Page 3 of Eat Slay Love

Chapter one

The Queen Arrives

Rae

"Girl, enjoy your date tonight, and I hope you get lucky—with yourself!" My bestie, Laila teased. As always her laughter was contagious, lighting up the other end of the phone and reaching across the distance between us.

“I’m most definitely going to be lucky with myself tonight.”

“I know that’s right, Rae. That picture you sent me.” She whistled. “Girl, you are looking GOOD! You got to post it on the Gram. Hell, post it everywhere—Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn.”

“Not LinkedIn though!”

“Let these men know you’re a full-course meal, not some microwave dinner.”

“But LinkedIn?” Chuckling, I stepped out of the elevator into the Four Seasons’ lobby.

My six-inch heels clicked sharply against the polished marble floor.

“You put it on LinkedIn and some hot CEO might creep into your DMs trying to give you a position .” She laughed. “And the position is not a job, baby. It’s your legs up in the air, girl!”

Keeping the phone to my ear, I did my best to keep my chuckling down, but I knew I looked a hot cackling mess as I breezed past the concierge desk.

The Four Seasons’ lobby was a masterpiece of extravagance—towering columns, dangling chandeliers, plush velvet chairs in deep jewel tones, and massive floral arrangements in every corner.

The scent of fresh roses and lilies filled the entire building.

Everything about this space screamed indulgence, and for once, I felt like I belonged here.

Not because I was here for work.

No.

This moment was mine.

The high-level suite I’d splurged on?

Mine.

The black fur coat that gave me a very classic Hollywood look.

Mine.

The shimmering hot pink gown that hugged every curve—hips, thighs, belly, bust—like a second skin?

Mine.

The confidence simmering in my chest?

All mine.

Laila pulled my attention back to her. "Promise me you'll have the time of your life tonight."

“I promise.”

“No matter how the night goes, okay? Remember, you're a queen."

“I am a queen.” I strode forward.

Heads turned as I moved through the lobby—men and women alike. Some glanced discreetly, their gazes darting to me and then away, while others lingered, openly watching.

I couldn’t tell if their attention was because I looked fucking amazing tonight or because they weren’t used to seeing a plus-sized woman unapologetically owning her space in a shimmering, bright pink gown that was anything but subtle.

In fact, a lesser version of me might have shrunken under their gaze, might have smoothed her hands over her hips or tugged at the hem of her dress in an effort to disappear.

But tonight?

Tonight, I was done with hiding.

Done with blending into the background.

Done with playing small to make other people feel comfortable.

BBW women were always told to wear black. Always encouraged to hide their bodies in shapeless, flattering silhouettes that promised invisibility.

The world didn’t want us to stand out—not too much, not like this.

But tonight, I was saying to hell with all of that.

You are worthy. You are deserving. You are goddamn beautiful.

I made those words my mantra, repeating them from the moment I left the movie set, throughout the entire plane ride, and even as I unpacked and got ready in New York.

I didn’t just let them float through my mind—I clung to them like a lifeline, letting them echo in every corner of my thoughts.

Over and over, they looped: You are worthy. You are deserving. You are enough.

And then something shifted.

For the first time in a long time, I felt those words take root deep within me, anchoring themselves in places I hadn’t realized were still hollow.

I wasn’t just repeating them to convince myself anymore.

I wasn’t just hoping they’d stick.

I believed them.

Every single word.

I said them until they began to drown out the noise of my self-doubt. Until they weren’t just words but truths I carried with me everywhere I went.

My bestie brought me back to the phone conversation. “You’ve got this, Rae.”

I could feel the warmth of Laila’s encouragement wrapping around me like a shield.

I smiled. “Laila?”

“Yes.”

“What the hell would I do without you?”

“Girl, you would do what anyone would do when they’ve lost me, lay in a fetal position in some corner and cry.”

I laughed. “Well. . .I’m so thankful for you. I love you, girl.”

“And I love you more.”

I continued toward the entrance. “Now when are you going to send me a sexy picture of you in that red dress?”

“I haven’t squeezed into it yet.”

“Why not?”

“I’m enjoying my ability to breathe for as long as I can.”

I smirked. “It is not that bad.”

“I should have went a size up, but such is life. I’m wearing that damn dress, even if it burst open on the sides by the end of the night.”

I chuckled. “Bring your fur to cover it up.”

“You know I will.”

