Page 31 of Anything To Be With You

"I doubt it," I snort.

"Oh, Daniella," Mom tsks, "what have I told you about making that noise?" she scolds. "You’ll never land a man sounding like a piglet."

I roll my eyes. "Mom, I highly doubt the man I land is going to care if I snort or not."

She tsks again. "Honey, when was the last time you had a date?"

That’s a very good question. Antoni and I broke up six years ago, but as for date wise…

"I can’t remember."

"I know the perfect guy for you."

I love my Mother and I know she means well, but she really needs to stop trying to hook me up with random men,

"Mom, no," I whine, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Last time you set me up, the guy 'forgot' his wallet after ordering over eighty dollars worth of food for himself. Then thought he was going to, and I quote 'tap that ass' at the end of the night."

The sigh that comes through the phone sounds identical to Mason’s. "How many times do I have to apologise for that, Daniella?"

"Five more times."

"That’s enough of your smart mouth," Mom warns.

I go for eye roll number two.

"This guy is different. He works with your father but in the offices. I have met him a handful of times, he’s a nice boy."

"Boy?"

"You know what I mean, Daniella."

The only way to get her off my back is to agree to this date. "Fine. Give him my number."

Mom squeals with delight. "I already did. He’s going to call you tonight."

I sink deeper in the water with a sigh. "Lovely."

"His name is Malakai. He’s thirty-eight, recently divorced and no kids."

"Great. I can’t wait." I comment wryly.

My phone beeps in my ear. "My other line is beeping in Mom; I’ll talk to you later." I switch lines before Mom can get another word in. "Hello?" there’s a hesitation before a very deep voice comes over the line.

"Daniella?" the baritone of his voice vibrates through the speaker.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"This is Malakai. Your mother gave me your number."

This is going to be a very awkward conversation. "Yes, she just told me. Let me ask you something."

There’s another hesitation. "Um, okay."

"What did she tell you about me?"

He chuckles. "That you were single, have a seventeen-year-old son and in your early thirties."

Huh.

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