Page 38 of See No Evil

“These silver containers are called chafing trays and some of them are steam tables. The chafing trays keep food warm for up to a few hours. It helps keep the sauces from coagulating, which means stickin’ together and getting too thick as they cool down. Now, the steam tables, like the ones over there by the noodles, you see they look a lil’ different.”

“Mmm hmm. They’re bigger.”

“Right. That’s one difference. Some of the steam tables are sealed and some are open.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Sealed steam tables have an enclosed heat source, which could be a number of things from an open flame to kerosene, and they also have a built-in drain system.”

“Okay, so the drain means there’s water, too, ’cause heat and water make the steam, right?”

“You are so smart! That’s exactly right. How’d you know that, girl?” He made an exaggerated face like he was really mesmerized.

Kaylee smiled proudly. “We’re talkin’ about condensation in science right now.”

“Cool. There’s a lotta math and science in cookin’, too, and some folks don’t really think about that.”

“Like measurin’ stuff?”

“Exactly. Like when someone says a half cup of milk, things like that. That’s one way math is used for sure.” Legend went on to explain the different heat sources buffets use, and once again, Desiree was in awe of her man. He was speaking calmly, not all hyped up and crazy like he sometimes did when they were goofing around. They finished loading their plates, and returned to their table to eat. Legend spread his napkin over his lap, and dug in.

“Hold on, I wanna say grace before we eat,” Desiree interrupted.

“Oh,” Legend spoke around a mouthful of food. This was met with giggles from Kaylee. “My bad.” He quickly chewed his forkful of broccoli and beef, swallowed, then bowed his head.

“God, thank you for this meal for the nourishment of our bodies. Thank you for this time together, as friends and family. Amen.”

Kaylee and Legend quickly said, “Amen” in unison, then everyone got to work.

“This is good,” Legend said after chasing a mouthful of teriyaki chicken with Sprite.

“I know. This place has been around for a while, too. They’re one of the few restaurants that have kept up with providing quality food.”

“Legend, can I ask you something?” Kaylee asked, picking up her half-eaten egg roll.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Do you love my mama? ’Cause if you don’t, you should, and if you planning on playin’ with her and makin’ her cry I would prefer you not, ’cause that’s not right.”

Desiree gasped, horrified.

“Kaylee, you know better than to say things like that! Why would you—”

“Nah, nah, it’s okay,” Legend said with a smile, waving her off. “She just wants to know where I stand is all.” He winked at Desiree, as if to say,‘Settle down. I’ve got this.’

Placing his fork down, he leaned slightly forward, and clasped his hands.

“Kaylee,” he continued. “I don’t know what your mother has told you besides the fact I’m her boyfriend, but you’ve asked a complicated question. Let me take that back. The question wasn’t complicated, but your statements after that were. It’s called a loaded statement, meaning you said some things, but they have more meaning than even what you shared. Do you understand me?”

Kaylee shrugged. “Not really.”

“Okay. Let me explain it another way. I’m sayin’ that you asked me a simple question, which was whether I love your mother, but the rest of what you said implies that you’ve seen your mother get hurt by prior men she’s dated, and you’re worried about that because one,” he began to count off his fingers, “you don’t want your mother hurt again, which makes perfect sense. And two, both of you have been disappointed by men who have come into your mother’s life to some extent, perhaps even your father who you wish you could have spent more time with.” Kaylee nodded in agreement. “At the end of the day, Desiree isn’t just your mother. She’s your nurse. Your teacher. Your counselor. Your provider. Your protector, and at times, your best friend. She’s in school, working, and even has a side business, her candles and soaps, so she can put food on the table and give you the life you both deserve. She’s sacrificing now, so that y’all can have a good time later, and she’s doing most of this on her own. Is that right?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “That’s right. All of it.”

“Cool. So, I’m going to answer you to the best of my ability, okay?”

“Okay.”

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