“Dig in, Firecracker,” I say, pouring syrup over my stack.
She follows suit, dousing her pancakes in syrup andadding a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of cherries. I can’t help but laugh at how serious she looks as she meticulously arranges everything.
“Now, this is a breakfast,” she says, taking her first bite. Her eyes go wide and a smile spreads across her face. “Oh my god, Daniel! These are incredible!” She does a happy dance, and I laugh. “I can never get over your pancakes.”
I take a bite of my own and nod in agreement. “I might just have a future in culinary arts,” I say sarcastically.
She laughs. I watch her as she eats her pancakes, carefree, unaware of the rest of the world. It is embarrassing that I am jealous of her food now.
Anya picks up a cherry, its deep red skin gleaming in the light. She holds it delicately between her fingers. As she takes a bite and I gulp. I extend my hand. She cocks an eyebrow. “Spit,” I command. “The seed.”
She smirks as she holds the seed between her teeth and leans down to drop it in my palm. She kisses my finger and looks up at me as she sucks at the syrup on my thumb.
I shiver. “Firecracker.” I groan. “Do not tease me.”
She raises her hands in surrender and straightens up. “Apologies, captain.” She grins. I shake my head, trying to hide my smile.What am I going to do with this woman?
“I have a question for you,” she says, chewing her pancake. “I saw this reel on Instagram. The girl asked her boyfriend if he would kiss her for $1 or kiss Emma Watson for $10,000. What would your response be?” She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me. I chuckle.
“That is a very simple baby.” I push my plate aside and lean forward pecking her lips. “I would pay $10,000 to kiss you,” I say, my mouth still hovering over hers.
She gasps and blushes furiously. “What is wrong with you?!” she exclaims. I chuckle, taking a seat. I love seeing her so red.
She leans back in her chair, avoidingmy eyes, and cuts the pancake. She brings it to her mouth slowly, sighing as she takes the bite and closes her eyes.
“Are you full?” I frown.
Her eyes flutter open. She gives me a small smile. “I can manage.”
“No.” I take her plate. “I know you do not like wasting food,” I say softly. “I will finish it for you.”
“How do you know that?” she whispers, her eyes wide.
“I don’t know. I just picked it up. You never once wasted anything we ate at the cafe or your place or mine, even when you were struggling.” I shrug. “Although, I would like to know why you do it.” I tilt my head as I study her.
“My mother always says we should be grateful for what we have, so I try to gobble up everything.” She chuckles. “Back in India, we used to get leftovers packed and we gave it out to the homeless.”
“That’s nice.” I smile. “So, if I promise to always make pancakes, will you keep letting me take your leftovers?” I ask, trying to keep the mood light.
She chuckles, shaking her head. “You’re so ridiculous, Daniel. But I wouldn’t mind as long as they’re this good.”
∞∞∞
35
DANIEL
The gym echoes with the rhythmic thud of basketballs bouncing against the hardwood. I wipe my brow with the back of my hand, glancing at Anya sitting in the stands. She’s typing furiously on her laptop, probably finishing some assignment.
I can’t focus on anything at all because the next match is a do-or-die for me. Louis passes the ball to me. I aim for a three-pointer, and the ball leaves my hand, soaring through the air toward the hoop. My arm sways with a swift motion and the ball lands with a satisfying swish, dropping perfectly into the net. The sound echoes throughout the gym, followed by a collective sigh of relief from my teammates.
The rush never gets old; the satisfaction of making the shot is thrilling. Louis pats my back. “Let’s take a break,” he says silently. I look at the boys. They do look tired; we have been at it for three hours.
“Okay, guys. We will begin in thirty,” I announce.
I head towards the stand and take aseat beside Anya. She looks up from her laptop. “I am so glad we are done with that assignment.” She sighs and shuts her laptop. “I have to study for the midterms and make notes for finals.”
She takes out the hand towel and water bottle from my bag, giving it to me.
