Southern Comfort (9781622863747) (9 page)

Willow couldn't get off the plane quick enough. Her master plan was coming together perfectly. She grabbed her carryon bag and rushed off the plane as soon as she could. The Memphis airport was very different from what she was used to, but the airport was the least of her concerns. She was happy she didn't have to go through customs again. She endured that disaster at the Chicago airport. She filled out the customs forms and answered the rude agent's dumb questions before they let her through the gate. The flight to Memphis was packed; she was glad she upgraded to business class, even if it was for the shorter flight.

Willow arrived in the baggage claim area of the Memphis airport. She saw a girl with natural hair in a twist out standing near the belt, holding an iPad with her name across it. She smiled, recognizing Devon's face from pictures she'd seen.

Devon had seen plenty of photos of Willow but never imagined she would be even better looking in person. She definitely had her own style about her. Willow's curls bounced as she skipped toward Devon.

“Finally,” Devon said as she held her arms out.

“Devon, pleasure to finally meet you, darling.” Willow hugged Devon.

“Oh listen to that accent, too cute.”

The buzzer rang as the bags started falling to the luggage belt.

“So how was the flight?” Devon asked as she sized up Willow. The beauty was obvious but very different from Saura. Where Willow had a more down-to-earth appeal, Saura had a much more exotic look to her. Willow looked like the girl you take home, where Saura was the girl you took to an awards show.

“Bloody long, but that doesn't matter. I'm here now. Does she know anything?”

Devon shook her head. She received a call from Willow a week before letting her know the plan. Willow was going to tell Katrina that her flight was delayed until the next day, which would mean she missed the party. Devon was to pick her up at the airport and take her to a hotel where she would catch a cab and surprise Katrina at the party. Everything was working out perfectly. Katrina was upset she was missing the party, but was too busy to think that anything was up.

“So the hotel I got you isn't far from the restaurant. I checked you into the Madison, which is one of the nicest hotels in the city,” Devon said as Willow grabbed her bag.

“Thank you so much, Devon.” Willow smiled.

“No problem, anything to make Katrina happy.”

The two headed out of the airport to Devon's car. Memphis at first glance didn't leave anything for Willow to be excited about. As soon as they hit downtown her feeling changed. It was very different from London, but had an exciting feel about it. She noticed immediately how courteous everyone seemed to be.

Devon dropped Willow at the front door of the hotel. She had to get back to the restaurant to make sure everything was going according to plan. Willow was shocked at how spacious the room was. Standard hotel rooms in London were usually very small; sometimes the two beds would actually touch one another in a twin room. She had a large king-sized bedroom and a bathroom the size of her bedroom in her flat.

Willow couldn't resist the urge to run and jump on the plush bed. She closed her eyes. In a few short hours she would be back in Katrina's arms.

 

 

Teri rushed to finish the paperwork for her office. She knew Katrina would kill her if she was late for the opening. Ming stood in the doorway to Teri's office.

“What do you think?” Ming asked holding up a light pink shirt.

“I think it's very pink,” Teri said only glancing at the shirt for a quick second.

“I know right. I am going to be the belle of the ball tonight, honey, just you wait and see.” Ming threw his hair as if he had a head full of hair. Teri couldn't help but laugh when Ming let the flaming side of him show.

“Party tonight?”

The voice caused the both to turn their heads. Standing in the pharmacy was Vivian. Teri resisted the urge to stare at her chocolate legs in the short skirt she had on. Teri could almost picture her completely naked, wearing just her doctor's jacket she had on.

“Um, something like that,” Teri sat up in her chair. She felt nervous all of a sudden.

“Don't be modest, Teri. Her best friend is opening a restaurant tonight.” Ming's voice completely changed. He was back in professional mode sounding like the average Asian man.

“Oh that sounds exciting. I'm sure it will be amazing. I just came down to say hello to you. It's been awhile. I guess you were right about being locked back here.” Victoria giggled.

