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“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, smiling warmly.
“Nice to meet you... You have nice teeth.”
Both Callum and Bella laughed.
“Told you,” they both said.
Martin looked around, confused. “What?”
Bella pecked his lips. “Nothing, my love. Why are you in my kitchen?”
“I just came to speak since neither you nor your brother introduced me to our guest.”
“Well, you’ve met her. Now get out.”
Martin shook his head. “You see how she does me? I’m going. Give me a kiss.”
He pulled her closer, pressed his lips to hers, and then kissed her all over her face. She broke into a fit of giggles that ended with her snorting and covering her mouth. She playfully slapped his chest.
“Stop making me ugly laugh!” she exclaimed. “Get out of my kitchen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He grabbed two beers from the fridge. Then he and Callum headed back in the direction they came from.
“Are you two like this all the time?” I asked.
“Yes, girl. He makes me feel like a teenager again... hopelessly in love.”
“That’s beautiful. You make a nice couple.”
“Thank you. He’s my college sweetheart. Callum wasn’t happy when I brought him home, but he loves him now.”
She went back to stirring her pot. I took a seat on the stool in front of the island. I could see that she and her brother were as close as he said they were.
“Can I ask you something?” I said.
“Sure.”
“How was he as a parental figure? He said he raised you after you lost your parents.”
She smiled softly. “He was strict, but at the same time, he was very loving, understanding, and hands-on. He never missed any of my big moments. He was always right there encouraging me and being my biggest cheerleader. He put his life on hold to make sure we could stay together. When everyone backed out of taking us in, he stepped up. He left school and got a nine to five. Sometimes, I could hear him crying and praying to God that things would get better and easier, and that broke me, Pasha. The love I have for him goes past him being my big brother. He took care of me when he was still a kid himself, and I have so much respect for him.”
She reached across the counter and took my hands.
“He told me about your situation. And it wasn’t to tell me your business. It was to make me aware of the parameters of your friendship. I say that to say this. If you ever find yourself catching feelings for him or no longer wanting just a friendship, you will have a good man. He’s not perfect, but he’s one of the best men I know. I stand ten toes down behind that.”
“I hear you.”
“So... Tell me a little about you.”
I gave her a short rundown. I found that she was really easy to talk to. She, like her brother, had a genuine spirit. I could tell that she was a good person and probably someone I would enjoy being around. About fifteen minutes later, dinner was done. I helped her plate everything, and then she called the household to eat. As we made our way to the table, Callum pulled up my chair and allowed me to sit. I offered him a grateful smile. He grabbed my hand as we bowed our heads to pray. While Martin led the table in prayer, I snuck a glance at Callum. I just couldn’t get over how handsome he was and how good he had been to me. I knew that if I kept being around him, it would make just being his friend very hard.
Dinner was great.
Callum’s family was very welcoming and gave me all-around good vibes. Precious quickly became my little friend, just as her uncle said she would. I couldn’t help but love her sweetness and innocence. She asked me questions like she was conducting an interview. It was amazing how articulate she was for a four-year-old. By the night’s end, she’d fallen asleep in my arms.
“I’ll take her,” Martin said, standing from the couch. “It’s way past her bedtime anyway. Thank you for joining us, Pasha. You’re welcome anytime.”
