I'm No Damsel In Distress

im no damsel

Oh my God, why did I do that!

I woke up with a pounding headache. That was way too much alcohol. Last night was a blur and I only vaguely remembered bits and pieces.

After brushing my teeth and showering I got dressed in yoga pants and a tank top, then threw a hoodie on and stepped outside. The weather was gorgeous and I took my time getting to the cute little coffee shop a few blocks down.

I ordered a Carmel Mochasippi, then decided to sit outside. As I watched passerby, and drank my hangover away, I grew more in love with this city, wondering how I lived anywhere else.

"Good morning neighbor." A familiar foreign accent greeted me from behind.

I turned and smiled up at Leo.

"Good morning. What are you up to?" I greeted him back.

"Just my usual. On Sundays I shop at the French Market and bring fresh fruit home to Suzanna. She insists its the best for her famous fruit salads." He told me rolling his eyes and I laughed.

"Sounds delicious."

"It is. If you'd like, we always have leftovers. Why don't you join us? Get to know your neighbors."

Think Ali, think. I really wanted to spend the day touring the city. My mom would warn me against going into a strangers home but as a couple, they seemed nice enough and its not like I have to stay. I can eat, be polite and leave.

I suck at decision making. Especially when put on the spot.

"That's OK I don't want to impose."

"Nonsense! If you want the truth, I am asking for my own selfish reasons. I have a bad back and these bags are heavy." He said with a smirk.

"Ha ha." I fake laughed at his weak attempt.

"OK ill come. But you're sure Suzanna wont mind?"

"Trust me. Any chance for her to .. how is it you Americans say? Show off?"

That brought an actual laugh out of me and I stood, taking one of the bags.

On the way back to the building, he asked me questions about my life before moving to New Orleans. By the time we made it back I felt comfortable enough to tease him about his misuse of some words, to which he teased back and acted like he was offended.

"Suzanna I'm home and I've brought a guest I hope you're decent." When he said that last part he wagged his eye brows at me.

Suzanna walked in and gave me a bright smile.

"Wonderful of you to join us Ali." She said in her Russian accent. I almost wished I had an accent like hers. It sounded hot.

"Thanks Suzanna. Do you need help with anything?"

"Nope. No, I have everything under control. You can watch if you'd like though."

Yep. I definitely need an accent.

Suzanna went to Leo and kissed him, while I turned and examined the apartment. It smelled nice, and had a cozy, cottage like feel to it. There were maps and pictures framed on the walls so I kept my attention on those while they whispered to each other.

"I've got a couple of business calls to make." Leo told us finally and went into another room, shutting the door.

Business call on a Sunday?

The look I saw on Suzanna's face told me she was thinking the same thing, but she quickly composed herself and motioned for me to follow her to the kitchen.