She then says, “Well, I’ll let you go and see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, Mia. Do I need to send someone to pick you up?”
“Naw,” she replies. “One of the boys here can bring me.”
“Okay, well, goodnight then,” I say.
“Goodnight, Zaira. I’m so glad you called,” she says and disconnects the line.
Well, that wasn’t so hard. Next, shopping. I pull out Michael’s platinum card and my phone. Amazon shopping, here I come!
Two hours later and roughly three thousand dollars charged to his American Express card, I’ve purchased a whole new wardrobe, including sexy lingerie from Victoria’s Secret, makeup, hair care—the works. I’m gonna knock his socks off! Just about everything should be here tomorrow. I used next-day shipping since it was on his dime.
Satisfied with my progress, I decide to turn in for the night. As I nod off to sleep, my last disappointing thought is that I have not seen Michael since our episode earlier today.
***
“Oh, Zaira! It’s so good to see you!” Mia exclaims as she runs toward me and pulls me into a hug. Her affection is refreshing. She is the only person not walking on eggshells around me.
I happily hug her back. “Come, we can change in the pool house and then hang out at the pool.”
“You look the same,” she says, surprised.
“Well, Mia, my appearance didn’t change, just my brain. And the doctor says there is a good chance I will get all my memories back, hopefully.
“It’s really weird. I’ve known you all my life, and you don’t know me,” she says.
“I know, sweetie. I know. But hopefully in time that will change, and things can go back to the way they were. For now, I think we need to start new memories, so let’s go swim.” I take her hand and lead her through the house and out the patio doors.
“This place is beautiful. I remember being here when I was younger, but it’s been a really long time,” Mia says.
“It really is beautiful. I assume this is where Michael and I will live when we get married.”
“Married!” Mia exclaims. “But you were supposed to—”
“Mia!” Michael says as he approaches us. “Zaira mentioned you were coming by sometime today. You and your brother are always welcome here.” He takes my hand and kisses it. “Good morning, Zaira,” he says to me smoothly as if nothing has happened between us.
“Hello, Michael. It’s been a long time,” Mia says coolly. “Zaira just told me you—”
“That we are proceeding with our engagement and subsequent marriage. We are, and I couldn’t be more pleased.” He looks at Mia warily, and I get the feeling I am missing something.
Mia nods. “Yes, that is exactly what I was about to say.” She gives Michael the same wary look.
Just then, Marco comes out onto the lawn and addresses Michael. “Boss, your pop wants to see you before the meeting this afternoon.”
Mia beams at the sight of Marco, and I do believe she has a major crush on him. And really, who wouldn’t? He’s young, although I believe he’s older than my sister. He’s broad shouldered, dark skinned, and has scruffy dark-brown hair. He’s got a boy-next-door type of face, unlike Michael’s, which is chiseled and distinctive. But Marco’s adorable just the same. Personally, I prefer the chiseled look better.
“Thanks, Marco,” Michael says. “Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Marco nods, turns toward Mia, and smiles. Oh man, he likes her too. It makes me smile to see young love bloom.
Michael then turns back toward Mia and me. “You lovely ladies have a wonderful afternoon.” He gives Mia that odd look again, and she nods. He kisses me on the cheek and lingers there just a second or two longer than what people may consider appropriate, but I’m not complaining.
After Michael leaves, I turn back toward Mia, determined to get to the bottom of her and Michael’s silent conversation. “So you were going to say something before Michael came up. What was it?”
She looks at me curiously and responds defensively. “What? I wasn’t gonna say anything.”
“Mia, I’m serious. You and Michael were having private words a few minutes ago, and I want to know what’s going on.”
