“Let me introduce myself,” he said, smiling. “I’m Odessa’s boyfriend, Kirk Washington.”
I didn’t respond, and he reached over to pinch Odessa’s cheek affectionately.
“Why don’t you introduce me to your friend here?”
Odessa’s expression faltered. It was clear she hadn’t anticipated Kirk showing up. She avoided my eyes, her hands fidgeting with the napkin in her lap. I decided to make it easy for her. Smiling faintly, I answered for her.
“I’m her neighbor, Leif Delgado. We’re just sharing a table since the place is packed.”
Odessa’s head snapped toward me, her eyes momentarily wide with shock before she exhaled in visible relief. Kirk didn’t seem to notice, leaning back with an easy grin.
Kirk’s grin widened as he heard her words. “First time seeing Odessa dine with another guy besides me. She doesn’t get much of a male friends you know? Since, you’re familiar with her, let’s exchange numbers,” he said, sliding his phone toward me.
His profile picture caught my eye—a photo of him and Odessa locked in a passionate kiss under a cascade of fireworks. The matching outfits they wore today—a subtle but unmistakable nod to high-end couple's fashion—only emphasized how inseparable they looked.