One Cold Moment

Chapter 7

Marina spoke with her grandmother Joana, about her encounter with her boss's brother, Yankee how he’d wanted to be her friend and even asked for her number. While Joana didn’t see anything wrong with it, Marina couldn’t stop thinking about what Yankee had said, and how he had suddenly appeared at the plantation. She found herself blushing every time she remembered him asking if she was okay after falling into the water the previous day.

Joana had offered her a piece of advice not to decline his request for friendship. Deep down, Marina already knew she wouldn’t. Something about Yankee felt different. He seemed genuine, funny, and undeniably attractive. She didn’t mind being friends with him at all.

************

Anthonio lay sprawled across Yankee's bed while Yankee stood by his dresser, phone in hand. After hanging up the call, Anthonio tilted his head to see Yankee’s smug face.

“Who was that, man?” he asked.

“Poppy,” Yankee replied, sitting in the chair near the dresser.

“Your girlfriend from the pub?” Anthonio chuckled, earning a glare.

“What? That chick is clearly into you. I say go for her, Yanks. What the hell happened to the old you?”

“What old me are you talking about?” Yankee shot back.

Anthonio gave him a straight look before replying, “The Yankee that used to hit the pub and drive any lady home.”

Yankee's lips parted in disbelief, tempted to slap his friend.

“What are you even saying, man? I should slap you for that comment. I take offense!”

“Whatever you say,” Anthonio shrugged. “All I’m saying is…the old Yankee wouldn’t hesitate with the opportunity Poppy is throwing at him. Period.”

“Well… that’s just not me anymore,” Yankee muttered.

“Why don’t you take her then? So Isabel can have your head on a platter,” Yankee teased.

“Hey,” he sat up. “Don’t tell Isabel I said any of this, okay? But seriously, Poppy’s a sweet girl. A little childish and desperate, but hot.”

“Yeah, thanks, Anthonio. I’ll keep that in mind. Now, can you shut up?”

“Alright,” he raised his hands in surrender. “I’ll be quiet.”

“Thank you,” Yankee nodded.

Silence.

“So,” Anthonio broke it. “Did you go back to the plantation to see water girl?”

“Water girl?” Yankee raised a brow. “Who?”

“Damn, I forgot her name. The princess in distress? The one you were ogling back at your brother’s plantation?”

“Alright! I wasn’t ogling at her. And yeah, I did just to make sure she was okay.”

“Wow,” Anthonio stressed, placing a hand on his chest. “That’s so sweet and soft of you.”

“I’m not being soft! It’s called caring… you know, ever heard of that word? Probably not. Let me explain it to you. If Isabel fell into the water, you'd make sure she was okay, right?”

“Well,” Anthonio cut in, “In case you forgot, Isabel is my girlfriend. That’s why I’d care and cuddle her afterwards to make her feel better.” He smirked.

“So… you’re hoping to make her your girlfriend? Maybe cuddle her too?”

“Stop that, Tony. You’ve got such a dirty mind!”