“I can assure you, I’m not.”
“Says who?”
“Says my Pinterest board that’s completely dedicated to a Switzerland trip.”
“If you’ve taken the time to do all of that, then why haven’t you gone yet?”
“It takes time and a lot of money. Money isn’t the issue, but time is for me.”
“When’s the last time you had a real vacation? I can’t lie. Time isn’t on my side most of the time either.”
“You feel exactly where I’m coming from then.” I took a sip of champagne.
“Still didn’t answer my question, though.”
“You are so demanding and authoritative. Anyone ever told you that before?”
“Not to my face.”
“Looks like you’ve met your match, and to answer your question, the last time I took a vacation was two years ago, I believe. I don’t count my trips like this as vacation, because, technically, I’m working.”
“About the same for me, too. No cap.”
“I’mma just cut to the chase. You’re single. Why?”
“You’re a feisty ass woman. I’m digging it, though. I’ve been single for the past few years because I’ve chosen to be. I put my all into growing my business and making sure Junior didn’t want for shit. My focus has been there.”
“I understand. What’s different now?” I asked, eager to get inside his head, if he’d let me.
“I’m ready to slow down, and shit, I’mma be honest. I get lonely sometimes.”
His honesty sent a chill up my spine, and he didn’t even know it. I stirred around in my food so he wouldn’t notice my nervousness. To hear a man say he got lonely sometimes was big for me. I was used to men not being vulnerable. Most men kept their guards up.
“That doesn’t scare you, does it?” he asked. It was almost as if he felt my inner reaction to what he’d said.
“Why would it scare me?” I responded, poised and confident. But my vulnerability crept up on me like a thief in the night.
“Shit, you tell me. You’ve been so pleasant to be around tonight, but I’m also sensing you might be closed off to relationships or something. Am I right?”
“You’re close enough.” I laughed a little. “It’s not that I’m closed off, but too many times in the past, I’ve been pursued only to be objectified, treated like an afterthought, and not truly seen. When love finds me again, I want it to be for real. I want to be seen, and vice versa.”
“Listen, Lyra. I’mma make this clear. You’re different, and I knew it when you asked me to watch your luggage.” He laughed.
“I felt like I came across a unicorn or some shit.”
“Well, I mean, you kind of did,” he said, and I sucked my teeth and stuck my tongue out. “Seriously, though, I felt it this morning. Your energy was different.”
“You are a real trip. I see you, though. I wanna get to know you better, and I wanna show you why you’ll never need to look any further than me. Understand?” His words flowed thoughtfully, and I couldn’t lie... I was feeling him something serious, and I wanted to see where this could go.
“I hear you, and I understand.” I nodded slowly.
He reached for my hands and held them, rubbing his thumbs across them gently. I felt safe and desired, and I loved it.
“You ready to get out of here?” he asked.
“Not yet. I wanna take in this view just a little longer.” Truth was, I didn’t want the night to end.
“C’mere.” He motioned with his hand for me to come sit on him.
