I take a bite of the waffle and chicken concoction, my mouth explodes with foreign yet familiar flavors.
"This, is crazy." I say leaning back.
"Isn't it?" She laughs and takes a bite of hers. I watch carefully as she chews at her mouthful enthusiastically.
"Mmmmmh!" She moans and I rise an eyebrow.
"Don't do that." I say pointedly, narrowing my eyes.
"Oh! Sorry, does it annoy you?" She apologizes.
"No, but you made me promise to stay calm and that," I gesture to her, "doesn't make it easy for me."
"Oh, sorry." Alba looks down at her food awkwardly and I shake my head.
"So, you like it that much?" I ask changing the subject and she nods and takes another bite.
My eyes flick over to the little African family of four sitting beside us, the little girl, to be more specific.
"Hey, Bruins?" She calls out to me and I turn my attention to the woman in front of me.
"Yeah?" I say taking another bite.
"How old are you?" She asks.
"Thirty-three." I reply swiftly.
"Ever been in love?"
"Sure." I shrug nonchalantly.
"Ever been married?"
"Why?" I look up at her with sharp eyes an I know that I've instantly killed the moment.
"Just curious." She says stiffly.
When I don't say anything she deflates, and I wish I would stop being an ass.
"So, you have." She remarks and my eyes snap back over to her.
"Did you have a kid?"
"Yes and yes." I snap and we fall quiet again.
"Is she a girl?" She asks and I almost slam my hands down into the table.
"Did you not get the hint?" I snap. "Or are you just ignoring it?"
"I got it." Alba snaps back defiantly. "But you also keep looking over, at her."
I follow her eyes to the little girl and we fall into a dead silence. Suddenly, I don't want to eat anymore, don't want to be here anymore. But before I could even start to get up she places both hands on mine and squeezes tightly.
"Don't go." She whispers staring right into my eyes.
"Then stop." I say under my breath.
"Okay, okay." She nods, but doesn't pull her hands away.
"Why did you agree to date?" She whispers.
"You caught my attention, then you kept my attention." I explain flatly and she breaks out into a grin.
"So you think I'm interesting?" She laughs clearly pleased with herself.
YOU ARE READING
It Begins With Us
RomanceWhen Ryle Kincaid was left in the dust five years ago, he never knew he could be loved again. He turned on himself, all his hate and anger driving him to isolate his heart from even the idea of love, or wanting. Then he met Alba DeTamble. A strong...
