Precious Stones by Darrien Lee

Keilah reminded her just as the waitress returned with their drinks and croissants.
    â€œYour entrées will be out shortly,” the waitress informed them.
    â€œThank you,” Keilah replied.
    The two friends continued to talk over the next ten minutes about their lives and occasionally reminisced about their joyous college days before returning back to the subject of dating.
    â€œSo when are you going to take the time to date?” Keilah asked. “You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman, and I know your mom has been asking the same question.”
    About that time the waitress arrived with their entrées. As soon as she left, Tori said, “Well, I do have something to tell you, but you can’t freak out.”
    Keilah bit into her crab cake and said, “I promise.”
    â€œWell, I did meet someone, but I don’t want to say any more, because I don’t want to jinx it.”
    â€œWho is it? What does he do for a living? Where is he from?” Keilah asked, bombarding her friend with questions.
    â€œSee, this is exactly why I haven’t said anything. You’re freaking out, and you said you wouldn’t.”
    Keilah put her fork down and said, “I’m sorry, Tori, I’m just so happy for you.”
    â€œDon’t count him in too soon. He’s fine and he’s sweet, but I need to get to know him a little more.”
    Keilah took a bite of her collard greens and said, “I understand, but hurry up, because Neariah needs someone to play with.”
    â€œDon’t hold your breath. It’s hard to find a good man these days, especially one who’s worth marrying.”
    Keilah gave her friend’s hand a squeeze and said, “Good men are still out there, sis, so don’t throw in the towel yet.”
    â€œI won’t. I’ll give him a chance,” Tori answered before she took a bite of her salmon. “He has the most handsome eyes and smile, and he smells so good.”
    â€œReally?” Keilah asked with a smile.
    Tori closed her eyes and said, “Yeah, and he has the softest lips. Hmmm, he’s a great kisser.”
    Keilah threw up her hands and said, “Now, that’s what I’m talking about. You do the damn thang, girl.”
    Tori giggled and said, “I’ll keep you posted.”
    â€œYou’d better, and you had better bring him over for dinner. I can’t believe I haven’t been able to get you over to our new house since you moved back from New York. You’re either out of town or you’re working. Life is too short, and you need to relax and have fun.”
    â€œI promise I’ll make the next one.”
    Keilah wiped her mouth with the napkin and said, “Good, because I want to meet this guy, but I’ll wait until you feel comfortable bringing him over. I don’t want him to feel pressured.”
    â€œThanks, Keilah. Now, do you have any new pictures of Neariah? I know she’s growing.”
    â€œOf course,” Keilah said as she proudly pulled out her wallet and handed it to her best friend.
    â€œOh, Keilah, she’s beautiful. She looks just like you.”
    â€œYou think? I think she looks like Ramsey, but I see myself in some of her expressions,” she answered as she slid her wallet back inside her purse.
    â€œAre you planning on having any more?”
    Keilah finished off her lunch and said, “I would love to have at least two more. It’ll limit my time in the office, but that’s okay. I’m ready to cut my hours, anyway.”
    â€œYou do know that you really don’t have to work, right?”
    Keilah leaned back in her chair and said, “I know, but the business is our creation. I never dreamed we would be this successful with our business.”
    â€œBut you love being a wife and mother, don’t you?” Tori asked.
    â€œWithout a doubt,” Keilah admitted. “I’m doing okay juggling both right