Page 15 of The Noisemaker

“Let’s go,” Desmond said as he pulled off to the outskirts of the city.

We talked about our goals for the new year as we headed to the indoor marketplace. A lot of his goals were focused on work and our move in March.

“…and I think the promotion is coming in February,” he concluded.

“That’s what’s up! I’m so proud of you,” I gushed.

“I’m getting this money,” he asserted, hitting the steering wheel for emphasis. “And what we ate for lunch solidified it.”

I reached over and rubbed his arm. “I know that’s right. And there’s something else on the list for money that we can do while we’re out.”

“What’s that?”

“We just gotta get something round or eat something round like they do in the Philippines. They say the circular shape represents money and wealth so eating cookies or bagels or having coins or hoops would mean we’re boosting our bank accounts next year.”

“Do the pancakes from this morning count?”

I thought about it and my eyes widened. “I didn’t even think about that but yeah probably.” I was quiet for a second. “But just in case, we need to find something else that way it’s intentional.”

“Got it.” As we got to the red light, he slowed to a stop and opened his middle console. “Grab that silver dollar.”

I picked up the coin and rubbed my thumb over it. “And now we’ve checked another thing off the list.”

“We’re killing it.” He looked over just before the light turned green. “We’re a good team.”

I grinned. “Yeah.”

We made it in twenty-five minutes and some of the shops were already starting to close. Running to the Dutch bakery, we got to the back of the line. Searching what I could see of the display case, I didn’t see exactly what I was looking for.

“Well at least we have time to taste this,” I said as I opened the bag with our soup.

He reached in and pulled out the container and a spoon. I removed the lid and watched him as he stirred the squash, beef, potato, and vegetable mixture.

“To freedom,” he said.

“To resilience,” I returned as I grabbed the second spoon.

At the same time, we gathered a big spoonful of the soup and tasted it at the same time.

“Mmm.” I nodded, taking a second bite.

“Yeah, that’s some good shit,’ Desmond agreed, eating more.

We moved forward in line, finishing half the container.

“I’m done,” I told him, putting my spoon back in the bag it came in. “I like that.”

“I like it, too.” He took a couple more scoops before putting the lid back on the container. “I wish it was spicier though.”

“That would be good.”

“Oh, I’m going to go grab me some of that popcorn over there since there’s no one in line,” Desmond told me, rubbing my back. “You want something?”

“If they have the caramel popcorn, I’ll take some of that. Please.”

He leaned down and dropped a kiss on my forehead. “Of course. I’ll be back.” He glanced at the six people in front of us. “I should be back before you get to the front.”

“Okay, baby.”

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