Rituals for Love

CHAPTER ONE

CAIN

The flight attendant approached with another scotch and soda. She leaned over and placed it on my tray, lingering a little too long. I looked at my watch for the third time in as many minutes. My flight out of Atlanta was delayed. No word on when we’d be leaving the gate. I fingered my cell phone, contemplating whether or not to call Jade. She’d be pissed. Her birthday party was starting in ninety minutes, and there I was stuck on a plane.

The pilot announced, yet again, that we would be taking off momentarily. His definition of momentarily did not sync with my own. An hour had passed since I boarded the plane; his promises of a swift takeoff, unfulfilled. Thankfully, I was sitting in first-class and not crammed into coach. My six-foot frame didn’t fare well in the smaller seats. The gentleman next to me was quietly snoring, having fallen asleep within minutes of taking his seat. I unlocked my phone and prepared to call Jade to tell her the last thing she would want to hear. I scrolled through my address book for Jade’s name and then something wonderful happened. The plane started to back away from the gate. My prayers had been answered. I exhaled audibly and powered off my phone. I’d be late, but I was finally on my way.

Jade had been my lady for the past year. We had known each other for quite some time before we started dating. She was one of my biggest competitors when we met. In fact, she still held the distinction. We’re restaurateurs. Our establishments are two of the most popular places to dine in Long Island. Jade owns Rituals and I’m the proud proprietor of Eden.

I hadn’t done too bad for myself for a little black boy from Brooklyn. In addition to Eden, I owned a technology company, a few franchises, and had an extremely lucrative career in real estate. No, I hadn’t done bad at all. Growing up, I had been taught that hard work pays off. I lived by those words and they hadn’t failed me yet. My pops drilled it into me that if I worked hard enough, I could have whatever I desired in life. He was right. I had gratifying careers, homes in New York and Atlanta, and a woman I loved. What else could a man want or need?

The pilot assured us that we would be taking off in two minutes. I checked that my seatbelt was fastened and finally relaxed. I should have called Jade to tell her I was running late, but I didn’t want to upset her on her special day. If we actually took off within the next couple of minutes, I’d only be an hour and fifteen minutes late. Only. Jade certainly would not consider being over an hour late for her birthday party as only an hour. Especially since she asked me to return to New York the day before in order to prevent this exact situation from happening. I shook my head. I should have listened to her.

I was hoping that she’d be preoccupied with last-minute arrangements, or having a celebratory drink with her girls, and not notice that I didn’t get myself there on time. I’d have to head straight to Rituals for the party. No going home to shower and change. As soon as we landed, I’d jet through the airport and meet my car service at the curb at arrivals. Only then would I give Jade a call—once I was in the car and on my way. That would be a much better time to do any explaining, rather than while I was sitting at the gate on a plane in Atlanta.

We were finally in the air and the flight attendant returned to deliver a fresh drink. She had taken my last untouched one before we took off. She touched my shoulder and smiled as she handed me the amber liquid. I politely thanked her and took a swig. I think she thought I was going to say something more. She stood over me, still smiling, with an expectant look in her eyes. I nodded and thanked her again. She turned and went back to the galley. I knew that smile well. It was an invitation. An invitation I had received many times over the years. Too many times to count, in fact. It was an invitation that would go unopened and returned to sender. Jade was the only woman to whose inviting smile I responded.

I loved that woman. Loved her in ways that surprised me, even after a year. Jade wasn’t the first woman I had ever loved, but I could see her being the last. She was the type of woman that you’d give your last name. Smart. Savvy. Sexy. A good girl, but bad when it counted. Beautiful inside and out. She wasn’t perfect, but she was perfect for me. When we first started dating, her knucklehead ex-boyfriend was hanging around, having a hard time understanding it was over. It took a major conflict on the island of Antigua for him to finally get it; but that’s ancient history now and Jade is my woman.

I smiled to myself. I had been in Atlanta for a week interviewing chefs for my newest restaurant, and I missed my lady. I was looking forward to celebrating with my baby; however, I was more excited to get to our own private after-party. I glanced at my watch. Damn. I would’ve been on time if my flight hadn’t been delayed. No, I knew better. I had no one to blame except myself. Airlines were unpredictable. I’d been flying long enough to know that. I should’ve given myself more of a buffer instead of scheduling my departure with only a few hours to spare before the party.

