17
RAVEN
Miami,FL
Kai’s apartment.Friday evening
I don’t knowwhat happened last night. Yesterday to be precise.
Kai said he’d fly back on Thursday evening. It didn’t happen. It was something about Francisco moving into Kai’s apartment. Things at work that needed his attention.
Okay.
I thought he’d fly back this morning.
That didn’t happen either, so I tried to spend the day outside and forget about him. I managed to do that for most of the day. I went to the pool, swam, and basked in the sun.
Then I came back in, showered, changed my clothes, and went outside. I spent time at a cafe downstairs, strolled up and down the shore, and stopped at a grocery store to buy food.
The truth is, I’m getting antsy.
I’m used to being alone in my home, just not someone else’s home. It was a nice vacation, and I’m grateful for it, but I can’t wait to go back to New York, check my place, draft a renovation plan, enjoy the beginning of December and get ready for the holidays.
This year would be different.
No more buying stuff on the credit card. No more trying to make things work when the money is not there and the arithmetic of my life makes no sense.
I’m no longer in the red.
I’ve been in the red my entire life. Making less than I needed to live. Not to splurge. Simply to live.
Enough of that.
I can shop for a new car. A car that works has heat, AC, new tires, an engine that runs smoothly, and a comfortable interior.
Maybe a pretty color like red or blue.
Yay for me.
And then I want to meet Giana.
Speaking of Giana, I flip my phone and check the time on the screen.
It’s too early to call her and ask her how her meet-up with the cute doctor went. The Christmas party must be in full swing.
I can’t wait to hear more about her story. I so hope that the man she likes notices her too.
I put the phone down on the patio table and glance away.
The sky has started to change colors above the water, a large patch of dark pink, purple, and blue stretching over the horizon.
I suck in a long breath and stick my fork into a piece of broccoli when my phone rings.
Kai’s name graces the screen, making me swallow my food quickly.
“Hey…” I murmur, still chewing.
He doesn’t answer right away.