“Oh well looks like you have the key to the lock, so never be a stranger.” Teri smiled.

Victoria's eyes locked on Teri. They stared at each other as if to see who would buckle first. Ming watched the stare down going on. He remembered what his boyfriend said. There did seem to be an attraction there.

“Oh, Ms. Gold—”

“Call me Victoria,” she said without taking her eyes off Teri.

“Well, Victoria, you should come tonight. It's going to be a very nice event.” Ming nodded his head.

“I'm sure there's like a list or something,” Victoria shook her head.

“Hello, it's Teri's best friend. She can get you on the list.” Ming suddenly didn't care about his demeanor. It was obvious to him that he was in the presence of family. “Isn't that right, Teri?”

Teri couldn't take her eyes off Victoria. She could see herself fucking Victoria right on her desk. Ming hitting her desk was the only thing to bring her back to reality.

“Oh, yeah, I can put you as my plus one if you would like to come.”

Victoria's right side of her mouth curled up. She focused back on Teri. “That actually sounds great. It's a date then?”

“Yeah. A date,” Teri replied.

Teri and Ming watched as Victoria sashayed out of their office. As soon as the door closed Ming's head flung back around toward Teri.

“You little sneaky bitch.” Ming sat in the chair next to Teri's desk.

“What are you talking about?” Teri said glancing back down at the paperwork on her desk.

“You and Victoria, why didn't you tell me?”

“Because there wasn't anything to tell. I'm just as shocked right now as you are.”

Ming crossed his legs. He picked up a piece of paper and started fanning himself. “Whatever; all I know is it is hot in here and I bet it going to be an inferno in the party tonight.”

Teri shook her head as Ming left for the night. She sat in her chair thinking about the encounter. Victoria was going to be her date for the night. Teri decided the paperwork could wait. She no longer could wear something out of her closet; she needed a new outfit for the night.

Katrina watched as the crowd started to swell outside the restaurant. She was a wreck. Her hands were clammy and her heart felt like it was going to beat right out of her chest. She watched as press snapped photos of local dignitaries as they arrived. She couldn't believe some of the faces that were walking in the door.

Devon knocked on the door two times before walking in. She knew she looked amazing in her black pencil dress that was fitting the curves she worked hard to achieve. Her hair was laid; the Brazilian blowout was worth every penny she spent for it.

“Hey, Chef, it's almost time for your big debut.” Devon smiled.

Her smile quickly changed when she saw the terrified expression on Katrina's face. Devon ran as quickly as her heels would allow her toward her friend who was mid panic attack.

“Calm down Katrina. Misty!”

A short girl wearing black pants and a black button-down appeared in the door.

“Water!” Devon fanned Katrina as the girl ran to get water.

“I don't know what is happening to me. I can't do this.” Katrina fought to catch her breath.

“It's just a little panic attack, take deep breaths.”

“What's up, bitches! Oh shit what is happening?” Teri said as she ran over to her friends.

“She's just having a little panic attack, right?” Devon stared at Teri who quickly caught the message she was trying to send.

“Oh yeah, just a little panic attack. Calm down, Tree; it's going to be okay.” Teri ran out of the room as Misty arrived with water.

Katrina tried to sip the water but it wasn't helping. She was freaking completely out. Her chef's jacket felt like it was strangling her. She pulled at the jacket until all the clasps unsnapped. She pulled the jacket off and threw it on the ground.

“Tree, please calm down.” Devon continued to fan her friend.

“What the fuck was I thinking? This is a horrible idea.” Katrina shook her head feverishly. “I can't do this.”

“Fuck outta here with that, dude.” Teri appeared back in the door holding a bottle of Patrón. She put three shot glasses on the table, and opened the brand new bottle. She poured three shots into the shot glasses and handed one to each of her friends.

“You can do this. You were born to do this. Now suck that shit up and take the shot.”