“What do you think Jerry has planned for you tonight for Valentine’s?”

“That bastard didn’t plan anything.” She huffed, a blend of irritation and humor in her voice. “I reserved it all. He better be on his best behavior too, or I swear, I’m taking a page out of your book next Valentine’s Day and taking myself out instead.”

“Hey, don’t you talk bad about Jerry.” The grin on my face softened into something warmer.

Laila let out a dramatic sigh. “Alright, alright. I won’t throw him under the bus entirely. He has been pulling his weight, especially with the twins.”

“Yep.” I slowed my stride as I reached the entrance of the Four Seasons.

The doorman smiled warmly at me and held open the door.

As I stepped outside, the cool Manhattan air kissed my skin.

I returned to my conversation with my bestie. “You’re doing amazing as a new mom, Laila. Seriously, to me you’re a superhero.”

“And what are superheroes without a sidekick?” Laila quipped, though her voice had relaxed, and I could hear the affection underneath the joke.

“Jerry’s been my sidekick for sure. He works all day in that dentist office, dealing with people’s raggedy ass teeth to only come home and stay up with the babies all night so I can get at least a couple of hours of sleep.

He’s running on fumes, but he’s still doing it. ”

My heart warmed. “That’s love, Laila. Real love. He gets it.”

“True.” Her tone grew thoughtful. “It’s funny because sometimes I feel guilty, like I should be the one staying up all night since I’m home during the day.

But he always tells me, ‘Laila, your job is keeping this house running and making sure the kids are happy and healthy. That’s not just important—it’s everything . ’”

“Le sigh.” A soft ache bloomed in my chest. “This is why. . .not too much on Jerry. I told him he could call me anytime if you’re bothering him, and I’ll come down there and beat you up.”

“And he likes to threaten me with you too.”

“You better act right. That’s big bro.” And then I saw it.

Pulling up to the front of the hotel was my ride for the evening—a sleek, jet-black Rolls-Royce Phantom.

You are worthy. You are deserving.

It looked more like a work of art than a vehicle. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament was perched proudly at the front.

The chauffeur stepped out, unfolding his tall, lean frame from the front seat with the kind of effortless grace that could stop traffic. His crisp black suit hugged his broad shoulders and tapered perfectly down his athletic build, every inch of him dripped with sex.

His dark brown skin gleamed with a healthy sheen like he’d been kissed by the sun and polished by the gods.

A neatly groomed beard framed his strong jawline, perfectly accentuating high cheekbones and a mouth that looked like it could charm the soul out of anyone.

Mmmhmm.

And those eyes—deep, dark, brown, and endlessly captivating—held a glint of something playful beneath the professionalism.

He looked my way, and I almost melted right there.

“Girl.” Grinning, I lowered my voice. “My ride is here and the driver is finneeee.”

“Now that’s a good sign for the theme of the evening.” She snapped her fingers on the other end. “May every man you see look like he’s sculpted from God.”

“Amen.” I strolled over.

He gave me a panty-wetting smile, and his voice rolled out low and smooth, like honey warmed over a fire. “Good evening, Ms. Harris. I’m Dalvin. I’ll be your driver for this evening.”

The way he said it made the simple greeting sound almost sinful, like he could turn this holiday into something far more intriguing.

I nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

With a practiced efficiency, he moved to open the back door for me, bowing slightly as he gestured for me to enter.

I spoke into the phone, “Alright, missy. Have fun tonight.”

“I will, but you better send me a picture of this fine ass chauffer.”

I climbed into the back of the Phantom. “Girl, how am I supposed to do that?”

“A proper lady finds a way.”

“Girl, I am getting off this phone.”

He closed the door.

“Wait, Rae. Don’t forget to post that picture on LinkedIn like I said. You never know—some tech billionaire could see it and slide into your DMs, offering to fly you to his private island.”

“Oh my God.” I chuckled. “Bye, Laila.”

“Post the picture, Rae! I’m serious!” Laila’s laughter was the last thing I heard before the call ended.

She is too crazy.

I scanned the space.

The interior of the car was nothing short of a dream. The seats were upholstered in the softest black leather. Ambient lighting glowed from hidden fixtures. There was even a starry ceiling of tiny pinpoints of LED light twinkling overhead like the night sky.

I leaned back into the plush seat.

The chauffeur, Dalvin slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Is the temperature to your liking, Ms. Harris?”

“It is perfect.”

