Carlie woke before Nick. She knew he was in the guest bedroom because her gran wasn't too happy about them together. Carlie thought it was funny that Nick was amused. Carlie hoped to show her gran in the short time they were visiting how sweet and loving he was.
Carlie showered and dressed because she wanted to go to the marketplace. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. "Morning gran."
She was reading the paper and finishing up her coffee. Carlie sat down and poured some cream in her coffee and stirred it.
Her gran put her paper down and smiled at her. "Good morning Carlie. How did you sleep?"
"Fine gran." she took a few sips of her coffee. "Gran can I talk to you about something?"
"Sure. What's on your mind?"
Carlie sat her cup down and looked at her. "Well remember that talk we had awhile back? About relationships and race?"
Her gran poured another cup of coffee. "Yes. We disagreed on the topic if I recall."
Carlie nodded. "We did. I was hesitant to visit because I knew how you felt about things but I love Nick and he wanted to meet my family. You and my mom have taught me about love, tolerance and understanding so I knew that I could talk to you despite the feelings and I think you may like him a little bit."
Her gran gave a small smile. "He seems like a nice young man. I saw you two at dinner and I can see how much he cares for you. The way you look at each other reminds me of how your grandfather and I were."
Carlie smiled. "He is special."
She stood up and took her dishes to the sink. Carlie said, "You can leave it, I'll wash them with mine."
Carlie was finishing her coffee when Nick walked into the kitchen. He poured a cup of coffee and joined her at the table. "Hey. You're up early."
She sat her cup down. "Yeah I wanted to go to the market place and didn't want to wake you."
She walked to the sink and ran warm soapy water. She carefully placed the dishes in and turned off the water. She washed the few cups and plates and sat them in the rack to dry. Nick came over with his cup. "I can go with you. Let me get dressed." He went upstairs and she finished up then dried her hands. She grabbed her jacket and waited outside.
Carlie was returning some messages when she heard her name. She looked up and saw her friend Moises. She ran down the steps. "Oh my god! Moises how've you been?" they hugged each other and he kissed her cheek. He laughed. "I haven't seen you in so long. I've been good. How bout yourself?"
She grinned back. "I've been great. I moved awhile back and decided to come back for a visit. I've missed you. Do you still live in the same house?"
Before he could answer Nick stepped outside. He came down the steps and stood next to Carlie. He didn't look happy. Carlie was still half hugging Moises because it was natural for them. Carlie stepped away from him and introduced the two. "Nick this is my best guy friend Moises. Moises this is Nick. My boyfriend." Moises held his hand out toward Nick with a smile. "It's so nice to meet you." Nick shook his hand. Moises looked at Carlie. "He's gorgeous, and those eyes."
Carlie laughed. "I know."
Moises checked his phone then looked at Carlie. "Hey I gotta go. It was nice seeing you again." He hugged her and waved to Nick before walking in the opposite direction.
Nick was quiet the whole time. Carlie smiled. "Ready to go?"
They walked around the marketplace and saw lots of things for sale. Trinkets, clothing, food and drinks. There was music and a few people were watching a couple dancing. The atmosphere was loud and the smells from the different types of food were amazing. Carlie loved it. Nick was holding her hand as they walked between the various displays, booths and stalls.
"So how long have you known that guy?"
Carlie thought a minute. "Oh years. I'd sleep at his house on movie nights. We'd go for drinks. I really missed him."
She looked over at him. "Aw Nick baby, he's gay. Didn't you catch his compliment?" she laughed and kisses him. He shook his head and pulled her to a display of jewelry.
They walked around a bit more, stopped to watch pumpkin carving contest before grabbing a drink and snack. They found a place to sit and talk. "I think my gran is warming up to you." Carlie took a bite of her apple filled pastry. Nick looked thoughtful. "She and I chatted for awhile. She's a great woman."
Carlie was surprised. "When did you talk? What was said?"
He smiled. "We talked about you, her husband and how she misses him. Your mom and how she's proud of you both. We talked about her life growing up. I can understand her point of view and I explained some things to her and I think we are ok."
Carlie finished her drink. "Wow."
Nick said with a grin, "See, I told you everyone loves me."
Carlie rolled her eyes and threw her empty wrapper at him. "Oh is that so?"
He stood up and took their trash to throw out. He came back to the table. "Want to look around more?"
She shook her head and stood up. "No. Let's go back."
They headed to the car.
