H E R...

Chapter 14: 𝒟𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈

     Michael walked us to the dinning area where there was a spread of food waiting for us. Everything looked so good and I was surely appreciative. I haven't eaten much today and I knew the food would do wonders for me right now.

"This looks really good." I complimented while Michael pulled out my chair for me.

"Thank you, my cook is amazing. Just wait till you have a taste of it." He responded.

I watched as Michael went around to sit on the opposite side of me. The space was good for me. Having him too close made me feel weird in a way I was still trying to understand and process.

"I appreciate all of this. This night has been better than what I had expected." I admitted.

"I'm very pleased to hear that. I understand coming here was a tough feat but I am grateful of you giving it a chance. Now enough pleasantries, let's get into this food because I am quite famished myself. I had a long day as well. I waited for your arrival to enjoy a meal together. Figured it'll help ease some of the reservations."

"Fine." I smiled. That was the first time he didn't seem so business like.

Michael said a quick prayer to bless the food, and we began to eat. He was right the food was amazing.

"So...how was your day?" I asked hesitantly. I usually wouldn't have bothered to ask but I was actually curious to know what a day is like for him.

He stopped eating and looked up as if my question caught him off guard.

"It was fairly busy thank you for asking. I held a few meetings today. Then there was a ton of paperwork that required my attention. Plus the preparation for your arrival. I was all over the place today. I may have missed a small portion of details during my meetings due to thoughts of you but that's ok, I'm sure the boss doesn't mind." He winked.

We both shared a laugh at his attempt to tell a joke.

"What, was that not funny?" He smiled.

Already I loved when he smiled. I couldn't help but to return one. It was contagious.

"No, it was good. I thought it was cute."

"I think you are you too." He said a little more serious now.

I put my head down and went back to finishing my food. Yes this was going great but that didn't change the way male attention made me uncomfortable.

"The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable." He stated as if reading my mind.

"I'm just letting you know that I think you are an extremely beautiful woman, even more when you smile. It's nice to see that on you after everything that's happened."

"Honestly, it feels good to smile and laugh I can admit. Thank you for that."

It truly did feel great to smile after everything. We finished our food and started to clear everything away.

"Tell your cook, the food was delicious. It was a well needed cooked meal. I've been surviving off take out mostly."

He laughed. "I will surely let her know. Luckily that's one of the perks of being here. You could get meals like this all week if you want. You would just plan the meals. I'll be gone most of the day during the week so it's all up to you if you decide to stay." He assured me.

Deciding to stay the night wasn't a difficult choice in itself. I was still contemplating on if I would stay past the weekend. I can figure that out tomorrow though.

"Thank you, that is quite tempting." I smiled again.

We put the food in containers and put everything in the fridge. It felt oddly casual with Michael. I was no longer so tensed. I know he said there is a familiarity about him. Although I could not mentally remember him, apparently subconsciously I did because I was at ease with Michael.