Chapter 29

𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚢𝚗

“You keep.” I shoved her back hard enough to make her stumble. “pullin’ this weird ass shit every time somethin’ happens!”

Aries caught my wrists gently before I could push her again. Her jaw clenched tight like she was tryna keep herself together. “Londyn, stop.”

“No!” I snatched out her hold so fast my bracelet smacked against my wrist. “You keep shuttin me out every time shit goes left instead of talkin’ to me!”

“Londyn, your dad is—”

“Ion give a fuck about that shit!” I snapped, chuckin’ the bag she bought me straight at her chest.

She caught it easily, setting it down by the dresser with this tired ass sigh that irritated me even more.

“Why can’t you just trust me?” she asked, steppin’ closer.

I laughed. “Trust you? So because I ain’t tell you ’bout Jalen now you actin’ like I killed somebody?”

Her expression dropped instantly. “That’s not what this is.”

“Then what is it?!” I shot back. “‘Cause all you been doin’ is givin me attitude and disappearin’ every time we argue.”

“No, Londyn.” Her jaw flexed. “I’m hurt because youn trust me enough to tell me when somebody is threatenin’ you.”

“I already told you I ain’t wanna dump more shit on you?!”

“It’s my job, Londyn!!” she snapped.

I stepped back, my eyes widening. The way she snapped made me go quiet immediately. ‘Cause she never raised her voice at me.

Ever.

“I’m supposed to protect you,” she said, breathing hard. “How the fuck am I supposed to sleep knowin’ he could hurt you while I’m still here?! While I’m still breathin!”

Aries took a step back, rubbing at her face like she hated that I seen the genuine fear written all over her face. “I can’t do this shit, Londyn…”

My mouth opened but nothing came out. ‘Cause this wasn’t new. Every time something bad happened, Aries got quiet. Pulled into herself like a storm drain swallowing everything whole. Then I’d panic, call the girls, stress, and apologize first even when I was still mad.

But after a while? That cycle start feelin’ like a song played too many damn times. Same verse. Same headache. Yet, this was the first time I ever seen Aries crack in front of me.

Before I could say anything, my dad walked into my room with two tickets in one hand and his earpiece in the other. “You two just loud as hell,” he grumbled.

I wiped under my eye quick before he could peep too much. “What is that?”

“Couples cookin’ class.” He shoved the tickets into my hand like he ain’t even wanna touch them no more. “Take your lil’ girlfriend.”

“Dad—”

“Y’all arguin over dumb shit.” He pointed at Aries without even lookin’ at her. “Fix it.” Then he walked right back out like some irritated security guard on break.

Silence filled the room after the door shut then I looked over at Aries. her expression softened just a little. Just enough to piss me off again. I sucked my teeth and brushed past her toward my closet. “Get out.”

She hesitated for half a second before walking right out. “Aight.”

Soon as the door clicked shut, I pinched the bridge of my nose hard. “This girl got me fucked up,” I muttered under my breath while scanning through hangers.

I took my time on purpose.

If Aries wanted to act all distant, fine. I could be distant too.

But the problem with that was every time I got mad at her, I still ended up thinkin’ about her. While I curled my hair. While I redid my eyeliner twice ’cause my hand slipped from irritation. And while I stood in my closet starin’ at clothes

Eventually, I yanked out a short skirt and my black striped button up, tossing them on the bed.

It was already seven and the class started at ten. Which meant I had exactly three hours to stay mad before I had to sit in a kitchen and pretend I wasn’t ready to fight her with a damn whisk.

𐃯

My phone buzzed twice on the vanity and I ignored it. And by the third time it buzzed, I snatched it up with a huff.

> Aries: We leave in 20.

Another message followed right after.

> Aries: And don’t wear heels.

My face balled up instantly.

Who the hell she think she talkin’ to?

I glanced down at the black heels already strapped onto my feet and grabbed my purse outta pure spite.

“Aries is waiting outside.”

I leaned over to the mirror as I put on my earrings, my eyes glancin’ at my father from the mirror. “She can wait longer.” I mumbled and he raised a brow.

“Okay, fine, I’m going.” I rolled my eyes with a huff as I walked past him. I leaned into him quickly and pecked his cheek before headin’ downstairs and then outside.

Aries leaned against her car with roses in her hand. I drew in a deep breath as I walked toward her. Her eyes lifted the second she heard my heels click. 

They slowly dragged down my body then paused at my heels. I crossed my arms immediately. “Don’t start.”

Aries exhaled through her nose, pushing off the car. “Londyn…”

“You told me not to wear heels like you my daddy or somethin’.”

“You gon’ be standin’ for hours.” she replied calmly. “That’s why.”

