The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 28: Feels a bit like déjà vu

It was about four in the afternoon when Danny and I headed back to Boston. It was warmer now so I didn't need a blanket to enjoy the convertible air. We blasted music and laughed together.

I bid my time with asking Danny over because asking amidst the rushing air and loud music would be difficult. But when we were closer, I would. Asking at the end of our drive would also make it easier if he said no or couldn't. Then, I could just go into my apartment and be upset without having to make the rest of our trip home awkward.

When we pulled into Boston and the air slowed, I leaned over and turned down the radio. I did my best to appear casual and not like my insides were trying to crawl out.

"So, I don't know what time you have to get the car back to Sleazy Harvey, but, if you're free for the evening, I'd...love it if you came over for dinner."

He was silent.

"You can leave whenever is good for you," I added quickly. "And if you can't, that's okay. I just...you know, you're not here for very long so I want to spend as much time as I can with you, and I wanted you to see my place but don't feel like you have to say yes and if you want to but can't today, we could do a different day or...yeah. Whatever is good for you no pressure at all."

I exhaled. My heart pounded painfully in my chest.

I'm such an idiot.

I had tried to sound casual like it was no big deal, but in the end, I'd blown my cover and rambled.

Don't panic don't panic, don't panic.

"That sounds nice," he said after another beat.

"Really?" I asked surprised.

"I think it should be fine with Sleazy Harvey. He only told me to fill it up with gas before giving it back. Are you thinking takeout?"

"No. I...was going to cook for you. Arepas?"

He looked over at me, his face full of emotion. "I'd like that."

I sighed. "Take a right here. You can park the car on this block if you can find a spot for its ginormous ass."

"Aw, you're gonna offend him, MJ. Not his fault he has the rear of a truck."

I groaned.

Danny laughed.

We found a spot and Danny parked, expertly maneuvering the Sebring between two cars. Then he pressed the button so the top could fold up and over.

"Clip it there?" he asked as he gestured to the latch on my side.

I did as he requested, then got out.

Everything inside me was roaring. Danny was going to be in my apartment. I was going to cook dinner for him. What would happen after that? Would we finally talk about everything boiling under the surface? What would he think of my space?

"This is a beautiful neighborhood, MJ," he said as he looked around and admired the brownstones.

"I love it too. It's rather quiet, which is nice."

He walked close to me as I led the way to my building and went up the stairs to my apartment. Then, very aware of how my hands were trembling, I opened the door to my place.

Rojo was on us in a second. He greeted me first then looked around my legs to Danny.

"Don't worry buddy," I said laughing. "Your favorite person decided to come home with me."

Danny bent down and Rojo inserted himself into Danny's chest and nuzzled him.

"Hi, Rojo," he said as he pet Rojo's back.