Chapter Fourteen
Mikkel
“Love is a meeting of two souls, fully accepting the dark and the light within each other, bound by the courage to grow through struggle into bliss.”
~ Unknown
T he city pulsed with energy, the familiar hum of honking taxis and distant chatter welcoming me back. After landing and checking in on Emilia, I crashed for a quick nap before heading to Alex’s house.
“How was the trip?” Alex asked, lifting an eyebrow as he took a sip of his beer. “Arnoldo said you hit the Windy City.”
I leaned back, stretching my arms with a contented sigh. “Sacramento was good. Chicago? Even better. Secured all three key investors.”
His grin widened. “Look at you, making moves.”
I shrugged. “All in a day’s work.”
He let out a low chuckle. “Yeah, yeah. Like it’s nothing.” He studied me for a moment before smirking. “How’s your girlfriend? ”
Heat crept up my neck before I could stop it. My lips twitched—too much of a smile, too fast. “She’s not my girlfriend yet.” I paused, as if saying it aloud would make it true. “But we’ve been texting. She had a headache earlier, so she’s resting.”
Alex leaned in, eyes narrowing slightly. “Does she text you every day?”
“Yeah,” I said, but it came out almost like a question, a shrug slipping in for cover.
“Do you guys flirt?”
I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head with a knowing smirk. “Yes.”
“Does she tell you what she’s up to?”
“Yeah.”
His smirk deepened. “Then she’s your girl.”
I huffed out a laugh. “It’s not that simple.”
“Are you gonna ask her out?”
This time, my answer came without hesitation. “Yes.” My voice was firm. “I’m waiting until she’s back to make my official move.”
Alex nodded, something unreadable flickering in his expression before it settled into approval. “I think this can be good for you.”
I met his gaze. “I think so too.”
“Mikkel!”
Mara’s voice rang out from the hallway, full of surprise. I turned just as she stepped into the room, her eyes widening.
“I thought you were away.”
A grin spread across my face as I stood, pulling her into a hug. “I was. But I’m back now.”
I grabbed the two gift bags beside me and handed them to Mara. “The lilac one’s for your birthday, and the blue one’s for the baby shower. I’m sorry I missed both.”
She waved it off. “If you could’ve been there, you would’ve. And thanks for the gifts.”
Alex, standing beside her, studied her face. “You okay, angel?”
She yawned, rubbing her belly with a contented smile. “I’m fine. Just hungry. And my belly dropped. ”
Alex’s head snapped up. “Dropped? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”
Mara’s laughter filled the room, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Relax, babe. It just means my body’s getting ready for birth.”
Alex let out a breath, raking a hand through his hair. “Damn. Had me worried for a second.” He recovered quickly. “Alright, what do you want for dinner?”
She hummed, considering. “I don’t know.”
Alex was already reaching for his keys. “You want me to grab something? Or I can cook.”
Mara shook her head. “I’ll just DoorDash.”
Alex pulled out his Amex, holding it out to her. “Get whatever you want.”
She took it with a smile, eyes softening. “Thank you, baby. You spoil me.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” His voice was warm, genuine.
As Mara walked out, my phone buzzed.
Dill: I know you’re on a trip, but can I get a driver to pick up Azzaria in an hour?
Me: I’ll do it. I’m back.
Dill: You sure?
Me: Yeah.
I locked my screen and slipped my phone into my pocket. “Sorry about that. Dillon texted.”
Alex nodded. “Everything good?”
“Yeah, just a favor.”
He gestured toward his liquor tray. “You want a drink?”
“Sure.”
He poured whiskey into two glasses and handed me one. I took it with a grateful nod, the familiar burn grounding me back into the moment.
“How deep have you guys gotten?”
I shrugged, thinking it over. “Surface level. We’re becoming friends, getting to know each other. ”
Alex smirked. “You could ask Arnoldo to do a little deep digging. Or hire a PI.”
I gave him a dry look. “I’d rather get to know her myself, Alexander.”
