Page 18 of Set My Soul Ablaze

I chuckled. “My folks are from the Southside, but we’re in the ’burbs now.”

She shook her head. “Not the Southside.” She sang the note and laughed.

“Told you I used to be around some bad crowds. I’m a better man now, though.”

“I know that’s right.” She did the two-finger clap women do.

“What about you?”

“I’m a Northside girlie.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised.”

She raised an eyebrow. “We got beef?”

“It’s a tale as old as time. Southside folks ain’t ever got along with Northside folks.”

“Luckily, I don’t follow the norm.” Mali shrugged.

“You are different, huh?” I teased.

“Exactly that. You’ll never meet another Mali like me.”

“I believe it.”

She giggled, and the sound sent a shiver down my spine. The urge to continue to make her laugh was strong. She was the definition of beautiful. I even loved the way the corner of her eyes wrinkled when she smiled big or laughed loud.

“How have you been? I know it’s a hard adjustment, but are the days treating you well?”

She sighed and looked away. “I want to tell you it’s been good, but that would be a lie. It’s been rough. This is actually the first time I’ve been outside since the fire.”

“Baby steps. You experienced something traumatic. It’s normal to have moments of darkness and depression. Just don’t let the bad days outweigh the good ones.”

She smiled. “That’s easier said than done.”

“You’re not wrong. All you can do is take it one day at a time and try to make the most of each day. I hope this isn’t too forward, but would you like my number? I’m not trying to be a creep or anything, but you could call me anytime. Day or night. If you need a listening ear from someone who has experienced a house fire.”

“I’d appreciate that a lot, actually.”

She reached into her handbag and held her phone out for me. Within a few moments, I had my contact saved in her phone and sent a text to myself to save her contact.

“You’re locked in. Call me whenever.”

“I will . . . You probably have a lot of work to do. I should head back.”

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Thank you.”

We stood up and took the long way back to the front. She leaned against the driver’s side door and peered up at me.

“Thank you for the tour.”

“It’s no problem at all. We’re very open to visitors to help the shift go by.”

She smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll see you around, Flame.”

“Fa sho. Be safe.”