Teri held her glass up. Katrina looked at Devon who followed holding her glass close to Teri's. Katrina's body started to cool off. She continued to take deep breaths as she held the glass up to her friends.

“This is to the best fucking chef in all of Memphis; hell in all of the fucking South!”

The friends clicked the glasses against each other and swallowed the shots. The tequila burned, but lit a fire in Katrina that she needed. She picked up her jacket.

“Let's do this.”

 

 

The building was packed. The live band played covers of R&B classics as waiters walked around with trays of small sample portions of the restaurant's signature dishes. Devon charmed reporters making sure they knew what to say in their publications the next day. Katrina made sure the kitchen was running perfectly before going back in her office to change into her suit for the night.

Carlos and Ming walked up to Teri who was nursing a drink at the bar. Carlos looked like something straight out of
GQ
magazine. Ming was dressed to impress in his black suit with pink shirt and pink and black bowtie. Teri laughed at the women who were quickly disappointed when they realized Carlos was there with Ming.

“This is fabulous, honey; your girl did her thang,” Carlos said as he shook Teri's hand.

“It is amazing isn't it?” Teri said. She had to admit she was proud of her friend.

“So where is your date?” Ming batted his eyes.

“Oh yes, Ming told me about sexual chocolate coming to see you today.”

Both men nudged each other playfully. Teri shrugged her shoulders. Victoria hadn't made it and she was starting to think she was being stood up.

“Hey let me get you guys a drink on me.” Teri smiled.

“Bitch, the drinks are free.” Ming playfully hit Teri. The three toasted to the special occasion.

“Oh . . . my . . . Gawd.” Ming's face dropped.

Teri and Carlos both turned around. Walking toward them was Victoria. Her hair was pulled back in a perfect bun. Teri felt the heat rising as she studied the tight red dress Victoria was sporting. The diamond bracelet caught the light causing a flash of light to sparkle in Teri's eyes.

“Hi, guys,” Victoria greeted the group.

“Okay, don't sue me, because, honey, I am not coming on to you, but damn you are wearing that dress.” Carlos took Victoria by her hand, spinning her around. Victoria hugged Carlos giving Teri time to check out her ass. Teri could practically picture her bent over.

Victoria turned to Teri. She flashed her white smile.

“Thank you for the invitation, this is quite the gathering,” Victoria said admiring the décor.

“Not a problem, anytime.” Teri wrapped her arms around Victoria. Her aroma only heightened Teri's attraction. “Would you like a drink?”

“Are you going to try to get me liquored up?” Victoria smirked.

“Do you want me to get you liquored up?” Teri threw professional out the window. She wanted this woman.

“It doesn't really matter.” Victoria leaned in toward Teri's ear. “I plan on fucking you regardless.”

The statement caught Teri off guard. She watched as Victoria held her hand up to get the bartender's attention.

 

 

Devon was in her element as she chatted with the mayor and his wife. She wanted to pat herself on the back. She managed to get everyone out to the event. It was going to be talked about for weeks. She wanted to treat herself to a drink but decided to wait 'til later in the night.

Something caught her eye. She watched as Katrina walked out of the kitchen. Katrina wasn't in her kitchen wear anymore. She traded her chef's jacket for a pair of tailored pants, a shirt, and a vest. The bowtie finished off her look.

“This is amazing.” Katrina wrapped her arms around Devon.

“Katrina, meet the mayor and his wife.” Devon pulled away from Katrina; for some reason she didn't want to be so close to her.

Katrina shook hands with the mayor who congratulated her on the restaurant. Devon couldn't take her eyes off of Katrina. Suddenly she wasn't seeing her best friend anymore; it was something more. Devon noticed a familiar face standing at the front door. Before she could say anything another person began to tell her how amazing the place was.

“Amazing!” Teri said as she walked up with Victoria. “Guys, this is Victoria Gold; she is the new chief of staff at my hospital.

