FIFTEEN

Tonight I'll see Aliyah again. Despite the fact that I've been out with her several times, I'm not sure how she'll react. Our relationship has changed since she confronted me in the park. No woman has ever had the audacity to confront me with such candor as she has. Something about her bravery and lack of fear around me fascinates me.

I wait impatiently in the lobby for Aliyah, and when the elevator finally arrives at the bottom, I'm surprised to see her. She's dressed in a form-fitting crimson gown with sparkly high heels, revealing curves I hadn't noticed before. Her hair cascades over her shoulders in a waterfall of curls, and her eyes are rimmed with black liner, bringing out her deep blues.

"I'm sorry for being late. Andrew has a slight fever, and I wanted to make sure he was comfortable before I left for the evening."

"No need to apologize," I say with a frown, remembering the small boy's illness as I take away his caregiver.

She grins and tucks a stray curl behind