AllFreeNovel
Share Us
MIA
I walk into my apartment and get rid of my shoes at the entrance, making my way to the living room to sprawl out on the couch for a few minutes.Fuck, that was a long day.
Later that evening, I’m fed and dozing off in front of the TV. I’m so deliciously groggy, all worries about my lack of compatibility with Reda or the surprise meet with Barrett are just vague, hovering thoughts at the border of my consciousness. I’m about to drift off when my phone rings. My fingers fumble with the screen to stop the annoying ringtone.
“Hello,” I mumble into the receiver in my half-asleep state, without checking who’s calling.
“Mia?” Barrett asks in his low timbre, and I instantly straighten up, wide awake.
“Hey, Barrett.”
“Hey yourself.” His sexy voice is filled with mirth.“Is this a good time to call?”
“Yeah, yeah. Of course.”
My heart beats like crazy.
“You’re not busy with dinner?”
“No, I already ate.”
“Okay, good.” He’s quiet for a few seconds. “It was really nice seeing you today, Mia. I’d love to spend some time together.” When I don’t immediately respond, he adds, “to catch up and stuff.”
Of course, two people who’ve known each other for most of their lives, then find out they live in the same city. That makes sense.
“Yes, of course. I’d like that, too.”
“Perfect,” Barrett proceeds. “Dinner tomorrow?”
Tomorrow? What?!
Stunned silent, I take a bit to reply, “uh, sure. What do you have in mind?”
“There’s a great Ethiopian place just down my street, here in Queensbridge. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
I burst out laughing, and Barrett asks with a smile in his voice, “what’s so funny?”
“The fact there is Ethiopian food within walking distance of your place. You remember where we grew up, right?”
“True that,” he chuckles in a low rumble that does funny things to my belly. And lower… Much lower places.Oh boy…
“Okay, text me the details, please.” I say, hoping to wrap up the conversation.
“I will. Have a good night, Mia.”
His voice dips by an octave in a warm farewell.
And it’s only after we hang up I remember I told Reda we couldn’t meet till the weekend. I just made plans to see Barrett on a week night…
***
“How’s Halima?” Barrett enquires with a teasing grin.
My eyes drift to the assortment of dishes on our table. Flatbread, sauteed meat chunks, a couple of stews… there’s way too much food for just the two of us, but he insisted on having me try all the house specials.
“Still the same, except now she’s married and a mom.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
