“You know, if you’re getting steak, you’re going to have to put out.” He masks the statement with a loud laugh, but I know he’s serious.
“That’s only for people who can’t afford to pay their own way, Draymond.” I give him my best fake smile, which he doesn’t return. His eyes harden. “I don’t have that problem.” To prove my point, I call the waiter back and ask for separate checks.
“I was only joking,” he says after the waiter walks away.
“I’m not.”
“I see you’re one of those.” He sighs, almost as if he’s disappointed in me.
“One of what?”
“Those independent types, but all you women do is use your pussy to try and manipulate and control.” I lean against the table and look him in the eyes.
“I didn’t realize my pussy was ever an option. Thanks for letting me know.”
He picks up his wine and swirls it around, but he doesn’t drink it.
“Not a fan of wine?” I ask, wanting to change the topic.
“No. And I don’t like a woman who drinks. I can’t stand to look at it.” He glances at my glass and frowns. I put it to my mouth, tilt my head back, and down the remainder in one gulp. I dab the side of my mouth with my napkin.
“All done. You won’t have to look at it anymore. Better?”
“This isn’t working out.”
“No, I don’t suppose it is,” I admit. I shake my head sadly, doing my best to act disappointed.
“Why did you bother if you weren’t going to try?”
“Why did you? What part of me made you think it was okay to talk down to me? Or comment on how I look, and how I should change it. You quoted scripture as if that would move me.”
“I’m out of here.” He grabs his wallet and pulls out a wad of cash. “I’m sick of you New York bitches.” He stands, and so do I. I call the waiter and tell him to pack my food to go and to bring it to me at the bar.
“You don’t walk out on me, Draymond. You stand there and watch as I walk away fromyou.” His nostrils flare as I point at his chest. I grab my clutch from the table and walk to the bar. I order a water and wait for my food.
A few minutes later, my water glass is empty, but my food still hasn’t arrived. Someone takes the stool next to me at the bar, and I smell familiar cologne. I tap my fingernails on the counter, no longer in the mood to be around people. I have visions of eating in bed in nothing but a t-shirt while I catch up on brainless television. Maybe I’ll get a heads up and start grading the essays from my freshmen.
“Victoria Taylor. Is that you?” I freeze at the sound of the voice. It can’t be, but it dawns on me why my mother was so interested in where I was going tonight. I walked right into her trap. I should have known, but I hadn’t thought of Jerry in so long, I was thrown off balance. Mother liked Jerry a lot back then. She was over the moon that I was dating a future doctor.
“Jerry.” I look at his face. He looks the same. Clear brown skin with full lips. He looks like he just got a fresh haircut today because his lining is perfect. He’s in a button-down shirt and jacket with jeans. Nothing about him has changed. “What a coincidence.” I try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
He smiles. “Alone tonight?” He looks around as if he’s expecting someone to appear out of nowhere. I didn’t tell Mother I had a date, but I wonder if Jerry would still be here if I had.
“Just waiting for my dinner.” I turn my body, giving him some of my back, hoping he’ll take the hint and walk away just like he did before, but if he’s seeking me out, he’s not about to leave.
“You look good.” I can feel his eyes on me.
From the corner of my eye, I see him staring at my bare legs. He was always a sucker for my legs.
“Thank you.” I swing my legs underneath my chair and put my clutch on my lap to shield his view. While I’m at it, I consider all the ways I’m going to kill my mother when I get my hands on her. I’m angrier at myself for falling into her trap so easily.
“You always liked this place. This is where you introduced me to your mom.”
“My memory works fine, Jerry.” In truth, I had forgotten about that little detail, but knowing him, he’s giving it more significance than he should.
“I’ve been trying to call you.” I take a deep breath and turn to face him.
“For what possible reason?” I turn away, dismissing him before he can utter another word.
