An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 16 - Un Poco Loco

Jade clutched her chest with a wide smile. "She's really the sweetest angel baby there is." Jenna nodded. "James and I stayed up until 3 am just talking about everything that's happened and it was so effortless and fun."

Jade wiggled her eyebrows. "Where do you want to go from here and were there any kisses exchanged during this late night talk?" Jenna laughed at her between bites. "Kisses were exchanged," Jenna spoke up after making Jade wait in anticipation while taking a sip of her lemon water.

"They were so explosive, Gem. I've been with various types of guys but James is just..." Jade smiled widely at the lovesick expression on her best friend's face. "He's the bees' knees, huh?" Jenna nodded happily.

"Our first date is still set for Friday night. He's taking me to Showboat Drive-In. I knew he was nervous about telling me what he had planned. He was stalling when I asked and then started saying he was sure I was used to fancier things." Jenna shook her head. "What did you tell him?" Jade asked.

"I told him that I'd never been to Showboat. I told him that any date night he plans for us would be great because I'd be with him and that's all I care about." Jenna looked at Jade with a soft smile.

"I really do like him, Jade. We have this rapport that's so graceful and fun but most importantly it's real. Then there's Layla. I just...I'm so freaking happy and I have you to thank. Your new love 'em on sight approach to life has rubbed off on me."

Jade pulled her best friend into a hug. "You deserve it, Red. You deserve every good thing." Jenna smiled as she squeezed her. "Papa Melnik excited to have a granddaughter?"

Jenna rolled her eyes. "That fool bought her a pony an hour after I told him about her." Jade laughed loudly. "We're going to the farm to see him Sunday early afternoon if you and Jason want to come with."

Jade nodded her head. "I'd love that. I miss Papa Melnik and I'm sure he's pissed at me for not bringing Jason by yet." Jenna nodded. "Yeah, we'll make a family trip of it." Jenna smiled as she cleared their dishes. "So, are your fine ass cousins in town?" Jenna groaned loading the dishwasher.

"Jade, must I remind you that you're married now?" Jade sucked her teeth. "I know but Jenna they're so damn fine! Those boys can get it any time." Jenna rolled her eyes as her best friend lusted over her two older cousins in Austin. "I'll be sure to tell Jason about your wild, wild thoughts."

"What thoughts?" Jason said walking in with James. Jade sat up straighter. "No thoughts. Nothing at all." Jenna snickered at her. "What are you doing back so early?" Jason tried kissing her lips, but Jade pulled back and pointed at Jenna and James who were in a sweet embrace. They exchanged a soft kiss that had Jade squealing.

"You two are so cutesy, I can't stand it. I also want payment for my genius behind setting you two up." James rolled his eyes. "Having Layla as your niece is payment enough." Jade thought on it but nodded. "You right." Jenna chuckled at her. "Today was an early day so we were thinking after you make dinner for the family, we just relax by the pool."

Jade liked the sound of that and nodded. "Do you know what you're making for dinner?" James asked like the crack fiend he was. Jenna laughed at him. "You're already hooked on her cooking and you haven't even tasted her best dishes yet."

Jason looked at his wife. "What are your best dishes?" Jade smiled at him. "Nigerian dishes. It's where my mother was from, but you pale people couldn't handle it."

Jenna sucked her teeth. "Bitch, I eat pounded yam and egusi like I'm from Imo State. You better ask about me." Jade laughed out loud at her best friend who was well versed in Nigerian dishes and most importantly the spices.