Four months later, we were still going strong—and it was even better between us, this time around. I wouldn’t say that I had become the perfect partner. I still had controlling tendencies, but Brandon called me on them now, and we talked more than we argued. Brandon finished his course at the Cordon Bleu school and was promoted to assistant head chef at the Taqueria, because my baby was just that good. I was very proud of him, and he f****d me twice that night to celebrate. I’d brought a pillow to work the next morning, and Trev had cackled long and hard when he saw how gingerly I moved. My friend had sent me lewd texts that entire day. I tolerated them because I was happy—truly, blissfully happy in a fulfilling relationship. Gentle ribbing was a small price to pay. Derrick finally save