The Disappearance of Valentina Moreno

Chapter 24 ~ Almost a Good Day

The next day, despite how tired I am, Moses and I go to the farmer’s market on the wharf. He has the day off and wants to cook Eggs Benedict from scratch, so I follow behind him, my hand in his, as we work our way around the merchant stands. A salty breeze wafts through the white tents while seagulls peck at crumbs on the ground, and tourists take photos of sea lions basking in the sun on the docks. 

Moses pauses at a produce stand, so I hug his back, inhaling the ocean’s bitter breeze, and I’m at peace. At this moment, my life doesn't feel like it has imploded.

“Want a side of sliced avocado?” He glances over his shoulder at me.

“Sure.”

“I was thinking of buying some oranges to make fresh OJ. What do you think?”

“Do we have a juicer?”

“We do. Although I rarely use it, so today is a perfect day to dust it off.”

“Whatever you say, my love.” I press a kiss to his back, which prompts him to twist around to give me a proper hug. After a big squeeze, he takes my face in his hands and caresses my cheek with his thumb.

“There’s a glow about you today. I like seeing you happy.”

“You make me happy,” I reply, and he studies me for a few seconds, the breeze ruffling the edges of our hair.

“I wish I could have arrived at Bruno’s sooner to protect you from that asshole.”

“He’s not worth fighting over.” I shake my head. “I’m surprised the bouncers didn’t call the cops on Julian. He can be so hot-headed. We’re not teenagers anymore, and he could have gotten arrested, but once Julian sees red, there is no talking him down.”

“I still don’t like how that guy put his hands on you or the things he said. He owes you an apology.”

“That will never happen.” I shift away from Moses and pick up an avocado. “We should buy a few more and make guacamole later. I’m in the mood for nachos for dinner.”

“I'm down for some nachos.” Moses leans in and plants a gentle kiss on my temple. “I love you, Val.”

“I love you too.” I bite back a grin, but he tickles my side, and a burst of laughter escapes my mouth.

The produce merchant is staring at us, but we continue goofing around as I attempt to wiggle away from Moses, and he reels me back to pepper my face with kisses. It tickles so much I can’t stop laughing.

“I’m going to pee!” I squeal, so Moses stops but holds me tight.

"Alight, I'll stop."

With a brush of his lips against mine, I circle my arms around his neck to deepen the kiss. This has become the best morning I’ve had in a long, long time.

∆∆∆

After breakfast, we spend time binging Netflix, except neither of us pays attention to Mad Men as we mess around on the couch. By mid-afternoon, I make guacamole, and we snack on it while playing card games, which results in stripping an article of clothing for each round we lose. 

We don't stay dressed for long, and I might have cheated to get Moses naked much faster.

When evening rolls around, my lips are swollen from kissing, my abs are sore from laughing, and I’m pretty sure I’m not walking right. Yet, it’s been the best, laziest day I’ve ever had, and it was with Moses.

“What should we have for dinner?” I ask, my head on his chest as we lay in bed.

“Pizza?” 

“Mm, yes. With extra sauce and double cheese.”