Janay's Full Court Life

Chapter 12

                   

The very next day I called a friend who owns a restaurant out in Downtown Dallas. She is very successful here and her food is always on point!  I trusted her opinion so I gave her a ring to ask her if she had any recommendations. Within the hour I was having an interview with her top choice, and thankfully, he agreed the day of. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day was all that we needed.  Even Chris enjoyed it and agreed that the investment was worth it and needed.

Two months later and we still agree. Of course, I still make dessert for the family, and even the dessert that is just for Chris alone too. That night after the interview, and Kennedy was in bed, we spent time wrapped in each other. The interview definitely had us reliving our beginning.

Mama is supposed to be taking Kennedy out today to the church's pie eating contest. With a baker's touch she made the pies for guests to eat while the pies for the contest were store bought.  She was adamant about not using her pies for people to stuff their faces in and send pieces flying everywhere. 

I agree!

My Mama's pies are too good to be wasted on people sloppily tossing pieces around as they shuffle the tin plate around, trying to consume as much as possible. No, it needs to be savored and enjoyed with a nice glass of something cool. She brought two over for me yesterday and right now only one is left. Leave it to Chris to have an argument with a three-year-old about who should get the last slice of pie.

I walked downstairs to see the two sitting at the table with the tin container in the middle and each holding a fork, staring at each other.

"Daddy, you don't need any more." Kennedy says.

"Oh yeah? Why not?"

"Because," she starts, "If you eat more pie then you can't play basketball anymore and we won't have any more money."

That, ladies and gentleman, is a three-year-old for you.

His eyes got big and with his mouth hanging open it was apparent that he was shocked by what his daughter said. With no words he slid the container over to her.

I love that little girl!

My index finger skims the top of the batter for the peach cobbler.

Perfect!

The house chimes. Chris is back! I can't wait to talk to him!

"Hi, sweetheart." He smiles and kisses my cheek gently.

"Hey!"

He grabs a bottle of water before walking to the other side of the island.

"Janay, I have to tell you something."

"Okay, no problem. I'm just mixing this batter but I'm all ears. I have something to tell you too, but you can go first!  Oh by the way, did you look at the outfits that I picked out for our family pictures?"

The batter splatters on my hand and I lick it off. Oh! That is good!

"Janay...just...please look at me."

That statement vibrates in my stomach, shaking up my insides. The tone was off. I quickly turn to see him standing behind the island with his brown eyes looking distraught. He is chewing on his lip and his shoulders are rigid.

My heart starts to palpate extremely fast and no breathing that I do will calm it down. The sweat on my palms gets wiped off on my apron and I turn to fully face Chris.

"Okay. I'm listening."

"I want you to know that this doesn't change the endless amount of love that I have for you. It actually makes me love you more."