Carletta: Hayti Kitchen Collection is where it all started. My friend LaMonda asked me if I wanted to go to the open mic at Hayti one Tuesday after work. This had been our typical Tuesday night routine at the time, but this particular Tuesday would be the start of a new chapter. At first, I didn't think I would make it to Hayti because my sister and nieces were in town, and had planned to stay with me, and I also had a meeting in Raleigh. It must’ve been divine intervention because my sister’s plans changed which freed me to go, but I had to make a dire decision. Should I drive from Raleigh to Cary to get my hidden key, then to Durham? Yeahhhhh, I decided to leave Raleigh and go straight to Durham. Those who know me know I tend to keep my hair in a protective style, but this was a rare week when I had my natural hair out. Meeting someone that night was the last thing on my mind. I got to Hayti and greeted LaMonda. We ordered food and she told me about who she knew there. As she was talking, I looked around and this dude was STARING at me lol. I noticed that I had seen him there two weeks prior and it was a NOO for me lol. I thought he was probably young and on the short side—not my type. As the night went on, he kept staring so I finally asked, “What are you drinking,” to break the awkwardness. He told me and that was it. Okay back to the awkwardness lol. LaMonda and my order of fried rice had come out and the random guy who kept staring just got his wings. To get my attention he asked me if he gave me some chicken, could he borrow some of my rice lol. And since that day I've been borrowing his rice. Bryan: So, there I was at CJ’s open Mic with my brother Mike vibing to the music. I was actually there to meet another young lady, and this was her final time canceling on me. Mike begins to tell me to forget about her and that this year we were going to be single and outside. Little did I know my next relationship was around the corner. As I looked out the window and saw this beautiful soul sister about to walk in and sat with her friend. Instantly I heard Jill Scott playing in my head “The Way” smh I knew this one was special. She really caught my eye! My bro Mike happened to know her friend LaMonda so I asked Mike "bro who is that?". Mike replied "you gotta have your ish together to talk to her my boy" me "say less!!" I continued to make eye contact throughout the night with her. As time passed by, we both received our food, and I noticed she ordered rice, and I ordered chicken wings. So, I asked her if I could borrow some rice. As she says, "I've been borrowing that rice ever since". Usually I would fall fast but, this time I took my time and really got to know Carletta. She completes me in ways I could not imagine before. Jill Scott is still playing in my head because the way she loves me is unmatched.