Rituals for Love (9781476761893) Read online

  “You ladies know how to throw a party. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “You deserve it. I can count the number of times you’ve gone all out for your birthday.”

  “However, I won’t thank you for that Jade Lady concoction. I don’t know how many I had, but I do know that Cain had to get me into bed.”

  “How’s that different from any other night?”

  I laughed. “You know what I mean. I was twisted.”

  “That’s what we were hoping, and you did say you were going to turn up. How was the rest of the weekend?”

  “Let’s see…brunch, a shopping spree, rooftop dinner, a barbecue, received a key to my man’s house, and a key to my future eatery and spa in the city…I would say the rest of my weekend was amazing.”

  “Hold up. Spa in the city?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Wow. That’s big. What’s that all about?”

  “Cain and I are opening an eatery and spa together.”

  Bria pursed her lips and nodded. “Congratulations.”

  I waited a beat. “That’s all?”

  “Was I supposed to say something else?”

  “You usually do.”

  “Not this time, sis. I wish you and Cain all the success in the world.”

  Bria was saying one thing, but her tone said another. I knew my girl. She was biding her time. It was inevitable that she’d have plenty of questions, ones to which I probably wouldn’t have the answers. All she needed to know at the moment was that I pursuing another one of my dreams and wanted her support. I didn’t have room for any drama.

  She and I had come a long way with her acceptance of my relationship with Cain. Not only had Bria been concerned about my dating the competition, she’d been holding onto the idea that I would be her sister-in-law. Not too long ago, I was in a relationship with her twin brother, Bryce. Four years together and my parting gifts were heartache and pain—a lethal combination. While she was trying to help her brother orchestrate a reconciliation, I had moved on. Bryce had cheated, lied and left me because he thought we’d be better off apart. He soon discovered that wasn’t necessarily true; at least for him it wasn’t. He tried to get me back, but I had finally found the resolve to not return to a toxic situation. Being apart from Bryce was the best thing for me. Our separation opened me up to the possibility of starting something new. I wasn’t looking for love, yet it found me anyway.

  Cain came along at the right time and added some spice to my life. Bria protested in the beginning. She thought our dating was a terrible idea. Although she said she objected to my dating the competition, her issues were primarily centered on my rejection of her brother. It took a bit of time for her to accept the reality of our breakup. We fought, we made up and we moved on. Eventually, my most opinionated friend let down her guard and embraced my romance with Cain. Every once in a while she would mention that Bryce asked about me but, out of respect for my wishes, as a rule we didn’t discuss him. It was better that way in order for us to avoid unnecessary disagreements.

  “Thanks, Bria. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I sort of feel the way I did when we were about to open Rituals. I can’t wait for it to happen, but I’m scared because I want it to be so successful.”

  “New York City is a tough nut to crack.”

  “That’s part of my fear. I don’t want my spa to get lost in the multitude.”

  “If I know you, you’ve got a plan. Make it happen.”

  “Just like that, huh?”

  “I don’t need to tell you it’s going to take a lot of hard work. I would think you and Cain have been discussing that.”

  “We have…”

  “Okay. So I’m not sure what else I can say about your apprehension.”

  “I didn’t say I was apprehensive.”

  “Not today, Jade.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I have work to do before the lunch crowd,” she stood up to leave, “and good luck with the new spot.”

  I watched her as she walked out of the office, uncertain how to perceive our exchange. If I wanted clarity, I knew where to find it. I pressed the speaker button on the phone and dialed. A couple of rings and Milan’s voice filled my office. I asked her to meet me at the restaurant for lunch. She agreed to be there by 1 p.m.

  • • •

  I SIPPED ON A GLASS of water and waited while Milan looked through the menu. You would think she hadn’t seen it a thousand times before the way she pored over each page. She placed it on the table and exhaled an exaggerated sigh. “All right, let’s hear it. You didn’t invite me for free lunch for no reason.”

  “You’re always here for free lunch,” I stated matter-of-factly.

  “And dinner, too,” she said, with a laugh. “What’s your point?”

  “I don’t have one. Although, I do have some good news.”

  Milan looked down at my hands. “I don’t see a ring…”

  I waved her off. “Cain and I are moving forward with Genesis.”

  Her smile brightened. “Seriously?”

  “He bought the building in SoHo.”

  “That’s great news. Congratulations!”

  “Thanks, Lan! I had no idea he planned to buy it.”

  “It was a surprise?”

  “He handed me the key to the building for my birthday.”

  “Your man is too much.”

  I giggled like a schoolgirl. “He is, isn’t he?”

  “And you have me to thank.”

  “Not again.”

  “Oh, I will always remind you that I had to force you to give Cain a chance.”

  “You didn’t force me; you not-so-gently prodded.”

  “I still get credit for prodding.”

  “Fine, for the millionth time, I’m grateful. Now please shut up about it.”

  “I’m just making sure you don’t forget—”

  “How can I when you remind me all the time? Talk about beating a dead horse.” My girl made me laugh.