I reclined back in my seat and stared at the one in front of me. No matter how fast the plane traveled, it wouldn’t be fast enough. I closed my eyes and prayed for very little turbulence.

CHAPTER TWO

JADE

I twirled in the mirror. The knee-length, ruched dress fit perfectly, but the color was off. I wasn’t feeling it. When I bought the dress, I thought it would be a nice touch—Jade wearing jade. Staring at myself in the mirror, I realized that green was not my best color. That was the third time I had tried it on. For some reason, I kept hoping it would look better. I slipped out of the dress and tossed it back onto the growing pile on the chaise lounge in my bedroom. I had half an hour to pull it together before I was due to leave the house. I sat on the edge of the bed in my bra and panties and ran my fingers through my hair. I was going to be late. I had plenty of outfits that I could wear, but I needed something special. It was my birthday and there was no way that I’d show up to my own party looking less than spectacular.

I had assured both of my girls that I didn’t require any assistance getting ready for the evening. I promised to arrive on time and that I’d let them do all of the work. I was instructed to simply enjoy myself. Any details involving the staff, food, music or guests, were to be left to them. They didn’t have anything to worry about from me. I was ready to drink and party. Nothing more, nothing less. However, I could’ve used a bit of help getting ready. I checked the clock on my nightstand. It was too late to call in back-up. Bria and Milan were most definitely already at Rituals. I didn’t know where Cain could possibly be. He was supposed to call me when he landed and I had yet to hear from him. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. Maybe he was late or maybe he was out buying me a gift. Who knew? Either way, I didn’t have time to dwell on his whereabouts. I marched myself back into my walk-in closet, determined to find my look for the night. I pushed hangers to the left and right, tugged outfits off the rack, and held them up to get a better view. I scoured every inch of each rack and then I saw it. I had almost forgotten about that dress. I had only worn it once. Short. Ivory. Tight. Sleeveless. Straps that crisscrossed over the chest. It was sensual. Just the look I wanted to achieve.

I emerged victorious from the closet and took a seat at my vanity to assess my hair. I was planning to wear it down in loose curls, but letting it hang over my shoulders would take away from the revealing crisscrossing of the dress. I grabbed my brush, quickly pulled my hair up and styled a top knot. A spritz of finishing spray, a final smooth with the brush and not a hair out of place. I expertly applied a smoky eye and matte red lipstick. I rifled through my jewelry box and extracted a pair of long dangle earrings with plenty of bling. I held them next to my ears and smiled. I liked—no, loved—what I saw.

The past year had brought many changes to my life. The restaurant that I owned with my best friend was thriving. We made the decision to expand and it was the best thing we could have ever done. It was filled day and night just as we had always dreamed it would be. And then there was Cain. A man I almost counted out because of inaccurate preconceived notions about who I thought he was. Cain came into my life and changed my outlook on love. He helped me to entrust my heart to someone after it had been so poorly taken care of in the past. He was smart, patient, caring, generous and so damn sexy. Cain was contentment.

Cain and I dove head first into our relationship. We absolutely did not take it slow. I chuckled to myself at the memory of our courtship, if you could call it that. We had known each other for over two years, and he wasn’t on my radar. I had been in a relationship with someone else and newly single when Cain and I went on our first date. By our second date, I was in his hot tub in my underwear. He had that effect on me. Fast forward a year later, the thought of him still warmed me from the inside out. I loved him and what he represented in my life. Cain was all man. He knew how to be a man and the way to treat a woman. Not just me but all women. His respect for women was evident by his interactions with them—old, young and everything in between. He’d open doors, delight you with a compliment, and make you aware of your femininity. With Cain, chivalry was alive and well. He once told me that his mother was looking down on him from heaven and he wanted her to see the man he had become. I was proud to be able to call him my man. He was a good one and I wasn’t letting him go.

I reached for my perfume and dabbed it on my wrists, behind my earlobes and trailed a bit in my cleavage. It was time to get dressed. I slipped out of my bra—I didn’t need it—and into my dress. I grabbed my heels and purse and then regarded myself one last time in the mirror. Flawless.

