“Nonsense, it’s my pleasure. Besides, your use of the frozen veggies on her ankle led to its creation, so you are the mastermind behind the idea.”
“Yeah, I totally didn’t intend on the veggies I put on Erika’s ankle to be used as food. She didn’t own a real icepack.”
“I know. What’s up with that?” Johnny chirped in.
“Please,” Amani chastised. “If it wasn’t for me, I doubt you’d have one either. For that matter, I don’t know how you survived living in this city before we got together.”
“I have some survival skills,” Johnny pouted.
“Well, I must take off,” Kirk said as he and Amani finished the dishes. “I wish I could stay and chat all night, but I have an early morning tomorrow. Ahh…the joys of homeroom duty.”
“What time does school start?”
“The breakfast bell is at 7:45 and the first period starts at 8:15. I must be there about 7:15 to 7:30.”
“Oh my!” Johnny squealed in disgust. “I haven’t seen that time of the day in years.”
“Not true,” Amani but in. “We didn’t get home until almost 8:00 a.m. last new year.”
“That’s so not the same,” Johnny said.
I rolled my eyes and looked at Kirk. “See what I must put up with? I would walk you out, but,” I said, gesturing to my ankle, “I’m a bit indisposed.”
“That’s understandable. Thank you, Amani, for an amazing meal. And thank you,” Kirk said, turning to me, “for inviting me over and making me feel welcomed.”
“You are more than welcome. Have a good day tomorrow.”
“Oh and, Johnny,” Kirk started. “It’s been an experience meeting you.” Kirk followed the statement with a raised eyebrow in Johnny’s direction as he smiled. With that, Kirk left.
“I like him,” Johnny said as soon as the door closed. “Does he come in my size?”
“Oi!” Amani said from the kitchen, where he was packing up the last of his supplies. “I’m right here. What am I? Chopped liver?”
“No, you’re more like sweet chorizo,” Johnny said with a grin.
Amani said something in Arabic. For the first time, I was glad I couldn’t translate what he said.
The boys stayed at the apartment for the next hour and the three of us gossiped. We hadn’t had a good girl’s night in, in forever, so it was nice. Of course, half the gossip was about Kirk.
“He’s totally into you,” Johnny said at one point.
“We’re neighbors. We’re barely friends at this point,” I responded.
“Mm-hmm?” Johnny questioned.
“Besides, I don’t know if I’m even on the market for a relationship. I mean, sure, I want to get my date back on, but dating the neighbor is just asking for trouble. What if things sour?”
“Erika,” Amani said, “If I may?” I nodded for him to continue. “You seem to have a ton of reasons not to date, but you don’t have one good reason for being alone.”
“Did you just go Sondheim on me?” I asked. The puzzled look on Amani’s face answered the question, so I reversed tactics. “I will keep that in mind. I need to get back on the dating saddle. I don’t think I should do it with the neighbor. But, I definitely need to have someone on my arm for my show’s opening. I don’t want to show up on the red carpet by myself. That would be just…pathetic.”
“Perfect!” Johnny said. “I have the right man for you.”
“Seegers again?” I asked.
“Oh, I already told you about him?” Johnny questioned.
“Yep, yesterday.” I let out a sigh. “You might as well give him my number. I officially give you permission to set me up on a blind date.” Outwardly, I smiled. Inwardly, I was screaming.Erika, what are you thinking?
