"Well, country music is still sappy as hell but the Church one was cool." She playfully hits my shoulder, and I grin ather.
After I finish getting ready, we leave my place and head to the coffee shop two blocks up. It's a locally owned place, without the hustle and bustle Starbucks always has at this time ofday.
Mackenzie snags us a seat while I order two cups of coffee, along with a few pastries and some fruit. I'm not one to share food, but when she said she was torn between an apple fritter, a bagel with cream cheese, and a ham and cheese croissant, they all sounded good tome.
I've never had such a relaxing time at a coffee shop. It's normal for people to get coffee with friends, but I've never understood the attraction. It's coffee. You grab a cup, drink it, and leave. What else is there todo?
Now I get it. Our conversation is unlike any I've ever had. It flows from one subject to the next, and there are multiple times I laugh so hard, I have to wipe tears from myeyes.
I glance at my watch. We've been sitting her for about two hours, yet it felt like thirtyminutes.
I sigh. "I'm sorry. I have to get to work." I stand, gathering our trash to discardit.
She nods and we head toward the exit. I open the door for her and without thinking twice, reach for her hand, holding it softly as we walk back to ourbuilding.
It's so comfortable I don't even bother to talk. Just being with her is filling my soul with a light I haven't seen in a longtime.
I accompany her to her floor and at the door, I ask, "Can I see youtonight?"
"Really?" she responds, and I try to hide my laugh at her fast response. "I mean, yeah, sure. But, um, aren't you going to the club? Is that where you want to take me?" Her voice risesslightly.
"I don't feel like going. I'd rather hang with you. I thought we’d have dinner orsomething."
I’ve been toying with the idea of going back to the club, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I don’t want to. The excitement, the draw, the fantasy isn’t there anymore. Especially after spending this time withMackenzie.
"Soooo...." I drawl out when she doesn’trespond.
She lets out the cutest laugh. "Yeah, sorry. Sounds good. How about I make youdinner?"
"You cook?" I ask, way more excited than I should be. "Because I'm a total sucker for a home-cooked meal. Don't tease menow?"
"Yes. I'll cook you dinner. My place oryours?"
"Mine, if you're cooking I want it all for myself and don’t want to share with yourroommates."
"Do you even own the pots and pans I'll need?" she asks, making melaugh.
"Probably not. Here"—I hand her my key—"let yourself in, see what you need, and then bring it from your place. I'll be home at six-thirty or seven. I'll textyou."
"Okay. Thanks for breakfast," she says, looking for her keys like she’s trying to avoid an awkwardgoodbye.
I kiss her on the cheek, surprising her, before walking away and saying over my shoulder, "I can smell the food now. I'll be dreaming of it allday."
I'm going to dream about the small laugh she releases for the rest of the day aswell.
* * *
Mackenzie
Iwatchas Connor struts down the hallway as calm as can be with his hand in his pocket. I'm surprised he's not whistling he looks socontent.
I enter my apartment and am shocked to see all three of my roommates sitting on the couch, staring at the door, waiting for me to comein.
"So?" Chantel springs up, too excited to wait for me to sayanything.
"What?" I askinnocently.
"Stop the shit," Katy squeals. "You stayed at his place last night. Spill it, girl. We've been dying to hear about him for years.Years!"
