“Alright, so what are we having?”
“You will soon find out, just relax.” She said, already strutting towards the kitchen.
“Are you sure you don’t need any help? I know a thing or two about cooking.”
“Not to worry, Kevin. I have it all figured out.” She responded, waving her hands as she disappeared into her kitchen.
Chapter Eleven
Licia
As much as I hated to admit it, I had really enjoyed Kevin’s company. It felt reckless, but the small talks we shared over dinner, the jokes and jibes, left me longing for more. I wanted more, but I knew I had to be cautious.Once bitten, twice shy.
I found myself smiling dreamily at the thought of him as I went about my morning jog.Could it be that I was falling for him all over again? Nah, that was too soon.
“Licia, don’t let your guard down. It took you years to rid your heart of him. There's no wisdom in making the same mistake a second time,” I thought out loud, waving at the old lady who had just moved into the house next to mine.
I needed to confide in someone before making a decision I might regret. I was torn between calling Joey or visiting her—we were each other’s confidants.
We hadn't seen each other in over a week due to our busy schedules, but I was about to change that.I needed my best friend.There was a lot I wanted to tell Joey, so I called her up.
“Hey, Joey. Where are you right now?” I asked, skipping the pleasantries.
“I'm trying to finalize the sale of that property on Dunes Avenue,” she explained eagerly. She had mentioned the property before and how clients were outbidding each other for it. I was glad she finally landed a buyer. She was an excellent realtor, and very persuasive.
“That’s great, girl. You owe me a treat,” I replied, excitedly.“Most definitely. Do you want to meet up?” she asked sweetly. We were thinking in the same direction.
“Whoa… if I didn’t know you so well, I’d think you had psychic abilities.”
She laughed out loud. “How so?”
“You just read my mind. We can grab a cup of coffee when you're done with your client. We need to catch up, unless you get caught up with something else.”
I had time to spare, but I wasn’t sure if Joey would be free until later. I didn't want to make assumptions that would dash my hopes.
“Sweetheart, don't worry about that. You'll have me all to yourself after I’m done here,” she assured me. “Happy now?”
“I never said I was sad,” I retorted playfully. Joey always brought a happy energy that transferred to me whenever we talked.She was my elegant bundle of joy.
“Believe whatever you want, Licia,” she giggled. “Where are we meeting?”
“Enzo’s place by noon. He makes the best latte.”
“I know. Don’t forget I'm a regular there. See you by noon. Let me finish up here. You know how these rich clients can be,” she said with a snigger, trying to keep her voice low.
“Sure, do your thing. Love you!”
“Ciao, Licia. Love you, too.”
***
It was barely noon, but Enzo’s place was already teeming with happy customers enjoying their orders and the cool music filling the room with a homely aura.
I found an empty spot near the window and quickly secured it. There was no way to guarantee its vacancy if I spent more time appraising the classy, stylish tweaks Enzo had made to the café.
Joey arrived about ten minutes later. She parked her car opposite the café, shielding it from the sun.
“I see you still double-checked your car lock,” I pointed out, standing to hug her.
