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“Just like that?” Reda asks in a glacial tone.
“Not just like that. It… I always felt more friendship and affection for you than romantic feelings. I didn’t know if that would change, but we’ve been seeing each other for months now. So…”
Reda’s gaze is furious. His nostrils flare with the deep breaths he inhales. He clearly thinks I’ve been playing him.
“Well, we obviously were not on the same page. I was planning on asking you to come spend the holidays with my family. Glad we had this talk now.”
I feel my eyes widen.What could have given him the impression that our relationship was progressing toward an introduction to our families?I was always busy with work, not making much effort to see him…
“Again, I’m sorry. It was never my intention to lead you on.”
“It’s fine.” His lips pull up into a tight smile. “I wish you the best, Mia.”
“Thank you. You too, Reda.” I reply with earnestness.
He grants me a brief nod, then walks out of the small coffee-shop down my street, where we almost always met. I sigh with relief, feeling lighter now that this is done, but still having that knot in my stomach. The one from Barrett’s disappearing act…
I’ll be okay. I got over him in the past, so I can do it again. Especially now that I’m not stuck in the same small town, school, or college as the rat bastard. My only concern is his going home for the holidays. So, I’m kind of apprehensive about my vacation next week. But that’s silly. I’ll spend all my time with my parents, Sarah and her family. Taking my nieces out and about, filling my belly with delicious home-cooked meals, there’s little chance I’ll even see Barrett. It’s just one week, I’ll be fine!Uh-huh…
***
HOME SWEET HOME
I’m in Del Mar! I flew in yesterday, just in time for Christmas Eve. We exchanged presents this morning, and the kids have been having a blast all day. Now we’re all dressed up, ready for another evening of celebration.
* * *
I’m standing outside our family house, chatting on the phone with Halima, who couldn’t make it home for the holidays this year because of her young son.
“This is not okay, Halima.” I tease her. “When was the last time we spent the holidaystogether?” I whine, making her laugh-snort.
“We’ll come in a couple of years, when Mustafa is older. But for now, I’m not flying ten plus hours with a newborn baby. No, ma’am. A trip to the store down the street is hard enough.”
I laugh.
“Okay, fine. Then, maybe I should come spend new year’s with you guys.”
Halima squeals in my ear and I pull the phone away, a huge grin on my face.
“Dude, my ears.”
I giggle
“Promise!”
“I promise.Tell Kareem to get ready…”
I don’t get a chance to finish my playful threat to her husband when I’m interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and come face to face with… Barrett!What. The. Hell.
“Excuse me, Halima. There’s a piece of trash I need to get rid of. I’ll call you back later.”
I disconnect the call and cross my arms over my ample chest.Is this asshole serious?
“What are you doing at my house?” I interrogate him in an icy tone.
“Technically, it’s your parents’ house,” he dares reply with a cheeky expression.
Oh no. This motherfucker did not come to my childhood home on Christmas of all days, in his stupid fancy clothes, all gorgeous tanned skin and bulging muscles, to taunt and torture me with his delicious smelling cologne and muddle my thoughts! Uh-huh!!
