Page 23 of The Dating Prohibition

my special name tonight.” She smiled suggestively.

Deep breaths, don’t let her see you sweat.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Katie.” Kendra smiled sweetly, her tone calm and even, before returning her gaze to her computer, wondering whether she could send a message telepathically without looking.

BJ, you better get this woman out my face.

.. If she were to make eye contact, he’d know to fear for Katie’s safety.

“Working tonight?” BJ asked, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.

“Nah. Just researching some new funding avenues.”

He nodded. “We’re going to have dinner.” He gestured to the hostess. He nodded toward the wall of windows. “Can you sit us

at that table?” He returned his gaze to Logan. “We just wanted to say hello and introduce Katie.”

Logan reached across the counter and shook Katie’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Katie. I hope you enjoy your experience.”

Kendra watched as Katie gave Logan a dainty handshake devoid of a respectable grip and tried to hide her smirk when Logan’s

eyes drifted to the light grasp on his fingertips.

As BJ led Katie to their table, Logan shot a questioning glance at his sister.

Kendra shrugged and went back to typing on her laptop, but she couldn’t keep her head on her work.

Her fingers stilled. I can’t believe he brought a date like he didn’t know he’d run into me here.

What does he see in her that he doesn’t see in me?

She shut her laptop and swirled her wine before inhaling its bouquet and taking a contemplative sip with her eyes closed.

“What do you taste?” Logan asked.

“It’s really juicy in the beginning,” she started, pressing her tongue to the roof of her mouth to pinpoint the different

sensations she experienced. “I get ripe cherries and there’s a smoothness to it, almost like a chocolate. There’s something

slightly spicy before it becomes dry on my tongue.”

Logan nodded. “Got great taste buds.”

“I’ve learned a lot from you and Shonda.

” At one time Kendra had planned to do the certifications to become a sommelier, but her dream kept expanding.

During her time in Europe, she tried wines from each region of the countries she visited, getting a better sense of the varietals and the different ways that the regional environments affected those grapes.

She also visited with mixologists in different regions, trying to broaden the scope of what pairings could be on a fusion menu.

“It’s a great wine. I hope you keep this in stock.”

“That is our current plan. Now, about your whole business and everything. Seriously, is there anything else that I can do?”

Kendra shook her head. “You know I appreciate you wanting to help, brother, but I feel like I need to figure this out on my

own.”

“I understand, with your ole stubborn ass, but I’m here if you need me. You can always call me.”

“I know, brother.” She reached across the counter and squeezed his hand. “I know.”

From her vantage point at the bar, she could see the entire dining room. BJ and Katie sat at a small table, Katie’s back to

Kendra. Before she could avert her eyes, she realized that BJ was looking directly at her. Something in her chest ached and

she felt heat creep up her neck. She hoped the lighting didn’t show how red her face had become.

Her phone pinged and it was Lani, who also had the day off.

Lani: How we feeling? You been awfully quiet today.

Kendra: Sorry, been distracted with business stuff. Sitting at the bar at PALATE. Would you believe that he’s here with a date? And

of course, she’s gorgeous.

Lani: But can she fight?

Kendra laughed, earning a curious look from her brother. She shook her head that it was nothing, gesturing to her phone.

Kendra: I’m not gonna fight this girl over a man who’s not even talked to me about that night.

Lani: Maybe he doesn’t know how to just go with the vibe and is instead trying to go with what’s familiar? Maybe he doesn’t know

how to deal with this chick and have the tough conversation. He just needs some time.

Kendra: Yeah, well, I’m trying to keep an open mind about whatever they have going on, but I am not happy being subjected to them

being all suited and together. Like, he’s just playing in my face and he’s got me fucked up.

Lani: Okayyy, so what do you want to do about it?

Kendra: I don’t think there’s anything that I can do.

Lani: Well, you know... someone wise once said that the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. Muahahahhaa

Kendra: You’re wild for that LMFAO. I shouldn’t have even gotten under him.

Lani: Well, it’s a little too late to undo that situation, big cuz. Instead, let’s focus on what we can do. Why are you even so pressed about this? Treat it like you would any other ONS.

Kendra: It’s just that we’ve known each other so long. I don’t know... Maybe I had feelings and didn’t know I had feelings?

Lani: Well, I’d say that’s obvious, wouldn’t you? Don’t you remember how you wouldn’t shut up about him in high school?

Kendra gasped. Was I really that bad?!

Kendra: I guess I thought that was all behind me, but clearly it’s just been repressed. Ugh, but seeing him here with this chick

is gonna get me right.

Lani: You January Capricorns always stay ready to excommunicate somebody. SMH. You know what? I think we need a night out.

Kendra’s eyebrows perked up.

Kendra: Girls’ night?

Lani: Girls’ night.

Kendra’s mouth curved slightly.

Kendra: I’m in.

She looked up to see her brother staring at her. “What?”

“When you make that face, I know you’re talking to our cousin. What are you two conspiring about?” Logan eyed her suspiciously.

“Nothing! Why do you always think the worst of us?” She threw her hands up.

“Because I know you.”

“Okay, fine, but we’re just planning a night out for the girls. It’s not a big deal, L.”

“Well, don’t be influencing my wife,” he warned, his eyes crinkling as he tried to hide his smile.

“Nobody’s gonna make her do anything she doesn’t want to do, but we’ll have to coordinate it so that everybody’s schedule

works out together.”

“I’m working on the schedule today, so I’ll make sure you all have the same night off.”

“Okay, bet. Anyway, brother—” she took the final sip of her wine “—I’m gonna head home and keep doing my research.”

“You don’t want to stay and keep me company?” Logan teased.

Kendra’s eyes shifted in BJ’s direction before returning to her brother. “Nah. This is all you.” She smiled.

He nodded, glancing toward the window. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if you need me.”

“Always.”