Page 29 of Sex, Lies, and Margarita Mixes

THE FIREWORKS

ROXY

The fireworks start before the fireworks start.

It’s the morning of the grand opening. Chase’s food truck.

His dream. The lot’s decorated with string lights, chalkboard signs, and red picnic tables.

There’s a playlist blaring from a Bluetooth speaker.

Other vendors are arriving. My phone is buzzing with last-minute deliveries and texts and reminders from Melody. I’m working offsite today.

Chase is pacing, “I don’t think I’m ready.” He’s about to wear a hole through the floor.

Tucking my clipboard under my arm, I slide in front of him. “Babe… shut your sexy mouth. You’re more than ready.”

“What if no one shows up?” He questions with his forehead furrowed.

I grin. “Baby, have you not looked outside? You’ve already got a line.”

He spins, grinning as he sees the cluster of people hovering on the sidewalk, all craning their heads to peek at the chalkboard menu.

He exhales shakily. “Holy shit, Rox. There are customers out there.”

I laugh aloud, “Yup, there are. And they’re going to love your food just as much as I do.” I take his hands in mine. “You’ve got this, babe.”

Leaning down, he kisses me. Our lips cling before he pulls back. “You’re staying, right?”

I snicker. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

By noon, the line is wrapped clean around the block.

I text Mari Lynn and Melody.

Roxy

I’m out of pocket for a bit!

Helping Chase at the Grand Opening.

Y’all handle it.

I’ll check in later.

My phone lights up.

Mari Lynn

Good luck! I know he’s going to kill it!

I’ll be there as soon as we wrap up this show promo shit and I can slip out!

Another text comes in.

Melody

Kill it!

And save me some empanadas!

I work the window, scribbling orders, laughing with customers, and hyping the new specials, especially the Roxy Deluxe while Chase prepares the orders.

Chase plates tacos, empanadas, sliders, and tamale balls at record speed. He’s hot and sweaty but his grin is wide.

“Order up!” he calls.

I spin, passing plates, wiping counters, throwing thumbs ups and “thank yous” at every ‘this is amazing’ I hear and reminding people to post photos on socials and tag us.

Mari Lynn swings by mid-shift, sunglasses perched on her head, camera crew in tow.

“Look at you, boss bitch,” she teases, snapping photos. “Our event planning and Chase’s food truck… didn’t I say we were gonna own this town?”

I grin tired, but happy. “Remind me of that when my feet fall off and I pass out on this counter.”

She hugs me. “Knox is sorry he can’t be here. He’s shooting some solo stuff for the show. But we’re both proud of you. Proud of Chase. Proud of this.”

I glance back toward Chase. He looks up. Our eyes lock. And in that moment, the whole chaotic, beautiful mess makes sense.

We’re doing it.

We’re really doing it.

His dream is alive and so is mine.

By mid-afternoon, we’ve sold out of everything.

Chase collapses onto a folding chair, guzzling water.

I plop beside him. My feet are throbbing, but my heart is full.

“You killed it,” I murmur.

He nudges my knee. “ We killed it.”

We sit in the quiet for a while, watching the sun sink behind the building that make up the backdrop behind the truck. The lot hums with lingering guests, still sipping Chase’s signature margaritas, as string lights blink overhead.

Suddenly, somewhere across the city, a firework explodes in the early evening sky. Chase jumps with a start at the unexpected noise, throwing his water into his own face. As water drips off his nose, he tilts his head and raises his brow. “Did you… plan that?”

Grinning, I try not to laugh. “I did not. But you can pretend I did.”

Another firework explodes in pinks and oranges. Then, another fills the night with hues of blue.

He laughs, pulling me into his lap after ripping off his soaked t-shirt. “I’ll pretend you did, Rox. I think you just wanted to get me to strip out here.”

I smirk, “Well, keep your pants on. That would sure as hell bring in the customers, though it might also bring in the police. They would have to take me to jail for fighting a thirsty hoe for lusting after my husband. But I did want your first day to be magic. So, I’ll take credit for the fireworks.

” I press a kiss to his chest. “And appreciate your pecs.”

He laughs aloud before kissing me, deeply.

I melt into him, wrapping my arms around his neck and pouring everything he makes me feel into the kiss.

Leaning back, he rests his forehead on mine.

“It already is. You’re my firecracker, Rox.

You’re the magic.” He chuckles. “You’re also the reason I can’t get up anytime soon.

I’d be able to sword fight anyone out here with my dick. ”

I laugh heartily against his lips before kissing him again and intensifying the issue.

Chase groans inside of my mouth as the fireworks burst above us, painting the sky in sparks and color that I can still see even though my eyes are closed.

I soak it in.

For the first time in forever, I’m not waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I’m right in the middle of the fire.

And loving every second of it.