I could feel the disappointment creeping in knowing that our meetup was coming to an end.
“What about you?” I asked.
“I’ve got a couple meetings and some calls I should probably handle,” he said honestly. Then he shrugged. “But… they can wait.”
That did something to me. It was a weird feeling in my chest because it felt like someone chose me, our moment, and my presence.
“Oh,” I said softly, trying not to show how I really felt.
“Why?” he continued, leaning forward a little. “You tryna get rid of me already?”
I laughed. “Not even close.”
“Good,” he said. “Because I had an idea.”
I raised a brow. “And what is that?”
“I was thinking we could stop by this music store I like. I’ve got a record player at home, and I’m trying to build my collection.”
“Records?” I repeated, surprised. “Like vinyl?”
“Yeah,” he said. “I’m old-school like that.”
“I didn’t know many people still did that.”
“Oh, I do,” he said. “Music sounds different on vinyl.”
“That actually makes sense.”
He tilted his head. “So… you down?”
I hesitated for a second. “Are you sure? You said you had work.”
“Hell yeah I’m sure,” he said laughing. “Work will be there when I’m done. I need to see what kind of music you’re into anyway.”
I laughed. “Why?”
“Because I need to know if you’ve got any depth.”
I gasped dramatically. “Excuse you.”
He laughed, standing up. “Come on. Let’s go.”
He paid the bill and we headed out together. I didn’t even think about how my morning started because I was too busy smiling ear to ear from how it had progressed unexpectedly.
12
Kairo
Later on in the week, work felt… normal again.
Things at home had been calm. I worked late a few nights, but not every night. Khloe didn’t trip the way she used to. She’d say something slick here and there, but she didn’t harp on it long. And oddly enough, Khloe had gone into the firm three days that week. That wasn’t normal, but I was glad that she was in her own groove. I could tell she was happy doing what she loved, and I was proud of that.
I walked into the office that morning with two boxes of donuts headed straight for Kemi’s desk. She was just hanging up the phone.
“Tell me you brought those for me,” she said.
I set the boxes down. “Hell yeah. As much of that sweet-ass coffee you drink every day, I know you keep a sweet tooth.”
