Page 2 of My Heart Belongs to You

My thoughts halted when my phone vibrated. I sucked in a breath at the sight of Nadir’s name.

“Everything okay?” I answered in a panic. My heart pounded against my chest and my breaths quickened.

His chuckle eased my fears. “Yes. I saw your likes on our page and decided to call. Why are you still up?”

My eyebrows met. “Why are you still up? It’s three in the morning.”

“I’m still at work.”

“Why? I thought you took Avery to the park on Sunday mornings.”

“I had some last-minute inventory to look over. We will receive our last grant payment soon and I want to make sure the funds are allocated properly.”

“And that couldn’t wait until Monday?”

Nadir laughed. “No.”

There was something off about his tone, but I didn’t want to pry.

“Can I ask you something?”

I sat up. “Of course.”

“Vanessa says she wants a change. I’m thinking of proposing and buying a townhouse. Is that too drastic?”

“I don’t think it's drastic at all. Is this the first time she’s expressed wanting a change?”

“No. Every conversation about it turns into an argument. I’m starting to think this is about wanting a ring.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Are you ready for marriage?”

“I mean… It's been three years. I’m ready for us to be settled as a family and maybe have a kid of our own.”

Something about hearing Nadir’s plans with Vanessa warmed my heart. I appreciated a man who knew what he wanted. Vanessa never had to question his intentions. He always laid them out plain for her. I wished I had experienced the same with Terrance.

“If you think y’all are ready for the next step, go for it.”

“Yeah, I think so. It’s the perfect time too. Her lease ends in a few months and Harmony on Main is selling townhouses with a quickness.”

I nodded, knowing a few people who’d recently closed on houses in the new development. If I didn’t have a vacant restaurant to worry about, I probably would’ve bought a new place. For now, my condo would have to do.

“Anyway, how are you? How was the event?”

“Adrienne’s truck sold out of everything but the plantain chips and salsa. I’m so proud of her.”

He hummed. “You sound like you’re in better spirits.”

“I am.”

“Good, because I can’t have my best friend moping around much longer.”

I belted out a laugh. “I have been moping, huh?”

“I’m surprised you haven’t tripped over your bottom lip yet.”

“Shut up. My heart is broken,” I whined.

Nadir groaned. “You’ll be aight, G. You’re too ambitious, talented, and beautiful to be hung up on ol’ boy.”