CHAPTER THREE

JADE

Row after row, cars filled nearly every parking space at Rituals. I pulled into my reserved spot next to Bria’s SUV. I was late, but not as late as I thought I’d be. I stepped out of my car and smoothed my dress down. It wasn’t a surprise party so, thankfully, I didn’t need to feign shock. I was a terrible actress. All I had to do was get inside, greet my guests, and have a great time. Bria and Milan convinced me to have a party. I wasn’t fond of making a big deal of my birthday. I loved to plan parties for others but, for myself, I preferred a more low-key approach. Drinks with my closest friends. A quiet dinner with family. Definitely not the production I was about to walk into inside Rituals. I provided Bria with my guest list, which had only thirty or so people on it, and she got carried away with the rest. She saw my party as an opportunity to network with our distributors, radio executives, and anyone else she saw as a potential partner for building our brand. I didn’t mind. As long as the people I cared about were in attendance, it would be a fabulous night.

I approached the front doors and could hear the music from inside. Before I could step across the threshold, Bria was pulling me into the main dining room.

First, she quickly fired, you look amazing. Second, you’re late.

Thank you. I pulled my arm from her grasp. And let go.

Oh, the diva has entered the building. Bria laughed. I hope you’re ready to party tonight.

I surveyed the dining room. It’s a little light this evening.

You aren’t here to work, Jade.

I know. I’m just making an observation.

I told you I had tonight covered. The restaurant was packed earlier. We stopped taking reservations at seven. These remaining tables will be empty within the hour. You need to be concerned about your party. The lounge is filled with people here to celebrate you. And, as I already said, you’re late.

Isn’t the birthday girl allowed to make an entrance?

I told you to be here no later than nine-fifteen and you come sashaying in the door forty-five minutes late.

No one arrives to their own party on time.

Bria shook her head. I should have known we couldn’t trust you to do the right thing.

I laughed. Please don’t spend the entire night talking about my lateness. I’m here now, so let’s turn up.

Turn up? Bria nodded. That’s what I want to hear.

We headed into the lounge and, right on cue, the deejay announced that I had arrived. I was immediately surrounded. I spoke to everyone, hugged some, shook hands with others, all while trying to make it over to my table. One of our liquor suppliers had draped an arm across my shoulders and started to tell me all about a new flavored vodka we needed to stock in our bar. He brought a case with him, for my birthday he claimed, and wouldn’t let me go unless I promised to take a shot with him later. Just as I was about to pry myself from his grip, Milan walked up and whisked me away.

Happy Birthday, Jade! She snatched me into a hug.

Thank you, I said, pulling away. You have perfect timing.

I was at the table and saw the look on your face. Who was that?

A fast-talking, vodka-selling, space-invading piece of work.

Sounds like you can use a drink.

In a minute. I have to speak to a few more people.

Your brother and cousin are at the bar, and Nolan and Ernest are at the table.

Where’s Cain?

I haven’t seen him. I thought you were coming together.

He was supposed to meet me here. My eyes scanned the room.

Milan pointed toward the entrance. Wait, is that him coming in? She started waving him over before I had a chance to reply. I’ll be at the table and your first drink will be waiting for you.

I haven’t decided what I’m drinking yet.

We have a signature cocktail for the night called the Jade Lady.

I think I’ll keep it simple with champagne.

No, you won’t. We created this cocktail just for you.

I scrunched my nose. I can’t wait to try it. I’ll be over as soon as I finish my rounds.

Milan weaved her way back through the crowd while six feet three inches of chocolate goodness approached me. He reached for me and my hand instinctively went to the back of his head. Our lips met as our bodies touched, his arm firmly holding me to him. I could feel him smiling as he kissed me. I tilted my head back and looked up at his face.

Happy birthday, beautiful.

Thank you.

He grasped my hands. I’m sorry I’m late.

Let me guess. Your flight was delayed.

Yes, it was.

I seem to remember someone suggesting that you return yesterday, I said,with a smirk.

I think it was your cocky sidekick who said that.

I playfully tugged my hand away. She’s a smart woman.

One of the many reasons I love her.

And she loves you.

Are you enjoying your party?

I haven’t been here long. I was in the midst of greeting my guests before you arrived.

All right, I’ll go grab a drink. By the way, he leaned down to whisper in my ear, you are absolutely ravishing.

I pecked him on the cheek and continued with my hellos. I couldn’t believe how many people had come out to celebrate my birthday. I wasn’t sure I even knew everyone that was there. I’d have to ask Bria and Milan who some of the people were.

The deejay was spinning, hors d’oeuvres were being passed, and people were being social. I had finished working the room and went to speak to my brother, Terrence, and cousin, Fitz, at the bar. I came up behind them and interrupted their conversation. You two clean up nicely.

