Daniel
My phone rings and it’s Maggie.
“Hey sis.”
“Daniel, are you coming over tonight?”
“Not sure yet. I have lots of work to do.” I glance at my watch. It’s going to be a long night.
“Well, I’m taking Cara to her dance recital. It’s pouring and they didn’t cancel. So, I won’t be home. I’ve left the key in the usual spot for you.”
“I’ll call you on what I decide.”
“Okay, but in case you do come soon, Ms K doesn’t drive in the rain,” she says. “I think she was going to have a panic attack if I’d said she couldn’t wait the rain out,” she says in a low tone, like a side note. “So, she’s waiting for the rain to stop before she leaves. Please, don’t scare her if you see her there.”
“Is she okay?” Anu always seemed fearless, thought of her scared is alarming.
“She looked fine when we left but looked like she was frightened when the rain started to pour, though she said she was fine. I told her she could stay till the rain stops.”
“Okay.” I say, knowing I’ll need to confirm she’s okay.
“Talk later.” Maggie says hanging up.
I immediately call Patrick to order dinner for four from Mrs Wu restaurant and pick a few varieties on the menu. The food was good and I’m certain Anu would like it. He should let them know Zack will be picking it up.
I call Zack to say that I will be on my way down in a few minutes and he needs to be ready. I packed up all the files I was reviewing. They’ll have to wait a few hours.
I need to be with Anu. Zack and I made a quick stop to pick up the food. The rain is heavy. I want to tell him to drive faster, I don’t want to miss her, but I remain quiet.
Getting to Maggie’s house, Zack parks as close to the door as possible to save me from getting wet. I grab the dinner and quickly unlock the door. Setting the food on the table, I go to the living room. It’s dark, I see her image in the corner with headphones on. I turned the light on, and for a moment, she seemed disoriented before her gaze settles on me.
Chapter 17
Anu-Ms K
“Hi,” he says. Though calm, I hear the hint of a pant as I take my headphones off.
“Hi,” I manage to respond in an even tone, though my heart is racing. It’s has been doing that a lot lately, and each time at the sight of him. I seriously need to get laid. That can only be the reason for my quivering Vjay and racing heartbeat at the sight of him. I try to stay calm and not let my anxiety due to heavy rain show. Luckily, there’s no thunder or lightning, which is good. That’s my kryptonite.
“My sister told me you want to wait out the rain.”
“Yeah, I’m not a fan of heavy rain” she says with a forced smile
“I ordered dinner.” He pauses and moves closer to me. “Would you like to have dinner with me?”
A simple and innocuous question, and I should say no, but I had fun with him on our date. Besides, I’m hungry. Plus, I have no idea how long this rain is going to last. It’s one of those annoying Chicago bipolar weather that can’t ever make up its damn mind.
“Sure,” I say. “What you got?”
He grins like I’d just said yes to something more than dinner on a rainy evening.
“I had my PA order from Mrs Wu.”
My eyes widen.
“No, you didn’t!” I couldn’t hide the smile.
“It’s gonna be great to enjoy her food, without her frown.”
