Page 56 of Forgetting the Enemy
“I was. I didn’t have breakfast or lunch,” I say.
“That reminds me, why have you been skipping meals with the family?”
I look at him warily. “I was hoping you would miss me.”
He laughs, and it makes me smile. Seriously, I think this is the first time I’ve heard him laugh. He’s always so serious and stern. I was afraid he would be mad by my comment, but I don’t want to lie to him, so since he asked, I felt it best to be honest.
“Well, Zaira, it worked,” he says. He’s different. I have not seen him really since the shooting, and we really haven’t spoken except in passing. Now, he’s being more caring and attentive. I want to ask him what’s changed, but I’m afraid I will start another argument.
So instead, I reply coyly. “So you’re saying you did miss me?”
“I did,” he says and offers nothing else.
I decide it’s best not to elaborate on the subject and let it lie there between us. I know I’m right. I know there is a connection, and slowly, I believe he’s seeing it too.
He finishes his sandwich and goes to return his plate to the tray sitting on the table. “I’m sorry, Zaira, but I need to take care of a few things. Perhaps I’ll see you later?”
I look at my watch. It’s almost 5:00 p.m. “Well, I doubt I’ll see you at dinner. I’m sure I am done eating for the day.” I smile, but he frowns. Quickly, I add to my statement. “But I should be around later. Maybe we could have a drink out here after dinner?” I ask, hopeful.
He smiles again and bends to kiss me on the cheek. “I’d like that.” Just that simple gesture of affection has goose bumps rising all over my skin. “I’ll see you later then,” he says and turns to leave.
“Michael,” I call after him, and he stops and turns. “Thanks for having lunch with me.”
He smiles, nods, and turns back around to leave.
