Page 33 of Burning Obsession

Victor: I can come now.

I let out a squeal that would rival any teenage girl who just got a call or message from the popular boy at school.

What do I say? Yes. No, wait. Fuck, why is this hard.

Victor: Or not.

Fuck it.

Me: Now is perfect. I’ll go ahead and order some food.

Victor: I was hoping you’d say that. See you soon.

Soon equates to thirty minutes later. Just enough time to get dressed, but still be comfortable and order from the local Mediterranean restaurant.

When I hear the knock on the door, I assume the food is early. Imagine my shock when I open the door and see Victor standing there, the bag of food from the restaurant in his hands.

“It was being delivered as I got here. Figured I’d surprise you.” He gives me a wink as I step back so that he can step inside.

“Welcome to my humble abode. We can eat in the living room.”

I can’t see his face, but by the way his head is moving I can tell he’s taking in my home. We settle onto the couch with the food between us, and for a while it's just easy conversation.

We eat, talk about our day so far, our plans for the week and laugh. That’s the best part. The laughter. I’ve missed being with someone and sharing myself with them. There’s something about Victor that just feels right.

The conversation shifts to our families and he tells me about his sister and the ridiculous arguments they have. How their holidays were a massive production with the entire extended family in attendance. It’s sweet. Being an only child you don’t realize how much you miss by not having siblings. You always have your person. Someone to stick by you through thick and thin. Your very own ride or die.

His face softens. “I can’t wait until my sister has her baby. I’m so excited to be an uncle.”

I smile. An uncle. I’ve never thought about that. Not having a sibling, I never expected it. Not unless whoever I ended up marrying had a sibling. "That’s exciting. Do you know what she’s having or is she wanting it to be a surprise?"

He nods.

"A girl."

"Why do I have a feeling you’re going to spoil her?"

"Because I absolutely am. It’s going to be hard, not living near her, but I can order online in my sleep."

I love how his whole face lights up when he talks about her and his family.

"I'm excited," he admits. "More than I thought I would be."

"You've already started shopping, haven't you?" I laugh.

He places his hand on his chest and lets out a playful gasp.

"And if I have?” I can’t help but smile, loving every minute of teasing him.

"You're going to be that uncle."

"What uncle?"

"The one who shows up with ridiculous gifts and teaches her things her parents don't want her knowing."

He grins. "Yes, yes I am. And I’m going to love every minute of it."

We place our empty plates on the table and lean back against the couch. I shift on the cushion, pulling up one of my legs and angling my body toward him as he does the same. My arm stretches out along the back of the couch, my fingertips brushing lightly against his arm. He places his hand on my thigh, his fingers rubbing circles through the material of my jeans.