Chi-Chi didn’t know if she should dress full-on Nigerian with one of her fabulous caftans or go urban with a black halter jumpsuit and one of her stunning necklaces and matching bracelet. She decided to show off her art and plucked the black jumpsuit from her wardrobe closet. She picked the silver plastron collier necklace with the large polished amethyst stones, with matching earrings and cuff bracelet. She wore amethyst eye shadow with a very thin silver eyeliner. Highlighter on her cheekbones and peach matte lipstick finished the look. And she looked good. Even if she said so herself. She pulled on a pair of two-inch block sandals so she would be slightly shorter than Cullen. Chi-Chi stood five-seven in flats, so the spike heels were out of the question unless she wanted to look Cullen square in the eye. She opted to be slightly demure. Besides, the sandals were much more comfortable.

She kept checking her watch and thought about Luna. Chi-Chi resisted the temptation to call her while her sister by another mother was at Gaines’s house. Maybe a text? Why not? Luna could choose not to answer. Chi-Chi picked up her phone and tapped.

How’s it going?

Within a few minutes she got a ping.

Great. He’s outside grilling steaks! I’m a bit nervous.

Chi-Chi tapped back.

Ha! Me too!

Luna responded.

OMG. He’s here!

Chi-Chi typed back.

Have fun! Ciao for now!

Luna signed off.

Chi-Chi heard a car door open and close. She took a long inhale and an equal exhale, then opened the door.

Cullen had to catch his breath. She looked spectacular. He could barely speak. “Chi-Chi, you are radiant. Beautiful. Not that you aren’t always beautiful, but . . .” He was sputtering.

Chi-Chi helped him out. “Thank you. You look quite handsome. The color of the shirt brings out the green in your eyes.”

Cullen attempted to stifle a blush and took a slight bow.

“I am very excited to have dinner tonight.” Chi-Chi was nervous and excited.

“Me too. Thank you for agreeing to join me,” Cullen said.

“I do not think your sister would have it any other way.” Chi-Chi smiled.

Cullen chuckled. “She is quite the Luna-tic. Shall we?” He gestured toward his waiting vehicle. It was a town car.

“This is not yours,” Chi-Chi stated.

“No. I didn’t want you to have to climb into my SUV.”

“Thank you, but . . .” She stopped herself and remembered one of Luna’s teachings, Accept the compliment or the act of kindness with grace. Do not stipulate. “That was very thoughtful.” She grabbed her clutch and a deep purple wrap with silver threads.

Definitely a knockout. He didn’t want to sound too smarmy, so he only let that thought form a balloon in his mind.

The driver got out and opened the rear passenger door for them.