Cocktail Dreams

Chapter 11: Hearts Unfold Like Flowers

Fantasia turned to me, her big, expressive eyes narrowing slightly with playful suspicion. "Did you eat breakfast? Because I'm starving."

I laughed softly, keeping my eyes on the road. "Don't worry about it. We're five minutes away from the restaurant."

She tilted her head, one brow arched, looking every bit the diva I knew she was. "We could've just gone to Chick-fil-A, you know. It's not that serious to sit down and eat."

I let out a dramatic groan, shaking my head at her. "Girl, please. We are not eating that over-processed crap this early in the morning. You need to have a quality meal to start your day right."

Fantasia gave me a mock gasp, clutching her chest like I'd just insulted her entire lineage. "Well, excuse me," she said, her voice dripping with fake offense, though the giggle she let out a second later betrayed her. 

I glanced over, smirking at her. "Don't act brand new now. You'll thank me once you've had their food." 

As we pulled into the restaurant's parking lot, Fantasia sat up a little straighter, her curiosity piqued. "This place better be good," she muttered.  I parked, got out quickly, and walked around to open her door. She rolled her eyes but stepped out gracefully, her signature strut making me chuckle under my breath. 

"You really like playing chauffeur, huh?" she teased, tossing her bag over her shoulder. 

"Nah," I said, shrugging. "I just like seeing you get out of my car looking like a whole meal." 

Fantasia shot me a sly look, shaking her head. "You're too much," she murmured, but the slight blush on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed. 

When we walked inside The Morning Loft, the atmosphere was just as I'd expected—inviting, chic, and filled with energy. The space was wide and open, with high ceilings that let in a flood of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows framed in sleek black metal. Exposed brick walls added a touch of grit, softened by colorful, abstract paintings hung strategically throughout. Each piece seemed to tell its own story, a vibrant burst of energy against the earthy tones. 

Above the tables, mason jar light fixtures dangled like fairy lights, creating a golden glow over the room. Some jars held tiny Edison bulbs, while others were filled with whimsical arrangements of dried flowers. Long communal tables made of polished wood stretched across the space, interspersed with cozy two-person booths like the one I always claimed as my usual spot.

Fantasia's eyes swept across the space as we entered, taking it all in. "Okay, Taraji," she said with a slight lilt in her voice. "I see why you like this place. It's got... character."

"You doubted me?" I teased, raising a brow.

She smirked, not bothering to respond, already scanning the surroundings.  The staff lit up like Christmas trees when they spotted me. "Taraji! You're back!" one of the servers called out, waving enthusiastically.

"Hey, y'all," I said with a grin, raising a hand in greeting.

Fantasia looked at me, her lips parting in surprise. "Wait, you come here often?"

"Regularly," I said with a smirk. "They treat me right here."

Before she could respond, one of the servers caught sight of her, their face lighting up even more. "Oh my gosh, is that—"

"Yes, it's Fantasia!" another staff member practically squealed, rushing over with wide eyes. "We're huge fans of your music!"

Fantasia's face broke into a coruscating smile that could light up an entire room. She tilted her head modestly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Aw, thank you. That means a lot," she said warmly.