December 16, 2019
8:38 a.m.
I have never had so much fun with a woman. We end up playing spades until two a.m. and talking about life and philosophy. Conversation with Astalia is intriguing. She’s a deep thinker and cares immensely about the plight of other people. Some of the things that tug her heartstrings are homelessness, victims of sexual violence, and high murder rates. I have a theory this compassionate trait is the reason she cares so much about what others think of her. She cares so much she puts her own feelings last.
After we talk until we can’t keep our eyes open any longer, we fall asleep in the living room, her on the sofa and me on the recliner next to her.
I open my eyes when the sun peeps in so bright I know I overslept. The coffee table is clear of the playing cards, wine glasses and empty bowls from last night. The only sign that someone is in the house with me comes from the strong smell of coffee.
“You sleep pretty hard,” she says walking out of the kitchen, wearing pink leggings and a long sweater. “If I were a criminal, I could have robbed you blind by now.”
“But you’re not a criminal,” I say. However, it’s apparent she has what it takes to steal hearts. Mine is nearly gone just from simply seeing her standing in my living room this morning. “Did you shower already?” I ask, taking note of her change of clothes as I stretch my arms and yawn.
She sits down on the lounger beside the sofa, crosses her legs and takes a sip of her steaming coffee. “I’ve gone to the gym, showered, cleaned up our mess, and made a pot of coffee,” she says holding up a black mug. “Oh, and I hope you don’t mind, but I took your key off your chain so I could let myself back in without waking you.”
I sit up straight on the sofa and look at her. “It’s fine that you took the key, but I’m not okay with you going out so early in the morning by yourself?”
“I usually start my day at about six a.m., no matter what time I go to sleep, so I—”
“Listen, I don’t want anything to happen to you, so as long as you’re with me, don’t leave the house alone.” It comes out as a firm command because I don’t want anything to happen to her, and I don’t think she understands how vulnerable she is walking around in the darkness in Atlanta.
She shrugs and replies, “Why? I’ve been on my own for a while, so I can handle it. I’m a big girl.”
Astalia straddling me and moving on top of me as we kissed comes to mind. She is a full-grown woman, and this much I know. Still, the thought of something happening to her, and especially another man touching her, sends hot blood coursing through my veins.
“Oh, trust me, Astalia. I know you’re a big girl, but I just don’t want you to leave out before the sun is out without me watching you to your car, at least.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I—”
I walk over to her and take her in my arms. “Did you at least leave a note in case something unexpected happened while you were out?”
“No.”
I look down into her stern brown eyes. “Another no-no. I know you’re used to being on your own, but when you’re with me, I’m looking out for you, so don’t leave me without letting me know where you are please.”
Astalia steps out of my arms and walks over to put her coffee cup down onto the table. She sits on the sofa and stares at me until I come to sit beside her. She then runs her hand across my chest. This subtle move calms me instantly.
“Listen, I came back to hang out with you for a little while longer, not to get chastised.” She smiles brightly, and everything is alright in my world again.
“Let me be here for you, Astalia.” I stare into her eyes, trying to get her to understand the meaning of my words. I don’t want her trying to go out alone, not while I’m right here with her.
Her eyes soften after a few moments of reluctance. “I will let you know when I’m leaving out, okay?”
“Deal. So, you’re really leaving me again this morning?” I ask, already feeling the loss.
“Yes. Rena texted me while I was at the gym, and she wants to go Christmas shopping,” she says.
“They’re back from their honeymoon?”
“They got back yesterday, and we have a lot of catching up to do. Plus, it’s a tradition for us to go Christmas shopping every year.”
“I guess I can handle you being gone for a little while,” I kid, and I’m rewarded with a small smile playing on her mouth. “While you’re out, I’ll grade finals then holler at Keith.”
“Do you still want me to come back tonight?”
Our eyes meet, and I see the uncertainty that was there the first time we met. I have a long way to go in showing her how much I want her here. “Of course, I want you to come back, Astalia. Actually, I don’t want you to leave, but you’re going to hook up with Rena, and I guess I will allow that.”
“Well, thank you, sir.” She laughs and pokes my shoulder. “I have a few hours before I meet up with her. We’re getting together around eleven, so in the meantime, I’m all yours.”