Symone enjoyed their banter.
“Hartley’s good. Staying out of trouble for the most part.”
Mrs. Fong clucked her tongue. “Drama is attracted to that one.”
“You’re not wrong,” Monster replied.
They paused at a table in the corner that was removed from the hustle and bustle.
“Do you want your regular?”
“No, we’re going to pick and choose off the carts today. This is her first time at Dim Sum and I want to give her the total experience.”
“Aaah. You came to the right place. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
“Cola for me, Ms. Fong. Babe?”
“A water, please.”
“I’ll be right back,” Ms. Fong said.
Symone leaned over the table. “Wow. You’re like royalty here.”
“As much money as we’ve given her, we might as well be.” He flashed a boyish grin.
She stared at his smile. It showed her the boy still buried inside the man.
“It was a family tradition to come here just about every weekend growing up. Something my mom used to do with her family once upon a time.”
“That sounds lovely,” she whispered, envisioning the domestic scene his words painted with a pang of envy.
“It was…until it wasn’t,” he mumbled. Shadows crept up into his eyes and chased away the joy. His face smoothed back into its usual stern expression. “Let me explain Dim Sum. It’s like a buffet on wheels. They bring the trays around and you pick and choose what you’d like to eat. Most of the dishes are steamed items like sticky buns and dumplings. Is there any spice or vegetable you hate?”
“No, I’m pretty open when it comes to food and coming from Jamaica, spices are my best friend.” She smiled. There were things she loved about her country of origin. Those were the memories she wanted to keep close. The rest could fade into oblivion. If only it was easy to forget the things that haunt us most.
“Every time you open your mouth, I think I like you a little more.”
Heat filled her cheeks. She toyed with the edges of her t-shirt. Normally, compliments came before a request. People like to try to butter you up before they asked for their pound of flesh. She wanted to believe this man, but history had a way of beating the hope out of a person. She waited for the other shoe to drop.
“We should make a list.”
The change in direction startled her.
“What?”
“Of things we need to figure out about you.”
“I’m not following.”
“You said you never had the opportunity to learn. I’ll be the only teacher you need. I promise you that. So, let’s get the lesson plan mapped out.” He reached across the table and held out his hand.
She placed her shaking hand in his.”
“How about we start with what I want to show you. Like how good it’s going to be between us. How you’ll sound when my face is between your legs and my tongue is deep inside your pussy.” He licked his lips.
The sight of his long pink tongue made her whimper.
“I bet you taste like a ripe peach, babe. I can’t wait to find out.”