still sleeping, I borrowed your car and went to the store to get what I needed to make your favorite. Strawberry pancakes. I hope they come out right.” She smiles up at me.
Grabbing her hand, I pull her closer to my body and into a hug. “You didn't have to do that. You're the best.” I say before kissing the top of her head.
“Are you hungry?” She asks me, then pulls away and walks over to the stove.
I walk around the island and I take a seat on the stool beside Evan.
“Actually I am.”
“Okay, everything will be ready soon.” She says.
She turns around and begins pouring pancake batter in the skillet. She reaches for the spatula and stands there for a moment, before flipping the pancake over.
“Don't you have somewhere to be?” I ask turning my attention to Evan.
“Chill dude. I just want some pancakes and I'll be out your way. Nyla is it alright if I have some of your pancakes?” He asks, totally insinuating something else.
“Of course Evan. There's plenty. Matter of fact there will be enough to refrigerate for later.”
“Well I can't wait to taste them.” Evan says enunciating the word taste a little too much.
“If you don't shut the fuck up.” I say low enough for Evan to hear.
“Okay man. I'm just playing.” He laughs. “So Nyla do you have a boyfriend?”
Shaking my head, I turn my attention to Nyla, because I was on the verge of knocking his ass off the stool.
Turning around, she places a plate full of pancakes in front of me and Evan.
“No I'm single.”
“Really? Why is that?”
“I date, but I just haven't found someone special enough to share my time with.”
“Well maybe I'm special enough.” He responds.
“Evan.” I say his name in warning.
“Okay fine.” He says with a mouth full of pancakes. “The food is delicious by the way Nyla.” He says picking his plate up. “I'll be in the basement if you guys need me.”
He leaves and Nyla takes his seat beside me with a plate of her own pancakes.
“How are they?”
“Damn girl these are really good.” I respond with a mouth full.
“I'm glad you like them.”
“You did your thang.” I agreed.
We sit there eating in silence until both of our plates are empty.
“That was so good. I am so stuffed. You mind helping me load the dishwasher?” She asks me.
“Actually I have to get going. I've got to meet with Sierra. We have a couple of things to go over about tonight.”
She gathers our plates and takes them to the sink to rinse them off.
“Are we riding to the club together tonight?” She asks me.
“I've got to leave here a little early before everyone starts showing up. So I'll leave my keys here with you.”
“Okay, cool. I can't wait to hear you guys play tonight. Are you excited?”
“I'm not trying to sound cocky but this is nothing new to me.”
“Maybe that will change once you start
performing in front of larger crowds.”
“Maybe.”
“You'll see.”
“I'll see you later Nyla. Thanks for breakfast. It was really good.”
I walk around the counter and I kiss her on the forehead. Then I grab my keys and head out the door passing Mason on the way out.
six
Nyla
Singing the lyrics to one of Wildfire's songs I had memorized from my plane ride yesterday, I place the last dish into the dishwasher. Reaching under the sink I grab the detergent and I pour it into the dispenser and I close the door and press start. I grab the plate of uneaten pancakes and I turn around and almost drop them when I see Mason standing there looking at me with an amused look on his gorgeous face.
I place the plate down on the counter and I look up at Mason.
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to hear that awesome finale to our song. You have a nice voice by the way.” He says with