He laughed. “Always the better one of us.”
I arched my brow. “Did you hire a PI for Mara?”
His grin turned sheepish. “She’s my best friend’s sister. I knew what I needed to do.”
“Yes or no?”
Alex exhaled. “Yes.” Then, with a smirk, “Even Lucio had someone look into Marina, and they’re high school sweethearts.”
I shook my head, chuckling. “You all are some possessive sons of bitches.”
Alex lifted his glass in a lazy toast. “Women love it.”
I huffed a laugh. “Maybe. But I like to think it’s more about showing you care.”
He nodded. “Touché. Always the better one of us.”
I smirked. “So, what’s the plan for the weekend?”
“Not much. Just spending time with Mara before the baby comes. You?”
I shrugged. “Catching up on work. Talking to Abigail.”
Alex studied me for a second before taking a sip of his drink. “It’s good to see you taking things slow with your redhead. Shows respect.”
I nodded. “I don’t want her to feel rushed.”
Alex’s lips quirked. “Just don’t wait too long. Someone else might sweep her off her feet.”
I chuckled, but the thought sat uneasily in my chest. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
A glance at my watch told me it was time to go. I downed the last of my whiskey and stood. “I should head out.”
Alex stood, clapping me on the back. “Thanks for stopping by. Gym tomorrow?”
“Definitely.” I moved toward the door. “Take care of Mara and the baby.”
His expression softened. “Always. And good luck with your girl. ”
I smirked. “You know I don’t believe in luck.”
Alex chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. See you soon.”
People often wondered why I prioritized my friends, but the truth was simple: when I had nothing, I had them.
Dillon, especially, had done more for me than I could ever repay. He never made me feel like I owed him, but I still found ways to show my gratitude. That’s why, without hesitation, I took Azzaria to the beach for their date. It was rare to see Dillon like this—calm and collected on his wedding day but now jittery over every last detail.
“Thanks, Suarez,” Dillon said as I brought Azzaria over to him.
“Anytime.” I smiled, giving him a reassuring pat on the back.
With a final nod, I got back into my car. The engine roared to life just as my phone buzzed with a text from Abigail.
@abi_asher: Hey, I just woke up.
me: Feeling any better?
@abi_asher: Yes! Thank you for asking. How are you?
me: I’m good, just sitting in the car.
@abi_asher: I didn’t know you had plans, sorry.
me: I don’t, and even if I did, you texting wouldn’t be a problem.
me: I just took Azzaria to Dillon for a beach date.
@abi_asher: You didn’t have to explain.
me: Yeah, I did.
@abi_asher liked this message.
I grinned. She liked that.
@abi_asher: Night beach is definitely on my bucket list.
me: You have a bucket list?
@abi_asher: You don’t??????
me: Not at all.
me: What’s on your list?
@abi_asher: It’s embarrassing .
me: Nothing you do or say could ever be embarrassing.
@abi_asher: You sure know how to make a girl smile.
me: Woman.
me: I just want to know how to make you smile.
@abi_asher: Flattered :)
You reacted to this message.
me: Tell me what’s on the bucket list.
Her next message was a screenshot of her notes. I immediately saved it before she could change her mind.
? Helicopter ride - BD
? Feed sharks/dolphins/whales
? Play with/see a sea lion (I never get to see them in San Francisco)
? Empire State Building
? Explore a Farmer’s Market
? Camping at a beach / Night Beach
? Visit somewhere new (new state or country)
? Take a class
? Lana Del Rey concert (A MUST BEFORE I DIE)
? Flower garden (I spent hours daydreaming of Longwood Gardens or Keukenhof)
me: BD?
@abi_asher: Before Dawn.
me: Very specific.
@abi_asher: Watching the sunrise from a helicopter feels like something I need to do at least once in my lifetime.
@abi_asher: It’s also my favorite time of day.
me: I get that. What a view it’d be.
@abi_asher: My EXACT point!