Happy Birthday, little sis.

Hey, cousin. Happy Birthday.

I hugged them at the same time, one arm around each of them. Thanks, guys.

You’ve got a nice turnout, Terrence commented.

Leave it to Bria, I said. I don’t even know some of these folks.

You’re not supposed to know every single person, Fitz replied. That’s part of the appeal of going to a party. Meeting new people.

Spoken like a consummate bachelor, I said.

Terrence laughed.

You’re laughing? A brother gets engaged and forgets that he used to be king of all bachelors. It wasn’t long ago that you were in my shoes.

It’s been long enough.

Where is Dru? I asked. Dru was my brother’s fiancée.

She’s out of town at a conference.

Dru had turned my brother’s life upside down, in a good way. Older than me by two years, for as long as I could remember Terrence would not settle down. He loved women and enjoyed the single life thoroughly. Until Dru. She was a psychiatrist with her own practice. As sweet as she was intelligent, she was good for my brother. It didn’t hurt that she had the tools to know what type of person she was dealing with.

I’m sorry she couldn’t make it, I said. Let’s make plans for the four of us to get together when she returns.

Your mother wants us to come for Sunday dinner soon.

I see how this works. The two of you are just going to exclude me from plans now, Fitz chimed in. I never thought I’d see the day when my two favorite cousins would discriminate against me just because I’m single. Fitz stood up. Let me patrol the room and find someone I can bring to Sunday dinner. He walked off chuckling.

I shook my head. As if he needs a reason to prowl for women.

Sit down for a second.

I took Fitz’s abandoned chair at the bar. Is everything all right?

He nodded. Can’t I have a moment with my sister?

I smiled. Of course. I remembered the days growing up when we’d have one-on-one conversations about any and everything. From our made-up games to building tents in our bedrooms on a rainy Saturday, Terrence and I were the best of friends. He always had my back and I his. And though we remained close, with our individual lives flourishing, we didn’t get to spend as much quality time with each other. He was running our father’s architecture firm and I had Rituals. He had Dru and I had Cain. We were busy with our careers and personal lives. When the span between family visits became too long, our mother would corral us together for a family dinner. She was not going to let her family grow apart. In fact, I’d be expecting a Sunday dinner summons from her in a matter of days.

I saw Cain a few minutes ago.

I know he just got here…late.

He’s a good dude, Jade. I hope you didn’t give him a hard time.

Now why would you think I gave him a hard time?

Because I know you.

It’s my birthday. I was responsible to get myself here, which I did, and have a good time—which I’m about to do right now. I am not about to worry about anything else.

Uh-huh. I guess that’s why you mentioned it.

I cupped my ear and inched closer. I can’t hear you.

You heard me. Terrence chuckled. Go enjoy your party.

I hugged him. I’ll see you a bit later.

I left my brother at the bar and went to join the others at our table. I had to do better when it came to spending time with him. I never wanted to lose the closeness that we shared and yet I felt it slipping away.

CHAPTER FOUR

CAIN

Jade hugged Nolan and Ernest, chattering away as she sat next to me on the sofa. She was in her element, amongst a bevy of friends that cared for her beyond measure. I watched her as she spoke with a lighthearted passion that shone through her words. People were drawn to her and I knew that from personal experience. Whether it was a casual conversation during a chance encounter or a lifelong friendship that began during childhood, her energy slipped a lasso around you. The next thing you knew, you’d be tethered to her, temporarily or permanently, in one way or another.

An assortment of spirits cluttered our table. Milan passed Jade a cocktail and saluted her best friend, setting off a round of toasts from everyone in our felicitous group. After five consecutive toasts, glasses were empty but quickly refilled. I stroked Jade’s back, gazing into her eyes. In that moment, I tuned out everyone and everything and let her lasso tighten around me.

Milan cleared her throat before dragging Nolan off to dance. Bria announced she and Ernest would be checking on things in the kitchen.

Jade broke eye contact and watched her friends flee. What did they say?

I missed you.

That is not what they said.

You’re coming home with me tonight, right?

I don’t know if I know you well enough to go home with you.

I have something special waiting for you.

I bet I can guess what it is. Is it with you right now?

Can you be serious?

I’m sorry, she said, giggling. The Jade Lady is stronger than I thought.

I kissed her forehead. When Jade got tipsy, she got silly. I knew by the end of the night she wouldn’t be in any condition to be behind the wheel. I’d drive her back