By mid-January, the buzz around the X-Spot had reached a new high. The holidays had left the community craving more than just good food—they craved connection, joy, and stories. And Xavier had all of that simmering in his kitchen, especially since Dawn had become a steady presence in his life.
Dawn’s three-week vacation had turned into a gentle reset. She slept in, reorganized her apartment, caught up on reading, and let herself enjoy life without a rigid schedule. But the highlight of her time off was, without a doubt, her growing connection with Xavier. Their New Year’s jazz night turned into two more outings before she returned to work, and by then, they had developed a rhythm that felt comforting, yet full of promise.
“You know,” Dawn said one evening while seated across from Xavier at a cozy wine bar, “I thought this year was going to be all about rest. But now… it feels like it’s about rediscovery.”
Xavier grinned. “Same here. I didn’t plan on anything but food, naps, and catching up on invoices. But then you pulled up to my window with those eyes and that cornbread order, and here we are.”
They laughed, their hands brushing across the small table. It was the beginning of something real.
—
Back at the X-Spot, business was booming. Word had spread about the “love tamales” that came with a story of fate. People didn’t just come for food anymore—they came for a little slice of magic. Xavier’s regulars—Tam, Malik, and Jordan—noticed the shift in him, too. He smiled more, hummed while seasoning, and spent his downtime texting.
“Okay, spill,” Tam said, arms crossed as she leaned against the stainless-steel counter. “You got a new seasoning blend or a new woman?”
Xavier chuckled. “Why not both?”
Jordan whistled from the fryer. “Well damn. It’s serious, huh?”
“I wouldn’t call it that—yet,” Xavier said, though his heart said otherwise.
—
Meanwhile, Dawn returned to work at the city health department with a refreshed energy. Her colleagues, particularly her close friend Lila, noticed the glow.
“You finally met someone who cooks better than you, didn’t you?” Lila teased over lunch.
“Don’t push it,” Dawn replied, biting into a container of leftover pork chop and collard greens. “But yes, he’s something special.”
They talked about everything—childhood memories, favorite dishes, career dreams, even heartbreaks. One night, while slow-dancing in Xavier’s living room, Dawn opened up about her failed engagement three years ago. Xavier listened, holding her closer with each word.
“It made me cautious,” she said. “But I’m not afraid with you.”
Xavier kissed her temple. “Good. Because I’m not planning to go anywhere.”
—
In February, Xavier introduced Dawn to his mother, Evelyn, during a casual Sunday dinner. Evelyn, a retired schoolteacher with a sharp tongue and soft heart, wasn’t easily impressed.
“So you’re the woman who has my son acting like a teenager,” she said, stirring her gumbo.
Dawn smiled. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
Evelyn smirked. “Time will tell. But you brought wine and dessert. That’s a good start.”
The evening went smoothly—better than Xavier expected. As he cleaned up the dishes later, Evelyn pulled him aside.
“She’s grounded. She listens. And she challenges you,” she said quietly. “Don’t mess it up.”
—
March brought challenges neither of them expected. The city announced a major street renovation that would limit access to several small businesses—including the X-Spot. It was a crushing blow to Xavier, whose restaurant relied heavily on foot traffic and fast pickup orders.
Dawn sprang into action. She used her contacts at the health department and her natural savvy to help Xavier brainstorm solutions. Together, they created a “Soulful Saturdays” pop-up event that offered limited delivery and community giveaways while the street was closed.
They promoted it with handwritten flyers, a clever Instagram campaign, and word of mouth. The first Saturday drew dozens of new customers—families, seniors, couples—some of whom hadn’t heard of the X-Spot before.
Xavier was amazed. “You did all this?”
Dawn kissed his cheek. “We did it.”
Their bond deepened through the crisis. Where many couples might have cracked under stress, they found harmony. Dawn admired Xavier’s calm leadership, and he respected her strategic mind. They celebrated small wins with quiet dinners and toasted with sweet tea in plastic cups.
—
By April, the city’s construction wrapped up early, and the X-Spot threw a “Spring Into Flavor” block party. With help from Dawn and his staff, Xavier transformed the small parking lot into a festive space with string lights, a DJ, and food stations. Even Evelyn showed up with a pound cake.
Near the end of the event, as the sun dipped low and music floated through the air, Xavier and Dawn danced again—surrounded by neighbors, laughter, and the smell of smoked turkey legs.
“I think I love you,” Xavier whispered.
Dawn looked up at him, heart pounding. “Then you should know…I feel the same.”
—
By summer, they had found a rhythm. Dawn spent her evenings at the X-Spot, helping where she could, even taking on a few customer service shifts during rush hours just for fun. Xavier encouraged her to create a “Wellness Wednesday” meal—health-conscious versions of traditional favorites—which became an instant hit.
Customers began to associate Dawn with the brand. One even called them “the X-Spot couple,” and the nickname stuck.
Their love story wasn’t without moments of tension. They argued, sometimes fiercely, about little things—her desire to travel more, his tendency to shut down when stressed. But their foundation was solid. Each disagreement was followed by heartfelt conversations and usually a shared dessert.
—
On a balmy night in July, after a long day of service, Xavier led Dawn to the rooftop of his building. A table was set with candles, wine, and a plate of grilled tamales—the dish that started it all.
“You’ve brought so much light to my life,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I want it with you.”
Dawn’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Xavier…”
He reached into his apron pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
“Let’s take our time. But will you move in with me?”
Dawn laughed through her tears. “I thought you were about to propose!”
“Not yet,” he smiled. “But I’m practicing.”
She nodded, wrapping her arms around him. “Yes. I’ll move in. And I’ll keep bringing wine and dessert.”
—
To be continued…
Thee Juju Aura 