The Blind Date

Chapter Five

Sundays are meant for my relaxation. But that doesn't mean I can't cheat sometimes. Work followed me through every day of the weekend in some busy months and I would spend the day in my office, handling work issues and listening to Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams' teachings.

This particular Sunday, I am free. The booming voice of the Archbishop acts as an alarm clock, it comes on at nine on Sunday mornings to serve as a reminder of what day it is.

"You become a captive of what you say with your own mouth. Learn to speak what the Word of God says over your life!"

The message takes my attention for a while and I just lay in bed, listening. After a few peaceful minutes, the phone starts to ring. Groaning, I lower the volume of the speakers and answer.

"What?"

"Whoa. I'm in trouble." Michael's voice doesn't help to reduce my irritation.

"What do you want, Michael?"

"Good morning, Vivian. How was your night?"

"I will literally hang up on you." I get out of bed with the phone in tow. "What do you want?"

"I'm sorry. Okay? I'm sorry about last night. I was handling other stuff. But I want to make it up to you. Can I come over?"

I make him wait as I go into the bathroom and splash water on my face to wake me up fully. "Nope."

"Vivian."

The cold tiles feel great under my naked feet as I walk into the kitchen. There's a slight headache and I try not to grimace. "Why do you want to come?"

"Because I want to spend time with you. And cook for you."

"Keep talking." A smile escapes my lips. Michael is an excellent cook; it was one of his many wonderful qualities.

"Think jumbo shrimps. Seasoned and peppered to perfection, just how you like it."

My mouth waters; I close my eyes. "Hmm."

"Fried plantain and fish. Pasta. Whatever you want, Chef Michael is at your service."

I sigh, thinking about the cereal I had been thinking about eating. The former sounds so much better. "When can you get here?"

"Ten minutes."

"Ten minutes? Were you already on your way over?" I can't say I'm surprised. Stunts like this has Michael's name written all over it.

"I was hoping you'd say yes. Hoping."

"Rightt. Just hurry up and get here." I end the call and let out a breath. The quiet Sunday that I had planned just disappeared. Michael is good company but he's still a person; a person that I have to look presentable for. If it were a female, it would be better. But he's a man; a man I once dated. And you never look anything other than excellent when it comes to an ex. It's a rule.

"Hey Siri. Call Patricia."

I sit down at the kitchen table and listen to the rings. She picks up on the sixth one.

"Morning, Viv." A yawn cuts through the two words then it gets muffled.

"Morning. Didn't you go to church?"

"Not today. Mamie's not well. We're both at home."

I frown. "Oh...what's wrong?"

"She has a fever and a really bad headache, plus a cough that's not letting up. Don't worry, I bought her medication already."

"Forget medication, do you have fruits in the house?" I don't like to take pills. It always makes me feel worse, no matter which one it is. I keep to a rigid schedule of fruit intake so I can be as healthy as possible.