Her Protector

Chapter 7: Soul Food

Ken kept true to his word. I didn’t speak to him again since the first night. He sent morning and evening salutations through text and told me that he was looking forward to Saturday. I got the impression he was a busy man and probably didn’t have much time for weekday chit chat. However, I was still excited about Saturday. Mentally, I was picking outfits and deciding on a hairstyle. I was even practicing how I would act. My goal was to be as nonchalant as possible. I had to see how genuine his interest was before I would let any of my feelings show.

After my morning duties I headed over to the café anticipating seeing Khalil. He said he was bringing his home-made gumbo for me to try. It was nice having someone to talk to that wasn’t interrogating me about my love life. I thought Khalil was extremely handsome and really appreciated how he wasn’t being so aggressive in vying for my attention. Plus, Natalie had no idea who he was, so I wasn’t going to be harassed about seeing him. I walked into the café and there was Khalil sitting at my favorite table. He looked like he had been waiting for me because he immediately saw me, smiled, and stood waiting for me to join him.

“Good morning, Kelis. As promised, I have prepared for you my delicious, world famous, award winning, highly requested, seafood gumbo!” he said with so much pride.

“With all those adjectives this better be as good as you say!”

“I wanted it to be as fresh as possible so you get the full experience. I even packed it in this insulated container so it would be piping hot for you.” Ken said.

I sat down with him. He even had a spoon ready for me. I opened the container and the fragrance took me back to my childhood. It’s amazing how your sense of smell is so strongly tied to your memories. I inhaled the delicious smell and my eyes began to water. ‘Oh no!’ I thought to myself. I looked up to the ceiling and started blinking really fast. A tear escaped from each eye down the sides of my face.

“Kelis, are you ok?” Khalil asked sweetly.

“I’m fine! So sorry, I…,” I paused.

I really didn’t want to open these wounds. Not now and definitely not with him. “It’s just that this reminds me of my dad. He is an excellent cook and gumbo was one of his specialties. I really miss him and his food.”

“When’s the last time you saw him?”

“It’s been six years.”

“Has he tried to see you?”

I felt panic wash over me. I didn’t want to turn into a crying mess but talking about my parents was something I avoided. It was all still so painful.

“Honestly, my dad is not with me anymore. It’s been six years. Your gumbo smells so much like his I just couldn’t keep it together. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I’m fine! I just miss him so much.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. He’s your dad and that’s a pain that is nearly impossible to heal. I lost my dad in a terrible car accident about ten years ago. The pain never goes away. It just gets easier to deal with. You’re a strong woman, Kelis. I can tell. I’m sure he would be proud of the woman you became.”

I appreciated Khalil trying to comfort me. I had never told any man anything so personal. I was good at keeping my personal life secret. Khalil made me feel so comfortable with him in just a few short conversations.

“Thank you.” I said softly, trying to brush away the tears. “I’m ok, really. I want to try this gumbo and give you some honest feedback.”

Khalil had packed a metal spoon for me to use. I dipped it in the gumbo, spooning out a tiny scallop with the broth. I ate from the spoon and my taste buds were so pleased. I let out a pleasurable moan and rolled my eyes around.

“Khalil, you made this?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“No, for real. This is all you?”

“Yes, I told you I got skills in the kitchen.”

“You’re right about that, my friend. I haven’t had gumbo like this since my dad made it.”

“I think it’s safe to say you’re going to enjoy the rest.”

“You’re damn right!” I yelled.

I had completely lost track of time and knew I needed to get back to work.

“Shoot, I should really be going. You couldn’t bring me something disposal for this? I don’t want to keep your stuff.”

“Please do. It will give me a reason to see you again.”

I smiled at that. His charm was sweet and unsuspecting. I was starting to get the feeling he was showing real interest in me.

“Kelis, if it’s ok with you, I’d like to give you my number. I really enjoy meeting you here, but I would love to spend more time getting to know you.”

I wasn’t expecting that, but I guess I was being really naïve. I always expect a man to be assertive, like Ken, when they want to see you more. He didn’t seem to have the same confidence as Ken. I could appreciate his more subtle approach. It was cute and gave me butterflies. I was blushing after his proposal.

“Sure, I’ll take your number.” I finally replied.

He took out his business card and went to the counter. He came back with his number handwritten on the back.

“That’s my personal phone. I’m really looking forward to talking to you again. Maybe when you’re not at work I can get to know a little more about you. I already like what I see. I hope you enjoy the gumbo. There’s plenty more good eats coming out of my kitchen.”

“Thank you, Khalil. I’m definitely going to enjoy the rest of this gumbo. Maybe I can call you later tonight?”

“That would make my day.”

“Alright then. I’ll be giving you a call. Thanks again for the food.”

“Anytime.”

With that, we parted ways and I was all smiles heading back to work.