I rolled my eyes, brushin’ past her toward the car door. “I’ll suffer beautifully.”

“And you know roses ain’t finna help you, right?” I added and she nodded.

“It’s a start,” she handed them over and I hummed takin’ them in my hand. I slowly brought them up to my nose and sniffed them.

“They cute or whatever…” I murmured, shovin’ the bag she bought me into her abdomen.

She softly smiled then stepped back to open the back car door which had even more flowers.

I stopped dead in my tracks. “Aries.”

“What?” she asked innocently.

“Now you doin too much.”

“Nah.” Her lips twitched while she took the bouquet from me carefully. “I’m actually holdin’ back.”

I rolled my eyes. “Gifts ain’t gonna work this time, Aries. Not even a kiss.”

That made her grin a lil’ before she rested the flowers in the backseat and closed the door. Then she walked around and opened the passenger side for me like she always did.

And irritatingly enough? That gentlewoman shit still worked on me a lil’. But her hand caught my wrist gently before I could get in the car. “Lo.”

I stiffened at the softness in her voice.

“You mad?”

I turned around slowly. “You yelled at me.”

Her jaw tightened immediately. “I know.”

“You went quiet for days.”

“I know.”

“You made me feel like shit.” my voice cracked slightly.

Aries looked down for a second before rubbing her hand over her face. “I wasn’t tryna punish you or nun.” she murmured. “I just…”

She halted then shook her head.

“When I found out you been around him without tellin me?” she continued quietly. “All I could think about was somethin’ happenin’ to you while I’m somewhere else.”

My chest tightened.

“And I know I go quiet.” she admitted with a humorless chuckle. “I know that shit ain’t fair to you. But I don’t know what to do when I feel like I’m failing at protectin’ you.”

I looked away first. “You not failing.” I muttered.

Aries stepped closer carefully this time like she wasn’t sure if I’d let her.

“You still threw a bag at me though.” she added softly.

I sucked my teeth. “And I’ll do it again. Don’t get it twisted.”

She chuckled softly with a shake of her head.

“C’mon.” she murmured. “Before your dad start thinkin’ we still arguin’.” 9

I rolled my eyes then slid into the seat without another word.

Aries closed my door softly before walkin’ over to her side and getting in beside me.

The whole ride was quiet. Music played low through the speakers while the city lights slid across Aries’ face every couple seconds.

Her hand rested on my thigh halfway through the drive, squeezin’ gently every now and then, thumb brushing back and forth like muscle memory.

And I hated that my body reacted instantly. Like girl stand UP!? ‘Cause why was I still mad while simultaneously thinkin’ about her kissing me all over?

It made no sense. Especially lookin’ at her tonight.

She had on this plain white tee stretched tight across her arms and chest, tattoos peeking out from beneath the sleeves like they were tryna get fresh air. And some brown slacks that hung low on her hips, chain and watch glintin’ every time she moved her hand on the wheel.

Too fine for her own good honestly…

I caught myself staring at her side profile longer than I should’ve and quickly looked out the window before she noticed.

𐃯

When we finally made it inside, I realized my father really did the absolute most. The whole cooking class was private.

My dad probably got tired of hearing us argue and decided flour and conversation was the solution.

The chef greeted us warmly and guided us around the kitchen setup, introducin’ herself while handing us welcome cocktails.

I took a couple sips and immediately felt heat creep up my chest. “Yeah, I better not get drunk off this,” I muttered.

Aries looked down at me before smoothly taking the glass from my hand. “Then stop drinkin’ it like it’s juice,” she said softly.

I huffed. “You always tryna monitor somebody.”

“‘Cause somebody don’t know her limits.”

“Whatever.”

She hid a smile behind the rim of her own glass and somehow that annoyed me more than if she laughed outright.

For the next thirty minutes, the chef walked us through everything we’d be making, demonstrating techniques while Aries actually paid attention.

Meanwhile I was clocked out watchin’ the veins in her forearms flex every time she folded her arms.

Very productive of me. Very.

And by the end of the demonstration, the chef clapped her hands together with a bright smile.

“Okay, you two can get started. Everything is already set, so don’t worry.”

I looked down at the cutting board and ingredients before glancing sideways at Aries.

“Just so we clear,” I said, already steppin’ away from the knives, “if I cut my finger, I’m suin’ everybody in this bitch.”

“Alright, Lo.” She chuckled softly with a shake of her head.

The two of us walked over to our station and Aries glanced down at my skirt. “Isn’t that a little too low?” She questioned and I swatted her bicep.

“Stop staring then.” I warned and she pressed herself behind me as I grabbed the fresh vegetables in front of me.

