Page 41 of Liberating Mia
“Yeah, you are. Okay, let’s see now. I’m one of two children – I have a younger sister. My parents own a horse ranch just outside of San Antonio. I currently live in Washington, DC, near where I work. Pineapple does not, under any circumstances, belong on a pizza. I think that about covers your questions, yeah?”
She slapped him on his left shoulder. “Very funny.”
“What I can say? I’m a funny guy,” he mimicked. “I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll tell you more, but first you tell me a little something about yourself.”
She nodded. “Fair enough. I’m one of five children – I have four brothers. I guess my parents didn’t have TV back in the day. My father is a pediatrician, and my mother has her own interior design studio. Until recently, I lived in Johannesburg and am currently homeless. And I love pineapple on pizza. Did I get it all?”
Intrigued, Finn leaned in, resting his elbows on the table. “Tell me more.”
“Nope. Your turn again. Did you always know you wanted to be an FBI agent?”
“Well, not an agent, per se. But yeah, I always knew I wanted to be in some kind of service to my country whether that be law enforcement or the military. I enlisted with the navy right out of college. Five years in, I decided a change in career path was needed. And here I am.” He took a sip of his drink. “How about you? What do you do to earn your keep?”
He almost regretted asking at the sad expression that fleetingly crossed her face.
“I used to be a partner in my mom’s design studio.”
“What happened?”
“I met Dylan.”
“Dylan Hunt?”
“Yes. He engaged the studio to do some work for him on his holiday house in Llandundo. My mom sent me to consult. We got the job, I redid his house, and at the end of the project, he asked me on a date.”
“What was he like?”
“He was so sophisticated, charismatic, could charm the birds out of the trees. I couldn’t believe someone like him could be interested in me.”
“Are you nuts? Any man would be lucky to have you.” He had to hide his smile of amusement when she blushed again. “It’s sounds like you loved your job. Why’d you leave?”
“The day he proposed to me, he waited for me to accept and then informed me I’d have to give up working. As his wife, I would need to be at his beck and call. Infatuated fool that I was, I just went along with everything he said.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. People like Hunt are exceptionally good at hiding their true selves. It’s what makes them so good at what they do.”
The food arrived just then.
“Nadja, Finn is from America and not familiar with this food.”
“Ah, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing better than my mom’s cooking.” She described to him each of the dishes, taking him on a fascinating journey through the history of the cuisine.
“Thanks, Nadja.”
“You’re welcome,Liefie. Enjoy.”
Finn lost track of time as they sat eating, chatting, laughing, until a woman who looked like an older version of Nadja approached their table.
“Mia,my engel. Dit doen ‘n ou vrou se hart goed om jou te sien.It’s been too long.”Mia, my angel. It does an old woman’s heart good to see you.
“Aunty Merle. Oh, my goodness. It has. Far too long.” Waving a hand at Finn, Mia said, “This my American friend, Finn. Finn, this is Nadja’s mother. The genius talent responsible for tonight’s meal.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Thank you for a wonderful meal. It was my first, but definitely won’t be my last while I’m here.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, my boy.” She smiled at him before turning to Mia and continued, “We’re closing the kitchen, sweetheart. Do you need anything before we do?”
“Wow, I didn’t realize it was so late. I have no concept of time lately. I really miss my watch.”
While Mia chatted to the other woman, Finn quietly left the table and approached Nadja.
