I roll my eyes. “Sure,” I lie, “I’ll make it.” A technique or one other.

“Good. That’s what baba would need. I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks, Auntie. I gotta go.”

“Be protected.”

“I’ll.”

I finish the decision feeling even heavier than I did a couple of minutes in the past. No time for that although. I’m on a mission. I shake off the black cloud and elevate my chin with the boldness of a person who intends to get precisely what he needs.

My rideshare exhibits up and I slide onto the again seat. The person driving might be about sixty, however at this level, if he have been single, I’d marry him.

He confirms the tackle, and as he plugs it into his GPS, I see the gleaming gold band on his left ring finger. Married. Figures.

I sit again with ideas of how my life ended up like this swirling in my head. Raised a spoiled wealthy child, now dwelling in tenements and determined for marriage. I by no means thought I’d be near begging somebody to take me, however right here we’re.

I’ve at all times had fairly good luck with romance. Effectively, with intercourse. I’ve by no means actually pursued romance. Like, why would I when the world has so many alternatives in it. Nonetheless, there was part of me that questioned if I’d ever fall for somebody.

Possibly I shouldn’t surrender so shortly on Raphael. I look out the window, watching the passing automobiles and buildings as we head out of my shitty neighborhood. Then somebody catches my eye. I’ve solely met him as soon as, however I’d acknowledge that face anyplace.

“Cease the automotive, please.”

My driver pulls over, twisting to have a look at me. “One thing incorrect?”

“No. I noticed a pal. I’m gonna get out right here.”

“On this neighborhood?”

“Dude, did you see the place I lived? I can deal with it.”

I slip from the automotive, hurrying down the sidewalk within the course I’m constructive I noticed Raphael and one other man. My outfit positively will get a number of unusual seems to be, but when dwelling alone has taught me something, it’s that it’s best to by no means present concern. Act such as you personal the place and folks will steer clear. If that doesn’t work, I can at all times pull out my knife.

I flip a nook and spot them on the finish of the alley. Between them on the bottom is a black mass that appears quite a bit like a physique. I freeze, squinting, however after I blink, the factor on the bottom is gone and Raphael is turned in my course.

“Haven?”

How did he… I step out from behind the dumpster. “Uh, yeah. Hello.”

“Hello. What are you doing right here?”

“I used to be, um… assembly a pal.”

He saunters nearer to me, an attractive smirk on his lips. “Is that so? Did you discover them?”

“No.” I blow out a breath. “Okay, um, I used to be passing by and I believed I noticed you.”

“You probably did.” His eyes roam from my face to my toes and again up once more. “You might be as lovely as I bear in mind.”

“Thanks.” I straighten my shoulders. “So I’m guessing the reply isn’t any?”

“Why do you say that?”

“You didn’t name.”

Raphael steps nearer, his hand touchdown softly on my cheek. “I needed to work first. I deliberate to name tonight.”

“To let me down?”

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