Can I Join You For Dinner
1011 Words
The phone rang, interrupting our cosy evening. Expecting it to be Elle, I picked up quickly, only to be met with a husky and confident voice that made my heart flutter.
"Hey, sorry for calling late Kiara," Mike said, his tone tired but reassuring. "I was wondering if I could join you and Annie for dinner tonight if you don't mind. I'm really in need of a home-cooked meal and in turn, I'll clean up the kitchen."
I felt my cheeks burning up as I blushed and my heart skipped a beat and at that moment I couldn't even tell if it was anxiety or my strong attraction towards this man. I took a minute to consider his request. Part of me was scared because this was a total stranger he could be a thief or something worse. But then again, another more persistent side of me was yearning for this man, wanting nothing but to be close to this stranger. It just feels like the right thing.
“Kiara, are you still there? I'm sorry for ambushing your evening plans.” Mike interrupted my thoughts.
"Well, I'm sure we could make room at our table," I said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. "Do you mind pizza though? Annie already ordered her favourite for dinner today. Or if you don't mind, you can have the leftover lunch pasta. We can prepare a fresh meal some other time." I inwardly cursed myself for over-explaining.
"Whatever you have is fine," Mike replied, his voice betraying a hint of relief. "I'm so hungry, I could eat anything right now. I'll be there in 20 minutes if that's okay?"
I nodded, my heart racing. "Of course. We'll be happy to have you.”
“See you soon Kiah,” Mike replied before hanging up.
As I placed the phone down, I couldn't help but wonder about Mike's use of the nickname Kiah. The only person who had ever called me that was my childhood friend Michael, a chubby boy with a warm smile and a kind heart. But this Mike was way too different- he radiated a magnetism that was both alluring and slightly intimidating. Unlike my childhood friend, Mike had the kind of chiselled jawline and piercing eyes that could have belonged on a Vogue cover.
Annie's voice broke into my reverie. "Who was that, Mommy?" she asked.
"That was Mike," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "He's coming to join us for dinner.”
Annie's face lit up. "Mike is coming here? Yay!" she exclaimed, jumping up from the couch.
I smiled, unable to help but feel a rush of excitement myself. "Yes, he's coming. So let's get everything ready before he gets here.”
As the pizza arrived, I busied myself in the kitchen, setting out some plates and drinks and my mind couldn't help but wander back to Mike. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was something about him that intrigued me.
Meanwhile, Annie had taken it upon herself to clean up the living room, making sure everything was neat for our guest. "I want it to look nice for my friend Mike," she said, beaming with pride.
I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.
As the sound of the buzzer rang out through the apartment, signalling Mike's arrival, my heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, before going to answer the door.
"Hey, Mike," I said, my voice slightly shaky. "Please, come in."
Mike stepped into the apartment, smiling warmly. "Hey, Kiah," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks for having me.”
Annie ran up to him, giving him a big hug and a toothy grin. "Hello, Mike!" she exclaimed.
Mike laughed and returned her embrace. "Hey there, Annie!" he said.
As I ushered Mike into the living room, Annie dragged him over to the couch, insisting that he sit next to her.
"Mommy," she said, turning to me, "can I show Mike my favourite movie?"
"Sure," I replied, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me as I watched the two of them interact. "What movie do you want to show off?"
Annie turned back to Mike, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's about my favourite Disney princess Moana!
As Annie filled Mike in on the details of the movie, I warmed the leftover pasta and got the pizza plates ready. I then served them in the living room, giving Mike the choice between pizza and the leftover pasta. He chose the pasta. To my surprise, he quickly finished the pasta and asked for more. Unfortunately, there wasn't any more left over.
"This meal is making me nostalgic," Mike said after eating. Before I could ask him about his roots, Annie interrupted, eager to share another thought with him.
"You know, Mike," she said, turning to him with a serious expression on her face, "I think you're going to be a great dance partner at the party."
Mike laughed, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, I hope I can live up to those expectations," he said, ruffling Annie's hair.
The evening progressed with Annie entertaining Mike with all her school adventures. My baby can talk.
Soon it was time for Annie's bedtime. She reluctantly bid Mike goodbye before rushing off to brush her teeth.
“Thank you for hosting me tonight Kiah. The meal was out of this world.” Mike said while I opened the door for him.
“I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mike. Thanks for passing by.”
Mike then pulled me into a warm hug, holding me close for a few minutes. I stood there, frozen in place, my body experiencing all sorts of warmth. He then gently pulled away, lightly brushing his lips against mine. His eyes lingered on mine for a few seconds as we stood there.
“Goodnight, Kiah. I'll see you guys next week. “ He said casually before heading out. While I stood there still trying to recollect myself.
- Writer
