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Shaking my head, I decided to mind my own business and not get tangled up in theirs. Aeir’s eyes were still fixated on me. Her initial shock hadn’t worn off. She hadn’t batted or blinked or broke contact in over a minute.
“Baby.” I swiped my hand in front of her, forcing her to snap out of the trance she was in.
“Yes?”
“Did you enjoy shopping?”
“Yes. A bit draining, but I did. I’ll need your help unloading. I managed to get everything else I needed for the classroom as well, so the trip into the city was very beneficial.”
“Good. Good.”
“Are you going to order? We just got our food just before you walked in but I’m not all that hungry.”
“Nah. I’m good. I’ve eaten. I brought Portland through to grab a drink, but it doesn’t seem like he needs my company anymore.”
“I don’t,” he exclaimed, “If you’re trying to ditch me and crawl back to your cave, I understand. I think Jae has a few more drinks to put on that tab.”
“We just met and it feels like you know me so well already,” she joked, holding the center of her chest. “I’m flattered.”
“You ready, or you care to stay?”
“She all but begged to go home and make food rather than come here. Please, take her.”
“Noooo. It’s fine. It’ll just reduce the time we have together. I’m not ready for you to go.”
“My flight isn’t for another three hours, babe. By the time you get home and settled, I’ll be headed that way.”
“I’ll make sure of it,” Portland added.
“Okay. It was nice meeting you again,” Aeir whined, standing up from her seat reluctantly. When I grabbed her hand, she hurried into my embrace.
“Baby, we can stay if it makes you feel better.” I looked into her big, glossy eyes to make sure she understood.
“It’s fine. I’m just a little tired.”
“Where are your keys?”
“In my purse,” she informed me, lifting it for me to see.
I took it into my possession and allowed the strap to fall near my waist. When I leaned down and scooped Aeir into my arms, she yelped, a nervous laugh escaping her.
“Malachi, I could’ve walked.”
“Not when you’re tired. I got you. Just quiet down and enjoy the view.”
“The view?”
“Me,” I sniggered.
She settled down, quieting and taking my advice. I got her into the passenger seat and strapped her in. On the way to the driver’s side, there was only one thing on my mind and that was how God had a way of stripping me of everything before giving me even more.
Thank You, big homie.
THIRTEEN
Blood filled my mouth,but did little to convince me to let go of the skin of my bottom lip. The day had come and in just a few minutes, I’d be meeting the girl of my dreams. I couldn’t contain myself. The pacing was the only thing that kept me from succumbing to the nausea that wanted me paralyzed and unable to move.
“You’re going to burn a hole through your shoe if you don’t take a seat, baby.”
