For My Convicted Father

Part 10

"Hi Maxine, are you free tonight? I want to take you to the movies."

"Hey Khalid, yeah I'll get off work by 5 but aren't you supposed to be helping Mama Ros? I read the news about what happened to the restaurant."

"Yes, it sucks but she got it settled with insurance. There's nothing much for me to do. I need to de-stress. You on?"

"Okay, I'll ask Nikky if he wants to join us."

"No! I want you to myself. It's a date."

"You're hilarious. Alright then, pick me up at 6 pm."

****

Maxine is a young woman with understated elegance. She was in casual wear, a black and white striped dolman sleeve top and tight dark blue jeans. She wore a smooth straight layered hair with a deep side part on the right side. She is slim, not too tall and has a fair complexion. Her makeup was simple, not too much, so he could marvel at her natural beauty.

Khalid loves spending time with Maxine. She makes things easy and he's relaxed around her. When she smiled, he could not help but smile along too. When she laughed, he hoped to hear more of her laughter. She connects deeply when she listens to him. She captivates him.

"Did you wait long?" Maxine asked Khalid.

"No, I arrived not long ago but I wouldn't mind waiting for a gorgeous lady like you. You smell nice too." Khalid opened the car door and gestured to Maxine to get in.

"Old school chivalry huh" Maxine broke a cheeky grin.

"Why don't you like it?"

"No, I love it. It never happened to me until today. It feels good!"

Maxine got into the car. Khalid gently closed the door and moved to get into the driver's seat.

"Maxine..."

"Yes, Khalid?"

Like a nervous teenage boy, Khalid looked down at the car's brake pedal.

"I like you. A lot. I want us to be more than friends...I mean...would you be my girlfriend?" he asked without facing her.

Silence.

Khalid hesitated but he tilted his head left to elicit a response.

Maxine was looking out the window. Khalid couldn't tell if she was upset.

He took her right hand in his palms. "Maxine, I'm sorry if I upset you. Forget what I said. Let's continue being friends like before."

Maxine turned towards Khalid, edged closer to him and brushed her lips against his. Khalid froze for about 3 seconds. This is not what he expected but wait, she kissed him? Without another second of hesitation, Khalid touched the back of Maxine's neck, parted his lips and kissed Maxine back.

****