Ci vediamo

16. You're a liability

~Espada's POV~

"You WHAT?"

"No need to be dramatic Mindy. I'm perfectly fine! I wasn't hurt. See?" I said, spinning with a flourish.

"Oh, I can see that you're fine. What did you just say you said to Harold after he rescued you?"

"THAT'S who you're concerned about? Unbelievable!" I said, sitting back down in the empty shop. It was after closing hours.

Silence.

"Why did you go on that vacation a couple of months ago Anthony?"

"To... to forget him."

"No. You went to clear your head, get your emotions together. To keep him safe by keeping your distance. Obviously, that isn't working."

"And whose fault is that, huh? I was doing just fine, minding my business and staying far from him until you sent him to my doorstep!"

"You almost caused a gang war because of your actions and attitude ever since you returned honey! You call that being fine? I sent him to you to remind you of why you took the vacation in the first place! Unless you think antagonizing everyone you met was a good strategy for keeping him safe." She spoke with mild irritation in her tone. "And I only asked him to deliver you food! What you did after that is on you!"

"He could've got himself killed Mindy! This isn't what I want!"

"What do you want?"

"I—"

"Apologize to him before it's too late."

"It's already been a week Mindy. It's already too late."

"Won't know until you try. You don't have to figure everything out tonight honey. It'll take time." Mindy said, handing me a package with dessert inside.

I got up and hugged her tightly. One of the rare occasions I could do that.

"Dinner next weekend?" I asked, letting go.

"Hmmm. Any special requests?" She asked with a smile. Mindy has the most beautiful smile!

"Strawberries." I said with a smile as I walked away.

I walked to Harold's building after dropping off my dessert at my apartment and was greeted by the odd security guard. I nodded and walked upstairs to Harold's doorstep. I walked back and forth for 15 minutes before gathering up the courage to knock. I knocked 3 times and was about to leave when the door finally opened.

"What do you want Espada?" He asked, shirtless and his sweatpants barely covering his hips.

Stay focused Anthony!

"May I come in?" I asked.

"Nah-uh! None of that nice guy act is going to get you anywhere! I don't do booty calls." He said with a tinge of anger.