Love ~A Series of Short Stories~

Good Morning|Steve Rogers

ANASTASIE MAVUTO

"Mmmm!" I groan, loudly, not being shy at all about stretching out my abdomen for a few seconds. A smile replaces my tight-lipped expression as I look out the window of my gorgeous downtown condo.

It's finally Saturday.

Now, I'm not one of those people who goes through life waiting for something, anything to make it worth while. A little grin from an attractive person to lighten up the day, or the boss complimenting their work.

I do my best to enjoy everyday and make the best out of any situation. But, this week...

This time I was definitely looking forward to Saturday.

I got myself out of bed and into the washroom, doing my routine of getting cleaned up and ready for the day. I grinned at myself in the mirror, looking quite beautiful for someone who'd just awoken from slumber.

My eyes roamed over my toothbrush and toothpaste, then snapped back to the lady in the mirror.

"Today's a gorgeous day! Let's brush our teeth in the shower!"

Because, well, why not?

And it all felt beautiful.

The water running down my skin, perfectly warm temperatures, creating steam in the atmosphere. The ease of brushing my teeth right after. How good it all felt, unlimited water.

In my appreciation of the simple things in my life, I left my cell phone behind in my bedroom. A few moments away from technology would do me some good.

"Today's going to be great!" I told myself, nourishing each inch of my skin with cherry blossom body butter.
Thirty minutes later, I was dressed and packed, my duffel bag sitting near the front door.

And why haven't I gotten any calls?

I shrugged it off, thinking maybe people had other things to do today. Just because I was the one that was called almost everyday, every hour to be asked about work, didn't mean I was gonna be called today.

"Besides, this is my time off. Ruby can handle things," I whispered, bestowing blessings of faith into my business partner.

Building a magazine from the ground up was no walk in the park. I saw the need for 'visible minorities' and women of different shapes and sizes to have a true platform in the media.

Through stubborn determination, we've managed to keep their bodies real. Not edited and slimmed down to seeming perfection.

But, building a business like that in less than five years can be quite hectic. As can hiring over one hundred and fifty people in the span of a year.

Which explains all the phone calls.

"Sigh," I said out loud, trying to ignore the little piece of me that was starting to miss work. And the people.

And all the phone calls.

And-

"Ugh!" I uttered, getting off my butt and going into the kitchen to grab a mango.

Sitting around and waiting just isn't my thing.

I went back to the island counter, took a seat, then a big bite out of the washed, whole mango.

And watched my wall clock.

It's already ten-fifteen! What's taking him so long?

"Let me check my phone," I whispered, reaching into the back right pocket of my jeans.

Oh my gosh...

Really, Ana?!

Making my way back to my bedroom, I laughed at the fact that my phone wasn't even on me.

"I swear, if it's off," I started, picking up the device and turning it over, "of course it's off."

It wasn't the least bit surprising to see over fifteen missed calls from Ruby and Steve.

I called Ruby first, figuring whatever she wanted to talk to me about should be quick.

"Hey, Ruby-"

"I called you! I called you, Ana! What is going on?!"

"Sorry. My phone was off. What's happening?"

I could hear sigh, and shake her head as she always does before she takes a deep breath and smiles.

"Hoooo .."

And there's the breath.

"I just wanted to remind you that we have a conference call in two days in the afternoon. I'll text you the details and remind you again. A lot."

"Thanks."

"And, make sure you have fun! If you come back any paler than you are, I will not forgive you. Remember, dark chocolate."

"Ahaha, yes mother. But I'm still keeping my big beach umbrella... Take care of the office."

"Pfft! I know that! Love you! And have fun!"

"I will! Love you too! Byeee."

"Bye."

"Declarations of love to someone other than me?"

I spun around, my heart pounding in my ears at the sound of a deep make voice. And, as soon as my eyes focused on who it was, I laughed at myself.

"I'm so sorry, my phone was off," I told Steve, giving him a kiss on the lips.

He smiled, "well, I kept calling you to let me into the door downstairs, until I remembered," he lifted up a keychain with a little A on it and some points cards, "I have keys."

I hit his chest lightly and we both laughed, the pair of fools we could be.

"I'm all packed, I packed a duffel instead of a suitcase. Though, I will bring a smaller suitcase for the things I buy," I said, walking out of my bedroom and into the kitchen.

"Sure," Steve replied.

"I wanted to bring movies to watch on my laptop, but I just downloaded some into my phone from Netflix. I don't want to distract you from driving."

"Ana."

"Yes?" I looked up at him slowly, tearing my eyes from my phone screen.

He pointed at the island counter, at a big breakfast already set up for two. I looked over at my table and saw pairs of plates, forks, spoons, glasses.

"I thought we could have something to eat before we go?" He smiled, amusement clearly present in his expression.

I walked up to him, my arms going around his neck.

"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, giving me a very sweet kiss.

"Good morning, Steve."

******
Good morning ^^