  “Aren’t you the pot calling the kettle black.”

  I had to admit I did the same to her when she got back together with Nolan. I teased her constantly about how she wanted me to stop speaking to him when they broke up. We were all college friends and they started dating years after we graduated. They hit a rough patch and split. Nolan and I remained friends and Milan didn’t like it. I refused to pick sides. I loved them both. Through the power of forgiveness they reconciled and were stronger than ever.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  “I’m not in a hurry. I took the rest of the afternoon off. I want to hear more about this spa.”

  “I don’t have much to share yet. Cain and I have to sit down and discuss our plans. He literally gave me the key on Saturday and that was it.”

  “This is huge, Jade. Your own spa in Manhattan.”

  “With a restaurant.”

  “Is it going to be a Rituals or an Eden?”

  “Neither. It’ll be completely different and new, unique to Genesis.”

  “Well, I can’t wait. Have you told Bria?”

  “This morning. She congratulated me and wished me success.”

  “Was that a good response or a bad one?”

  “You never know with Bria.”

  “Did she know you were planning to start a business with Cain?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Jade…”

  “You know how she can be sometimes. I tell her almost everything, but certain things I don’t share. I didn’t want to deal with the possibility of her starting that old foolishness about me and the competition.”

  “I don’t know, Jade. That doesn’t sound right to me. You two have been friends forever. I’m sure you could have shared your plans with her.”

  “Well, that’s just it. The line between friend and business partner can be a little blurry. My friend may be happy for me, but my business partner may throw a little shade. It’s not always easy working with m
y oldest friend.”

  “Then what’s it going to be like blurring the lines between lovers and business partners?”

  “That’s a good question.”

  “You haven’t given it any thought?”

  “Maybe a little, but Cain and I are different. We don’t have the same tug-of-war issues that Bria and I have at times.”

  “Well, that’s true.”

  “When I think about going into this venture with him, I don’t have any concerns regarding us working together. In fact, I can learn a lot from him. He’s a successful businessman that has a proven track record of profitable enterprises. I’m just hoping I can bring enough to the table.”

  “You’re bringing all the experience you’ve gained from Rituals to the table. Genesis is a new venture for both of you, and it’s going to take both of your skills and knowledge to make it successful.”

  “I’m willing to give one hundred and ten percent to launch this business.”

  “What about Rituals?”

  “I’ll have to divide my time between Rituals and Genesis. Besides, Bria will be here.”

  “That’s exactly why you need to share your plans with her. She’s going to have to shoulder some of your responsibilities while you’re launching Genesis. As your business partner, it’s only fair to keep her in the loop. And, as your friend…”

  “I’ll make it work.”

  “It’s easier said than done. I’m not saying you don’t, but make sure you have Bria’s support.”

  I nodded my agreement. When you seek advice from a friend who happens to be a lawyer, be prepared to be advised. I signaled one of my waiters over to our table to take Milan’s order. The sooner I could get some food in her mouth, the quicker she’d stop running it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CAIN

  The resumes of the two chefs in the running for the job at Eden2 rested beside me on the couch. My assistant had already been tasked with coordinating their residencies. The first chef was scheduled to arrive in two weeks and the second the week after. Both chefs were strong contenders but, ultimately, I wanted my brother’s input. I trusted his opinion more than my own when it came to hiring staff at Eden. The majority of my time was not spent on the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. I was there a couple of days a week. He had his finger on the pulse of everything that went on there.

  I was looking forward to starting a new venture with Jade. Launching new businesses was one of the things that motivated me most in life. Taking an idea and developing it into a lucrative enterprise was a challenge I welcomed. Genesis would be a first for me. My first spa and my first time starting a business with someone I was in a relationship with. I smiled. I had received the exact response I’d been hoping for when I gave Jade the key to Genesis. The surprise on her face was worth the investment. Sure, I wanted to make my lady happy. However, I bought the building because we had a solid idea and Jade was a smart businesswoman. I was confident that together we’d turn Genesis into a premier New York City spa.

  Ironically, prior to opening Eden, I was considering turning the space into a lavish day spa. I was glad that I decided to go in a different direction. There was a void to be filled in the restaurant industry in the area and I had introduced Long Island to something new. Every time I set foot in the restaurant I felt a sense of pride. I knew if my mother were still here, she’d be proud, too. Two of her sons working together and finding fulfillment from it, nothing would have made her happier.

  The doorbell rang, drawing me out of contemplation. I checked my watch. I hadn’t realized it was already seven. I was expecting my boy, Davis, to come by to watch preseason football. I hopped up from the couch and went to the front door to let him in.

  “What’s up, dude?” We exchanged a brotherly hug in the foyer. “Come on in.”

  Davis was one of my oldest friends. I knew him from my days in Brooklyn, before my pops moved my family to Long Island. When we were kids, people used to think we were brothers. Other than our complexions, I didn’t see the resemblance. He was tall like me but that was about it. I guess since we did everything and went everywhere together people assumed we were related. I had two blood brothers, although Davis was damn near close to the real thing.