“Would you care for some music?”

“That sounds great.” Smiling, I turned to the right and caught my reflection in the window.

For a second, I barely recognized myself. The shimmering pink gown, the radiant skin, the spark of confidence in my eyes—it was all me, but it felt like a new me.

Wow.

Dalvin pressed a button.

Next, jazz rose within the car, enveloping me. A saxophone wailed alongside melodious drums.

“Next stop. . .Alchemy.” Dalvin nodded and pulled us away from the curb. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Thank you.”

As we glided through the city streets, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, my excitement spilling over.

Manhattan on Valentine’s Day was a sight to behold. Couples strolled hand in hand down bustling sidewalks, their faces illuminated by the glow of shop windows displaying everything from glittering diamonds to bouquets of red roses.

Taxis honked impatiently, weaving through traffic like yellow bullets.

Above it all, the Empire State Building glowed pink and red which must have been a tribute to the love-struck holiday.

“Will you be meeting your husband at Alchemy?” Dalvin’s tone was casual yet curious.

“No.”

“Then, boyfriend.”

“Oh no—”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Girlfriend?”

I smirked. “No. I’m solo this evening. My therapist told me I should spoil myself, so here we are.”

He chuckled, and his laugh was deep and rich. “That’s good advice. More people should do that.”

“And what about you?” I met his gaze in the mirror. “I know you are working this evening, but did you spoil anyone this Valentine’s day?”

“Well. . .do you promise not to judge?”

“Of course.”

He frowned. “I made sure to work tonight since I’ve got a wife and a girlfriend, and I didn’t want to have to choose who to take out this evening.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

He shrugged. “It’s complicated.”

“Uh. That’s one way to look at it.”

“You said you wouldn’t judge.”

“Hey. . .to each’s own.”

For some reason, he beamed. “Anyway, Alchemy is a big deal for a solo date. I’ve driven celebrities there—actors, musicians, even a couple of politicians. You’re in for a treat.”

I got more excited. “Cool. Now I’m getting even more hyped.”

We continued our journey, the rhythmic humming of the Phantom's engine and the soft jazz music almost lulling me into a dreamlike state.

I watched as the cityscape shifted and changed, from the glow of Times Square to the less ostentatious but just as beautiful brownstones that lined the side streets.

Our conversation ebbed and flowed into a comfortable chatter between strangers sharing a unique moment.

The whole time Dalvin guided the car through the pulse of Manhattan’s streets, weaving between steel giants and glass reflections until we arrived at a place that felt like it existed outside of this reality.

Oh wow. Is this it?

Looming before us, bathed in the amber glow of NYC’s heartbeat, was an imposing building—an architectural paradox of old-world grandeur and modern elegance.

And then, the doors.

Two massive black monoliths, each twenty feet high and five feet wide, stood like guards at the threshold of something sacred.

Like. . .seriously. . .the doors didn’t need to be that big—no earthly function required them to be—but that was the point.

They were theatrical.

An enticing declaration.

An endearing invitation.

They looked like they would swing open to reveal an enchanted kingdom—a realm where unseen forces wove possibility into reality.

Where the lost could be found.

Where the ordinary could be touched by the extraordinary.

Dalvin parked in front and got out.

When he came over to me and opened the door, I hesitated for a moment.

Not out of fear, but out of awe.

Above those doors, a single word shimmered in gold, carved with the confidence of something eternal:

Alchemy.

I let out a long sigh and left the car, saying the name in my head.

Alchemy.

This was a word steeped in ancient longing, in the dreams of those who once sought to transmute lead into gold.

Mortality into immortality.

Darkness into light.

Alchemy was the art of becoming.

Of refining.

Of emerging anew.

And as I stood there, heart hammering like an alchemist’s chisel against stone, I realized that I, too, had come here with a transformation in mind.

Not of metal.

Not of matter.

But of self.

I was here to forge something more valuable than gold.

I was here to rebuild my worth.

Reshape my radiance.

To step across this threshold and into the truth I had carried in the quiet corners of my soul all my life—that I was meant to be seen.

To be loved.

To take up space as the queen I had always known myself to be, even in the moments I had doubted it.

Even when I’d been treated like the opposite.

Dalvin smiled at me. “Make sure you have the time of your life, beautiful .”

A blushing smile spread across my face. “I will.”

Then, I exhaled and strolled forward.

Alright. Here we go.