“I can’t help it when you look good as fuck,” she husked near my ear.

A shiver slid straight down my spine traitorously fast.

I ignored it immediately. “You handle the meat,” I pointed toward the cutting board.

Aries hummed behind me before fixing the hem of my skirt lower over my thighs. Then she smacked my ass.

I whipped around so fast my ponytail damn near takin’ flight. “Aries!”

She smirked with zero shame. “What?”

I groaned. “You irritatin’ as hell.”

“And you cute.”

I sucked my teeth hard while she laughed quietly to herself. She picked up the apron, unfolding it before stepping behind me again. “Turn around.”

I slowly turned and she slid the apron over my head, her fingers brushing the back of my neck as she tied it around my waist.

“You smell good.” she murmured and I clenched my jaw.

“You always say that shit.”

“‘Cause it’s true.”

I rolled my eyes, grabbing the knife before she could see the smile tryna creep onto my face. “Cut the onions for me later.” I ordered.

A few minutes later we washed our hands and finally got started cooking for real.

Well. Aries cooked for the most part.

She moved around the kitchen too comfortably, grabbin’ ingredients without thinking, seasoning things by memory, tastin’ sauces with this focused little crease between her brows that made her look even finer than she already did.

Meanwhile I was over there trying not to cut some of the vegetables unevenly.

Honestly, I barely cooked because I never had to. Aries always did it.

But watching her now? Cooking beside her while music played softly through the speakers with flour dusted counters. It made me wanna learn. 

For her…

“Taste this,” I said softly after stirrin’ the sauce again.

Aries turned toward me immediately, her entire expression easing the second she looked at me. I lifted the spoon toward her mouth, my other hand under it automatically so it wouldn’t drip.

She tasted it slowly, then her eyes narrowed. “Needs a lil’ more seasoning.”

I gasped dramatically. “Wow.”

She laughed under her breath. “Baby, it’s bland.”

“Okay, Gordon Ramsay.”

“Don’t disrespect me like that.”

I rolled my eyes but still grabbed the seasoning anyway.

“Who’s making the dessert?” the chef asked as she approached our station.

I pointed directly at Aries without hesitation.

“This looks beautiful,” she said, glancing between the plates and Aries.

Aries nodded politely. “‘Preciate it.”

I folded my arms with a stiff smile. “Yeah, she’s very talented.”

Aries glanced at me from the corner of her eye, already catching the attitude in my voice.

The chef laughed softly before looking at Aries for a second too long.

And suddenly my mood shifted. Real fast.

I looked between them both slowly while Aries kept mixing something in the bowl completely oblivious.

Now hollon. Cause why she smiling like that?

I was already irritated with Aries all damn day. The last thing I needed was Miss Culinary School staring at Aries like she was tonight’s special.

“Do you need help with that, Aries?” the chef asked sweetly.

I smiled immediately. “She good.”

The chef glanced at me before giving this tiny knowing smile and nodding. “Alright then.”

Soon as she walked away far enough, I folded my arms and cut my eyes at Aries. “Get to work.”

Aries looked up at me and started chucklin’ instantly. “is you jealous?”

“No.”

“You lyin’.”

“I’m actually about two seconds from throwin this tomato at your head.”

I grabbed the towel beside me and wiped my hands roughly. “Focus on your lil’ desserts since she like them so much.”

Her lips twitched into a little smile. “Lo…”

“What?” I huffed. “Maybe y’all should exchange numbers too.”

She laughed outright this time, rubbing her jaw as she shook her head. “You jealous over a chef?”

“She was flirting.”

“She was bein’ nice.”

“She was bein’ in your face.” I corrected.

Aries stepped closer, close enough that her chest brushed against my shoulder. “You know what I think?”

“Ion care.” 

“I think you like me obsessed with you.”

My mouth dropped. “Excuse me?”

Her hands settled on my waist gently. “You get all mean when somebody looks at me too long.”

“Because they don’t know boundaries?”

“And you do?” she asked lowly.

My face grew warm immediately because honestly? No. Not when it came to her.

I rolled my eyes instead. “You lucky you fine.”

“That’s the only reason?” she teased.

I sucked my teeth while tryna hide my smile. “Don’t push it. Now finish that lil’ dessert of yours.”

Her grin widened while she went right back to making dessert. And honestly? Watching her cook was becoming a serious distraction despite Miss chef tryna flirt it up with her.

Her arms flexed every couple seconds while whisking ingredients together, tattoos shiftin’ beneath her skin every time she moved. The white shirt stretched against her back whenever she reached for something and I found myself starin’ more than helping.

The alcohol prolly wasn’t helping either.