I chuckled. I could just picture how wide her smile was right now.
me: Take a class?
@abi_asher: Pottery or painting or something artsy.
me: I didn’t know you had a knack for art.
@abi_asher: I’m terrible at it, but that’s what makes it fun.
me: Did you always have this list?
@abi_asher: I made it some months ago, why?
me: Just curious.
me: Aside from what’s on the list, anything else you like or want to do?
@abi_asher: I really like movies, flowers, food, and travel.
me: Favorite movie?
@abi_asher: It’s stupid, lol.
me: Nothing you say could ever be stupid or embarrassing, Red.
I meant it. Everything she said was important to me. Even if she told me she loved watching paint dry, I’d still think it was the best thing I’d ever heard.
@abi_asher: Disney princess movies.
me: There’s nothing embarrassing about that at all.
@abi_asher: Well, thank you.
@abi_asher: What kind of movies do you like?
me: I’m not a movie fan, but I’ll watch a series if it’s good.
@abi_asher: What’s your favorite series?
me: No favorites, but I like Gossip Girl.
@abi_asher: NO WAY. You are a whole dream.
My heart fluttered.
me: My sister forced me to watch it with her last summer, and I ended up hooked.
me: Dan being Gossip Girl was unexpected.
@abi_asher: I thought it was Dorota, but she had too much loyalty to Blair.
me: You’re right. Plus, Dan was the ‘outsider,’ so it made sense.
me: Oh, fuck. I’m so sorry.
@abi_asher: For what?
me: I asked about your favorite movie, then sidetracked into Gossip Girl.
me: I’m so sorry for that.
@abi_asher: Mikkel, it’s totally fine. I don’t mind talking about Gossip Girl.
me: Are you sure?
@abi_asher: 10000% sure.
me: Okay.
me: Is there a specific Disney princess movie?
@abi_asher: Beauty and the Beast!
Note to self: watch Beauty and the Beast when you get the chance.
me: That’s a classic.
@abi_asher: It’s my comfort movie.
me: I’ll be sure to remember that.
@abi_asher: Keeping mental notes on me?
me: What kind of man would I be if I wasn’t?
@abi_asher: A true gentleman.
You reacted to this message.
me: What’s your favorite flower?
@abi_asher: Primroses. Specifically yellow.
I smiled.
me: Birthday?
@abi_asher: March 25, you?
me: February 20th.
me: Favorite color?
@abi_asher: Yellow or red like my hair.
me: Your hair is copper platinum, actually.
@abi_asher: It is, but it’s easier to just tell people it’s red. How did you know?
me: It’s the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen on the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
@abi_asher: melting emoji
MELTING EMOJI?
I stared at it, grinning like an idiot. I made her melt? Dreams do come true.
@abi_asher: My hair is naturally brown, but I dyed it at 16 and never stopped.
me: It compliments you well.
@abi_asher: You think so?
me: I know so.
@abi_asher: Thank you. I always wondered if people could tell it wasn’t natural.
me: It suits you perfectly, and you’re beautiful, so others’ opinions don’t matter.
@abi_asher: That’s sweet of you to say :)
me: Do you ever think about going back to brown?
@abi_asher: Nope. I’m so used to this version of myself in the mirror that it’s become part of who I am.
me: It makes you stand out in the best way.
@abi_asher: You always know just what to say, don’t you?
me: It comes naturally when talking to you.
@abi_asher: I think this is the first time I’ve talked about that.
me: I’m glad you’re comfortable with me.
@abi_asher: I’m glad I am too.
@abi_asher: It’s getting late though, and you should probably head home.
me: Yeah, you’re right. Thanks for tonight. It was really nice talking to you, as usual.
@abi_asher: Drive safe, okay?
me: Always do. Goodnight, Red.
@abi_asher: Goodnight, Mikkel.
I slipped my phone into my pocket, took a deep breath, and drove off. Her smile and the way she opened up played on a loop in my mind, turning the drive home into a blur.