Douglas reared his head, peering at Lo with rumpled brows. “I’m still a father, Lo. I can’t ignore what she’s going through.”
Lo invaded his personal space. “Yes, the fuck you can. You can absolutely mind your business and not tell me how to handle my wife. Did she say she was in danger?”
“Well, no.”
“Then, she’s good. Let this be the last time you approach me about mine, nigga.”
Lo walked away and approached Meco and Devyn who were conversing.
“What happened?” Devyn asked.
“That nigga, Douglas, almost got his ass smacked for trying to come at me about Bria’s spoiled ass.”
Meco smirked. “You threatened him?”
“Yep,” Lo answered proudly. “And yes, I’ll body that nigga for getting in my business.”
“Bro, chill out. That’s your father-in-law,” Devyn taunted him.
“I don't give a fuck about that. He bet not come at me again.”
“Listen, did y’all get on that assignment I told y’all about? ‘Cause I need it handled ASAP.” Devyn stated.
“We’ll start tonight,” Lo offered.
“A’ight, cool. I gotta go. Hit me later on.”
The brothers slapped hands before they parted ways. When Lo got inside his car, he also made a mental note to check Bria for running to her parents about him.
Jazmine Sullivan’s sultry voice filled the ambiance, setting the perfect mood. There was a nervous excitement coursing through Bria as she pulled the roaster pan from the oven. Taking the lid off, she forked the roast that was so tender that it fell apart. She smiled, knowing she had followed her mother’s recipe to a T. Afterward, Bria checked the mashed potatoes and the cornbread that was still in the oven. All day, she had been praying for this night to work in her favor. Bria’s only desire was to connect with her husband. She wanted them to be on one accord and establish a semblance of love.
Bria’s heels tapped against the hardwood floor in the living room as she checked her appearance in the mirror. Instead of sexy lingerie, she opted for a pink mini dress that had sheer sleeves and a plunging neckline. Her hair was styled in softcurls with minimal makeup. Bria felt beautiful and she prayed that Lo did as well.
Hearing the garage open, she hurried back to the kitchen. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she waited with bated breath until the door opened. Lo walked in, dressed in all black with his attention in his phone. Seconds passed when he looked up, drinking her in with a pensive stare. Bria couldn’t tell if it was lust in his eyes, but he examined her carefully. Smiling, she walked over and stood in front of him.
“Hey, I’m glad you're home.”
Grabbing his wrist, she pulled him farther into the kitchen and led him toward the stove.
“Look, I made us dinner. Roast, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. I figured we could eat and talk about anything since we really haven’t spent any time together. What do you say?”
Lo eyed the food then peered at her. “I appreciate this, but I can’t stay.”
A pain shot through her chest as rejection washed over her frame. “But Lo, come on. You can’t make an exception for me?”
He sighed frustratedly. As if he was wrestling with himself.
“I wish I could but I gotta handle something. Just make me a plate, and I’ll eat it when I get home.”
Bria snorted, shaking her head. “But it’s not the same as sharing a meal together… Just forget it.”
“Why you giving me attitude?”
“Because I went out of my way to make you dinner so we could spend time together. Making you a plate isn’t equivalent to us eating and bonding.”
“You should’ve told me ahead of time then.”
She gawked. “Well, forgive me for trying to surprise you with a home-cooked dinner. I was only trying to do something nice.”