“Okay, really. That’s enough.” Aries smoothly took my second drink from my hand before I could sip it again.

I frowned instantly. “You act like I’m finna fight somebody.”

“You just might.”

“I absolutely might.”

She chuckled softly, then the room got quiet again.

Aries finally turned toward me with this exhale like she’d been holding something in for hours.

“Is you still mad?” Aries asked.

“I’m still a lil’ irritated.”

“That bad?”

“I’m still on the fact that you yelled at me.” I muttered and she sighed.

“Mama..”

“No, seriously, Aries.” I finally looked over at her. “You never yell at me…”

She nodded once, looking down at the counter. “I really didn’t know how to talk to you without getting angry.”

“Well congratulations,” I huffed. “I got angry anyway.”

“I’m sorry, Lo…”

“I know I gotta stop shutting down on you,” she continued quietly. “That shit don’t help either of us.”

I stayed quiet while she rubbed the back of her neck.

“I just…” She paused, biting the inside of her cheek. “I get scared sometimes. And I got mad ’cause I care too much.”

My chest tightened. “Scared of what..?”

“That one day I won’t be able to protect you.” Her eyes finally met mine. “Even if I lose this job or something changes… I still feel responsible for you.”

I stepped closer slowly. “I get it—”

“No, Lo…” She shook her head softly. “I need you to trust me too. ‘Cause when you hide stuff from me, it makes everything worse.”

The honesty in her voice knocked all the fight outta me that I had built up since this mornin’.

I stared at her for a second before mumbling, “I care too.”

Her eyes softened instantly. “Yeah?”

I rolled my eyes immediately. “Don’t get cute.”

I sighed before hooking my finger through the belt loop of her slacks and tugging her closer. “I’m sorry for snappin’ on you all day,” I admitted softly. “I should’ve told you…”

I tried to stay irritated, I really did, but then she reached over and wiped a streak of flour off my cheek with her thumb.

“You got somethin’ right here,” she said softly.

I swallowed hard, tryna focus on literally anythin’ else. “Stop lookin’ at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like…” I waved my knife around vaguely before realizing I was holding a knife and lowering it. “Like you tryna make me forgive you…”

“I am tryna make you forgive me.” she admitted easily, putting the knife down for me.

Aries’ entire face softened. Her hand slid against my cheek while her other arm wrapped around my waist, pullin’ me against her.

Then she leaned down and kissed my cheek softly before lifting me completely off the floor in the hug.

I squealed immediately. “Aries!”

She laughed against my neck before setting me back down gently like I weighed nothing.

I pulled back just enough to look at her, my fingers slidin’ along her jaw while her hands stayed firm against my waist.

My eyes dropped to her lips as she tilted her head slightly. I leaned closer without even thinking, our lips brushing softly. Warm breath mixing together with the faint scent of alcohol lingering between us.

“I see you two are all done!”

I jerked back so fast I almost got whiplash. The chef stood there clapping her hands together with the brightest smile imaginable.

I stared at her blankly because this woman really had the worst timing in human history.

Beside me, Aries cleared her throat while trying not to laugh.

“No kiss for you, I guess,” she muttered under her breath.

I elbowed her immediately. “Shut the hell up.”

She snickered then glanced over to the chef once she stepped forward.

“Last thing to do is set the table and enjoy your meal,” the chef explained before guiding us over to the dining area.

The setup was honestly ridiculous. Candles, dim lighting, soft music.

Every time Aries reached around me for something, her chest brushed my shoulder. Every time I moved, I felt her hand settle on my waist like she couldn’t help herself.

At one point I reached up for the last bit of seasoning on the higher shelf and Aries’ hand slid against my waist to steady me.

I froze and suddenly our eyes locked and the room felt way too warm.

“Aries,” I warned quietly.

“What?” she said innocently, but her hand still rested there.

“You know what.”

Her gaze dropped to my lips for half a second before she stepped back with a quiet sigh. “My fault.”

I looked away quickly, tryna ignore how disappointed I felt at the same time.

I huffed and grabbed the plate we finished decorating. “Well, at least we ain’t burn the food.”

Aries stepped closer behind me again, one hand sliding onto the counter beside mine. “Proud of us.”

“You just cut the onions.” I joked.

“And looked good doin’ it.” she replied smoothly.

I sucked my teeth loudly. “You flirt too much.”

“Is it working?”

“Unfortunately.” I sighed as we carried everything over together, settin’ the plates down before sitting beside each other instead of across.

I twirled my fork around the pasta before holding some up toward her mouth. “I should start cooking for you.”

Aries looked at me while takin’ the bite, brows lifting slightly as she chewed. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.”