  “The game start yet?” he asked, as we headed toward the den.

  “No, they’re just pregame commentating. What are you drinking?”

  “I’ll take a beer.”

  “Corona?”

  “You know it. With lime if you have it.”

  “I got you.” I went into the kitchen to get the beer. I came back to the den with a bucket filled with ice and six Coronas with sliced lime wedges popped into the opening of the bottles. I placed the bucket on the coffee table.

  Davis nodded. “Now that’s how you do it.”

  We both grabbed a beer, tapped bottles and took a swig. “How are your Jets looking this year?” I asked.

  “It’s too soon to say, but I think we have a chance.”

  “A chance at what?”

  “Doing better than your Giants, that’s what.”

  I laughed. “Every year you say the same thing and every year your team disappoints.”

  “Not this year. Let’s put a wager on the table.”

  “I don’t want you to lose your money.”

  “You sound scared to me.”

  “You know better. What’s the wager?” I asked.

  “If my team does better in the standings this year, then you have to buy me two season tickets for next season. And if my team does worse, which it won’t, I have to buy you tickets.”

  “Well, let me thank you in advance for my season tickets. You don’t stand a chance of winning this bet.”

  “So you accept?”

  “Absolutely. Good thing you’re a head honcho at Goldman—my tickets won’t put a dent in your pocket.”

  Who said there weren’t successful brothers out there? Davis was a vice president at his investment bank and doing extremely well for himself. Not that he needed me to be, but I was proud of him. He put himself through college, still lived in Brooklyn and was active in his community. He was a dedicated fraternity man and had been trying to recruit me for years. This was a brother that had a mission and was about his business. He worked hard and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

  The Jets won the coin toss and were going to kick off. I let Davis enjoy the first few minutes of the game in silence before I started to deride his team. This was how we watched the games and I expected the same from him during the Giants game next week.

  “You see that?” he said. “They’re looking pretty good.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up. It’s the first game of the preseason. They have plenty of time to choke.”

  Davis shook his head and took another sip of his beer. “So what have you been up to, man? I haven’t seen you in a minute.”

  “When’s the last time we met up?”

  “I saw you when I brought some colleagues to dinner at Eden.”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “And I would’ve seen you after that if you hadn’t canceled your annual barbecue. I still can’t believe you broke tradition.”

  I shrugged. “I needed a break this year.”

  “The fellas and I were talking about that,” he hesitated. “We were trying to figure what would make you cancel an event you had been hosting for years. And the only thing we could think of was the fact that you’re in a relationship now.”

  “So you all think I canceled because of Jade?”

  “Well, she is the biggest change in your life since last year…”

  “That’s true, but my lifestyle is pretty much the same.”

  “I disagree.” Davis put his beer down and used his fingers to tick off his reasons for dissenting. “First, we barely see you these days. We used be able to call you up and have you meet the guys without any advance notice. We’d call and you’d be there. Now we have to make sure we get on your calendar. Second, you want to double date a l
ot of the time. I’m not in a committed relationship, and I don’t necessarily want the ladies I’m seeing to get attached to my friends. We’re just not that serious. And third, you’ve basically put the kibosh on the weekend jaunts with the fellas. Trust me, I understand. I would do the same if I were in your shoes. But you made the comment that your lifestyle is the same and it really isn’t.” He picked up his beer and resumed drinking.

  I rubbed my head and digested what he said. “I hear what you’re saying. Some things have changed since Jade and I became a couple. I do have to manage my time a lot differently. I enjoy spending time with my lady and of course that means I’m not as accessible to my boys. Although I’m not completely off the grid. We still can get together and chop it up. I hope you realize it’s not just me, though. You guys have changed, too. On more than one occasion you assumed that I couldn’t or wouldn’t want to hang with you. I don’t spend every waking minute with Jade. She has her own life and her own friends. We make sure we give each other space and maintain our individuality. And most of the time you all tell me to bring Jade when you invite me to something. I’m not the one pushing for double dates. I’m not trying to force you to make a love connection; I’m managing my own.”

  We both laughed. Davis was my boy, so I wasn’t offended by anything he said. We were having real talk like real men. I appreciated that our friendship allowed us to be honest and share our feelings.

  “You can understand why we thought Jade was the reason you didn’t have the barbecue?”

  “Definitely, but that’s the furthest from the truth. It really is a lot of work, and I had too many things going on with Eden2 in Atlanta to pull together a barbecue. In fact, Jade offered to coordinate it for me, she helped me last year, but I told her no. Don’t worry, next year the barbecue will be back, bigger and better than ever. If there’s one thing you know about me, it’s that I love a celebration.”

  “I don’t want you to ever lose that, brother.”

  We gave each other a knowing look. Davis remembered when. He was one of the few people that saw me at my lowest when my ex-girlfriend miscarried our baby. I was away on business travel and blamed myself for not being there. I was hurt, angry and had completely shut down. It took some time for me to able to celebrate life. I knew better than most that tomorrow was not promised and I did my best to enjoy the life I had.