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Here I am spending another evening running around Fenmore’s like a chicken with his head blown off. I swear, since I left Citizens, I haven’t slept a wink. I guess I didn’t realize being a business owner would be this much work, but I’m here for it.
Along with overseeing every aspect of my new place, each morning, I have to make sure the menu selection for that particular day is just right. The wine colonnade must be fully stocked with only the finest assortments. Then there’s the staff. I try my best to keep them as comfortable as possible, or at least satisfied during their shifts so they won’t haul off and kill each other, or worse, haul off and kill me! So far, I’m still breathing, so I must be doing something right.
I feel like I owe Erik my life for helping me fulfill my dream. I always knew Fenmore’s would happen, but never in my wildest imagination did I think it would happen so fast, so big, or so elegant. My joint was ornamented with everything from marble countertops in the luxurious lavatories to stainless steel service equipment in the fifteen thousand square foot kitchen. I won’t even mention the live waterfall that flows under the glass lounge area furnished with Italian imported leather. It’s been almost a week, and I still can’t believe it’s my tapas bar. Erik made this possible for me, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Byrd, I need you to approve the seating chart for that big book signing party next Friday.”
That was Shaun. I recruited him as my official events planner. I wanted Fenmore’s to be known for the most fabulous parties this side of the Potomac River, so what did I do? I employ Mr. Fabulous himself, Shaun Price. Now, if I can just get him to stop calling me Byrd, I’ll be even happier.
“Nick Haskins will be in Baltimore next Friday. He wants to have his release party here for his new book, Betrayed.”
I needed Shaun to handle this release party business . . . on-his-own. That means the seating chart, the menu, the music selection, and anything else that comes along with this book release party because I just don’t have time. I have other, more important business to take care of like running the place.
“What’s up, Shaun?”
I turned around the second I heard my husband’s voice. He spoke to Shaun but quickly headed over to me. I wanted to kiss him, but he beat me to it. Erik reached down and planted a nice wet one right on the center of my puckered lips.
When our kiss ended, he looked into my eyes. “Hi, Courtney.”
“Well, hello yourself, Erik.” I licked my lips right before I said, “This is certainly a surprise. What are you doing here so early?”
“I had a little time in-between patients, so here I am. I wanted to see you.”
“I’m glad you came.” We sat at the empty bar with Shaun and the rest of the staff taking over my position as the headless chicken.
“How does it feel to be in business a full five days?”
Technically, I’ve been in business for six days, but Fenmore’s is closed on Sundays. Mama always said, ‘Sunday is the Lord’s Day.’ And I planned on giving that exact explanation to my mama if she ever asked why I decided to close on Sundays. Truth be told, Sunday is my day to rest. I’m not running to some mega-church with ten percent of my earnings to furnish some long-winded pastor another luxury. No thanks, so skip the Lord’s Day; Sunday is Courtney’s day. Hallelujah!
“Everything is running smoothly. There are a few bumps here and there, but I’m managing.”
Erik looked over at Shaun. “How is he working out?”
“He’s great. Other than irritating me with every single detail of the events he is supposed to be planning, he’s good.”
“Well, if you need any help with anything, you know I’m here for you. You’re not in this alone.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re just protecting your investment.” I seriously joked.
Erik smiled. “You know that’s not what I’m doing. I just want to make sure you’re happy Court, that’s all.”
“Well, I am happy, thanks to you.”
Erik got up from the stool. “I have to get going. I have an appointment in thirty minutes. I’ll be back tonight. I have a surprise for you.” He knows I hate surprises. “I have someone I want you to meet. She’s very special to me.”
I hope it isn’t that damn Aunt Ollie from Toledo he’s always talking about.
“I have to run.” He kissed me. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Okay. Call me if you get a free moment.”
He winked at me and said, “I will” before heading for the door.
“Where is that fine-ass husband of yours running off to now?” That was Shaun.
“He has a patient coming in soon, so he had to jet.” As I started flipping through my phone for the poultry vendor’s phone number, I said, “Shaun, I’m going to need you to man the place tonight. Erik will be here, and he says there is someone he wants me to meet.”
Shaun quickly asked, “Who is it?”
“I don’t know.” I kept my answers short.
“Courtney, . . . do you ever find Erik . . . You know I love Erik, so please don’t think I’m trying to be shady, but do you ever find his behavior a little strange?”
I looked at Shaun and asked, “Strange?”
“Yeah, like Erik and his family, or lack thereof. He never brings any of them around; at least I’ve never met any of his family. He’s obviously not shy about you or his feelings for you, yet he seems to keep you hidden.”
Right then, I went from zero to sixty! I was about ready to pop from the anger I felt creeping down my spine. “Shaun, what is that supposed to mean?”
“It means . . .”
He hesitated as if he was trying to choose his words lightly. And he should be. Hell, he better be! But he didn’t.
“Courtney, why is it always just Erik? I never see any family, close friends, or any of his—”
I cut him off. “Shaun, his parents were killed years ago. I already told you that.”
“Okay, soooooo he doesn’t have any brothers or sisters?”
“No.”
“No cousins, uncles, aunts?”
Well, there is Aunt Ollie . . .
I glared at Shaun. “Shaun, what are you implying?”
He looked down then back up at me. “Courtney, you know how much I love and respect Erik, and I think he is a really good choice for you.”
I jumped in with, “A damn good choice!”
“Okay, and that’s a good thing, but I’m still questioning him, and wondering why is it always only him. I’ve never seen any extensions of him. His parents were killed, but what about the rest of his family? There is not even a distant cousin in the picture? No friends? No nobody? Nothing but him, his briefcase, and his weekly goodbyes.”
I snapped my head over to Shaun after I threw my phone down on the bar. “Shaun, where is all this coming from?”
“Girl, I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m coming for Erik, but—”
“But that’s exactly what you’re not going to do, though!” My face muscles were tight and frowned. “Bitch, I’m not about to stand here and let you question my husband or research his family tree.”
“I bet you’re not because I’m sure you don’t know yourself.” When I gasped, Shaun came back with, “Courtney, you already know imma keep it real with you, girl. I’ve held this in long enough.”
“You’ve held what in long . . .” I stopped myself. I wasn’t about to go back and forth with Shaun, especially when it came to Erik. I been done snapped out on him before I could catch myself, so let me defuse this real quick before it gets out of control real quick. “Now look, Miss Thing, I love my husband, he loves me, and that’s all that matters. Let’s move on before you piss me off in here and make me cause a scene. Since it’s my name on the lease, that would not be a good look. Now I’m going to need you to tighten up, get to work, and stop gossiping about the boss and his husband.”
I thought, you stupid motherfucker! Who the hell does he think he is asking those types of questions about Erik? I pay him to plan events, not pry into my husband’s personal life!
“I’m sorry, Byrd. I really am. I wasn’t trying to make you mad or mess with your concentration, knowing you have so much to do.”
I didn’t want Shaun to apologize; I just want him to be smarter and stay out of my married business. Besides, I already have enough doubts and questions that swarm my head daily when it comes to my husband, so I don’t need Shaun adding any more uncertainties. In my marriage, what others see as uncommon was normalcy for me. Or maybe it was just love that blocks me from seeing Erik how everybody else probably sees him.
I grabbed my keys from behind the bar to head out. “Shaun, call me if you guys need anything. I’ll text and check in soon.” I hightailed it out of there. I didn’t have time for Shaun; I have to get ready for tonight. Erik said he has someone very special he wants me to meet. I just wonder who she is . . .