‘Cause seeing her relax tonight felt… nice. Too nice honestly. The type of nice that made my chest warm in an annoying ass way.

That shit is giving wifey material. Ain’t nobody ever received that from me.

“Open.” she said softly, holding the fork up for me.

I narrowed my eyes. “What if it’s nasty?”

“Then lie to me lovingly.”

I chuckled before leaning forward and taking a bite. My eyes widened almost instantly. “Wait…” I pointed at her with the fork. “This actually good as hell.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “‘Cause I helped.”

“Don’t do that. I seasoned the sauce.”

“After I told you it was bland.”

I cut my eyes at her while she grinned into her drink.

I took another bite before pointing the fork at her again. “You cook for another girl and I’m fighting you.”

Aries leaned back in her chair slowly, watching me over the rim of her glass. “Another girl?”

Shit.

I tried to recover quickly. “You know what I mean.”

“No, explain it.” She smirked. “Sounded a lil’ possessive.”

I rolled my eyes hard as hell. “You annoying.”

“You cute when you jealous.”

“And you talk too much.”

For a second everything felt normal again, then I remembered what week it was. “Also…” I started quietly.

Aries hummed, already paying attention.

“I’m gon’ be busy this week.”

“With the girls?”

I nodded slowly, tracing circles against the rim of my glass. “Part of it is a goodbye to your lil’ girlfriend Essence.”

Aries groaned instantly. “Lo.”

“Whattt?” I shrugged innocently. “That’s your lil’ friend.”

“That is not my girlfriend.”

“Mhm. Right.”

She leaned over and kissed my temple softly before leanin’ back into her seat. “Just be careful and don’t do nothin’ stupid.”

I laughed under my breath, twirling my fork again while avoiding eye contact.

“Right.”

Because me, the girls, alcohol, and a goodbye party sounded like the beginning of a very peaceful decision.

Absolutely nothing could go wrong there…

I stabbed at another piece of food with my fork, trying my best to ignore the way that little temple kiss made my stomach fold.

“Why you say it like that?” she questioned softly. “That ‘right’ sounded suspicious.”

I shrugged, taking another sip of my drink. “It’s Essence. Trouble follows her around like a damn perfume.”

Aries chuckled under her breath, shakin’ her head. “And somehow you still end up involved.”

“Against my will.” I corrected quickly and she gave me a look that screamed liar.

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, maybe sometimes willingly…”

“Mm.” She leaned closer, resting her elbow against the table as she looked at me. “That’s what worries me.”

I frowned. “You think I can’t handle myself?”

“No,” she said. “I think you act first and think later.”

“Well damn.” I muttered and she laughed softly.

Her hand slid onto my thigh under the table absentmindedly, thumb rubbin’ once against my skin through my skirt. The movement completely derailed my train of thought.

Like…fully.

I blinked at her slowly. “You really gotta stop touchin’ me like that.”

Her brows lifted innocently. “Like what?”

“Like that.” I pointed down at her hand on my thigh. “Like you tryna fuck me.”

The second the words left my mouth, I wished I could snatch them back and throw them into on-going traffic.

Aries froze too, her eyes darkening.

“What if I am?” she asked lowly.

My face burned hot. “Shut up.”

Her thumb pressed into my thigh once more and I nearly dropped my fork.

“Aries.” I warned quietly.

She leaned closer until her voice brushed right against my ear. “You been drivin’ me crazy all night in this skirt.”

My breath hitched. “You actin’ real bold for somebody that was just apologizin’ thirty minutes ago.”

“And?” she murmured. “I can multitask.”

I turned my head toward her slowly and our faces ended up way too close again. Every single time we got near each other now it felt heavy and intense.

Her eyes dropped to my lips. Mine dropped to hers right after.

Then her phone buzzed against the table loudly and we both pulled back with irritation.

Aries groaned, checking the screen before sighing. “It’s your dad.”

“Of course it is.” I slumped back in my seat with a huff.

She answered while I picked at my food, trying not to stare at the veins in her hand when she held the phone.

“Yes, sir… Yeah, we’re finishing up now.” She paused before side-eyeing me slightly. “No, she hasn’t burned the buildin’ down.”

My jaw dropped.

She laughed quietly when I kicked her shin under the table. “Aight. We’ll head back soon.”

She hung up and set the phone down before glancing at me again.

“What?” I huffed.

“You’re poutin’.”

“I was having a moment.”

“With me?” she teased.

I pointed my fork at her immediately. “Don’t start gettin’ cocky just because I like you a lil’ bit.”

Her entire expression softened at that. “A lil bit?” she repeated quietly.

“Maybe a lot.” I murmured.