IT WAS PAST NOON, and all I had in my organism was that half glass of green juice and a hastily chugged-down instant coffee. My stomach was demanding sustenance, but I needed to shower first.
Taking my time in the shower helped me wash away the frustration from my earlier argument with Caleb. My security detail knew what was best and how to handle things, and I understood that. But it was frustrating to feel like I was being scolded, especially by Caleb. Our complicated friendship could sometimes interfere with the required dynamic.
Me: Hey, guys. Please remember to add David to the group chat. Thanks.
Aaron: Right away.
Caleb Cohen added David Scott to the Group.
Me: Hi David! Could you let me know when you've delivered the muffins to Mrs. Nathalie? Thank you.
David: Of course, Miss Murphy. I will let you know as soon as it's done.
Changing into my pajamas and staying home for the rest of the afternoon seemed like the best idea. There's beauty in lazing around in pajamas during the day. Besides, it would give me time to organize the tornado of clothes and suitcases waiting for me in the foyer. And it's not like I had anything better to do than wait to get ready for my rendezvous with CJ.
Suddenly, I heard a loud noise outside my bedroom. Caleb wouldn't dare come into my apartment unannounced like that, would he? I stepped out and walked to the living room to find Mrs. Mullins closing my suitcases in the foyer. Of course. I'd forgotten about her coming in today. Another person, another spare key.
"Mrs. Mullins? Hi, I'm Billie," I greeted her with a smile.
"Oh, halò, Billie!" she exclaimed as she regained her posture. "I'm soo glad to see ye again. It's been years since I last saw you. Yer so grown-up and beautiful. Look at that gorgeous hair, just like yer father's." She stood up and walked in my direction. "Are ye hungry, dear? Ye look a wee bit pale. And please, call me Mimi."
"I'm starving," I countered. "I haven't had a bite to eat since I woke up. Just coffee and juice."
"Well, I willnae alloo that dear, not on my watch," she said, making her way to the kitchen. I obediently followed her without protest. Mimi was a talented cook who loved feeding and taking care of people. The thought was comforting. Staying away from the kitchen as much as possible was the smartest and safest thing to do.
Mimi was a slender woman, very well conserved, with a few silver strands here and there wanting to give away her almost sixty years of age. Her peaceful expressions made you want to be around her. "Houdae chicken noodle soup sound for ye?" she asked, opening the fridge to gather the ingredients.
My appetite had really kicked in.
"That sounds perfect. Thank you so much. Do you mind if I excuse myself? I'd like to get a head start on those suitcases. I'm sorry you had to see that when you got in."
"Oh, nawt to worry aboot, dear. I was gaun to help ye, but I'm suspecting it's most useful to feed ye first," she said, moving around the kitchen with ease.
Once my clothes and shoes were unpacked and neatly organized in my closet, I stored the empty luggage in the walk-in closet by the entrance. My phone buzzed in my pajama pocket when I heard a knock on my door.
"Come in!" I said, unlocking my phone.
"Chicken soup's ready. I have the table all set for ye. Come on, come on," she encouraged me.
I sat in the dining room and finally read my text messages while devouring the most delicious chicken noodle soup I've ever tried.
David: Miss Murphy, a box with cranberry muffins was delivered to Mrs. Nathalie.
Me: Thank you so much, David.
YOU ARE READING
Moonstruck at Midnight
RomanceMoonstruck at Midnight, the first of 5 books in the Moonstruck Series, was published independently on May 2021. It was later picked up by a major publisher (Grupo Planeta) and is currently being translated to Spanish. My books are available for purc...
