G-Ma wasn’t letting up. “Unless you play forthe other team, Grandson. And she is a he? But I will respect it and still love you the same.”
“G-Ma, don’t even play like that. Y’all be doing too much.” I shook my head. “Idohave company over, but we aren’t at the ‘meet the family’ stage.”
I was just about to grab a plate when I heard soft footsteps behind me.
“Good mor?—”
Zanova’s greeting was cut short the second she spotted my family. Her eyes went wide as they landed on my mother at the stove and my grandmother sitting at the counter, sipping her coffee like she’d been waiting for a show. I could see the color drain from Zanova’s face. She froze mid-step, clutching the front of my white dress shirt like it could magically turn into a robe to shield the rest of her body.
Mama turned and smiled like she’d been expecting her. “Well. Well. Well. Good morning, sweetheart.”
Zanova blinked, clearly trying to figure out if she should speak, run, or disappear into thin air. “Uh… Hi. I… Um… Good morning.” She finally managed to get out, her voice soft and nervous.
“Mmhmm. So this is the reason we didn’t see you at family dinner last night, huh, Samir? You were busy getting cookie from the cookie lady. She is fine, Grandson. Does this mean I can get my cookies for free?”
“G-Ma…” I warned, fighting a grin.
“What? I’m just saying. Good morning, baby. Don’t be ashamed. We all been there.” She took another sip of her coffee, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Just last week, I got caught by Pastor Williams’ daughter, coming out of his office.”
“Mama!” Ma snapped, turning from the stove with her hand on her hip.
“What?” she said innocently, shrugging.
“I thought you were helping him with the church books?” My mama looked shocked.
“We were just praying to the Lordt.”
I grunted as Zanova was trying not to laugh but failing miserably. A soft giggle slipped out, and Grandma shot her a wink. “See? She gets it.”
Mama shook her head. “Don’t encourage her, baby. My mother has been a mess since the ’70s.”
“Still fine and got it, though. Asked Pastor Williams.” Grandma shot back, smirking.
“I would rather not.” My mama looked back at Zanova. “Have some breakfast, baby?”
“Thank you, ma’am?—”
“Clarissa,” my mama stated, correcting her.
“Ms. Clarissa,” Zanova said quickly, forcing a polite smile. “I should really get going.”
