As long as you like

8

"So what are your plans for tonight?" I asked Dean into the phone.

"I was gonna ask you the same thing." He beamed. It's been a couple of days since we saw each other in person. But, we have talked on the phone everyday since.

"Minnie is here." I said I a sing-song tone.

"Hiiiii!" Minnie shouted from the kitchen where she was preparing our dinner. The smell of meat sauce flooded the apartment.

"Ooooh, am I invited?" Dean sounded excited. I gave him a soft giggle.

"Yes, you are. Dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes, so get over here." I told him cheerfully, but trying not to sound super excited, even though I was.

"I'll be right over. See you soon, beautiful." He chuckled. "See you soon, Minerva!" He said a little louder so Minnie could hear!

"Hey!" Minnie whined. "How does he know? You bitch!" She darted toward me and spoke into the phone. "Listen here, mister. If you want any of my garlic bread, you'll call me Minnie and nothing else!"

Deans laugh was deep and genuine. "You got it, Minnie!" We hung up and I started setting out plates and silverware on the kitchen table.

Less than 20 minutes later, I got a text from Dean.

Dean: Apartment number?

Arabella: 23

My heart pounded in my chest a few moments later when I heard a knock on the door. I took a deep breath before I opened it. Deans smiling face greeted me, bright and comforting.

"Hey, beautiful." He hugged me and places a kiss on my cheek. I felt my face flush.

"Come in. We're just finishing up." I closed the door behind him and lead him into the kitchen, where Minnie was slicing up the garlic bread. "Mini, this is Dean." She looked up and placed a slice of garlic bread in the hand he was offering to her to shake.

"Try that!" She demanded. A bit hesitant, Dean took a bite of the garlic bread and his eyes widened. Minnie nodded with a smile. "Call me Minerva again and you will never experience that again, understand?"

Dean burst with laughter. "I promise you, I will never call you that again!" He took her into a side hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Minnie. This food smells amazing!"

"Well, I hope you came hungry, cause we're about ready to start dishing up." Minnie said, carrying a bowl in each hand; one containing the pasta and one containing the sauce. Dean grabbed one of the bowls and asked Minnie where she'd like him to set it. She directed him and gave me an approving smile.

My heart felt like it skipped a beat watching this. Wow, he has actually got manners! It goes past opening and closing doors for me. It made him so much more attractive. I could pounce on him if Minnie weren't there.

When we were finished with our food, I cleared the table and rinsed the dishes to be washed later. Dean excused himself to the restroom.

"Oh my god, Bells." Minnie whispered excitedly. "He is awesome. He's so polite and funny. He matches your sarcasm. He's perfect for you."

I smiled shyly at her. "Isn't he great? I just hope I'm not getting my hopes up too high. I really like him." I heard the bathroom door open and Dean step out. "Dessert? I have Dove bars in the freezer." I said quickly to change the subject.

"I'd love one but I really gotta jet!" Minnie winked at me and I rolled my eyes. "I have a client to meet in the morning and a girls gotta look her best."

"You always look your best, Mins." I informed her. "Even at your worst you look your best."

She shrugged. "Well, then I'll look extra gorgeous tomorrow." She hugged me and Dean and we said our good nights to her. I knew exactly what she was doing. Trying to give us some "quality time". And if I'm being honest, I was kind of happy she did.