Devon and Katrina greeted Victoria. Both were shocked to see the gorgeous woman with Teri. Teri usually had horrible taste in women and always seemed to date ratchet women who were just so excited to date someone who didn't ride the bus.

“Holy shit is that your girl?” Teri said as she stared at a woman at the door.

“What?” Katrina turned around. Her face dropped. “Oh my God.”

Devon watched as Katrina made her way through the crowd. Willow and Katrina both looked like kids in a candy store.

Katrina knew her eyes had to be deceiving her. Her heart pounded as she got closer and closer. Willow finally caught her eye and a huge smile covered her face. Katrina put her hands on Willow's shoulders.

“Is it really you?”

Willow nodded her head. Katrina looked even better than she imagined.

“What are you doing here?” Katrina couldn't figure out what to say. She stared at Willow as if it was the first time seeing her.

“I wanted to surprise you. Devon picked me up from the airport this morning. Are you surprised?”

“Am I.” Katrina picked Willow up in her arms. The two hugged each other as if it had been years instead of a few weeks.

Katrina took Willow by her hand and led her through the crowd. She joined her friends at the bar. Katrina picked Devon up, squeezing her tight.

“I should kill you.” Katrina kissed Devon on her cheek.

“Surprise!” Devon clapped her hands together.

“Hey, Teri, this is my Willow,” Katrina said as she put her arm around Willow.

Willow shook Teri's and Victoria's hands as Devon motioned for the bartender.

“You guys, this night is better than anything I ever expected. And now it's perfect.”

Katrina grabbed her drink and Willow's hand. She and Devon walked up on the stage as the band was finishing their rendition of “Let's Get it On.” The singer handed Devon the microphone. Willow watched along with Teri as Devon introduced Katrina.

The crowd gave a rousing round of applause for Katrina as she bowed to the crowd.

“I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I know there are a million places you could be and I'm just glad you chose to be here with me tonight.”

The crowd let out a loud round of applause. Katrina winked at Willow. Willow was so proud to be there with Katrina and her friends. Katrina held her hand out. Devon joined her in the middle of the stage.

“I also want to thank this incredible woman right here. Devon has been my eyes and ears and honestly this place would not be where it is without her. You are more than my best friend; you are my sister.”

Katrina hugged Devon as the crowd clapped. She handed the mic back to the singer as the band began to perform their rendition of “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang. Katrina and Devon walked off the stage. They shook the hands of people as they made it to the floor. Katrina couldn't get back to Willow quick enough. The dress Willow was wearing was hanging off her curves, showing off her round butt and plump breasts. Katrina wrapped her arms around Willow. She kissed her on the nape of her neck as they danced to the music.

The dance floor was packed. The friends danced together. Devon danced with Carlos and Ming while Victoria ground her ass against Teri. Willow and Katrina were in their own world, slow dancing even when a fast song was playing.

“Have I told you how happy I am that you are here?” Katrina said after pecking Willow on her lips.

“Yes, but you can say it as much as you like.”

A tap on Katrina's shoulder caused her to look away from Willow. Misty stood on the dance floor. “The mayor wants to get a photo with you before they leave and the sous chef needs to see you in the kitchen.”

Katrina frowned. “Duty calls. Hey, Ming, will you dance with my girl until I get back?”

“Of course I will,” Ming said as he twirled over to Willow.

Katrina said her good-byes to the mayor and smiled for pictures with him and members of the city council. She checked in with the kitchen to make sure everything was running correctly. Katrina was flying. She went into her office to catch her breath. The night was years in the making but finally all her hard work looked like it was paying off. She sat in her desk chair just to take a moment to absorb everything that was happening.

“Looks like the restaurant is a hit.”

Katrina froze. She couldn't stop staring at the wall. She didn't want to turn around. She knew it couldn't be who she thought it was. Against better judgment she slowly turned around to her desk. It seemed like she was staring at a ghost.

There standing in the doorway of her office was Saura.