Straight No Chaser- The Beginning

by Devin Nishea

  “Ha! Yeah, you’re right. Okay, I’ll give you a pass on that one,” I said.

  “So, why’d you agree to seeing me tonight after all the other times I asked?” he inquired.

  I looked at him after taking a bite of the salmon.

  “I don’t know to be honest.” I looked down at my plate to break our eye contact.

  “Well, whatever changed your mind, I’m glad it did.”

  After we finished eating, I iced the cupcakes and we both ate two each. They were so good!

  I had to admit, putting everything to the side with how we ended things, I was actually having a good time. So much so, I didn’t look at the time even once.

  I lost count of the glasses of wine I had throughout dinner, but I started to really feel tipsy. I knew it was time for him to go home. But, I couldn’t just come out and say ‘go home’.

  I started to clear the table, hoping he’d get the hint. Jake got up as well to help me with the dishes. When we were together he never helped. Maybe he has changed a little.

  I walked over to the sink to get the water ready and I felt him close to me. I turned around and he was standing closer than I felt comfortable. But, I couldn’t move out of the way.

  “Excuse me, Jake.”

  “Zen…” he said.

  “Jake, nope.” I said shaking my head. We are not going there tonight.”

  “Zen, I know you still feel the chemistry between us,” he said.

  I did. But I think it was the wine.

  Then he just went for it. He kissed me. Man, he kissed me. I forgot how it felt to be kissed. I forgot how it felt to be wanted. I forgot. It felt good. After fighting the surprise kiss a few seconds, I gave in.

  Chapter 20

  I decided on brunch Saturday morning after my workout, so I went to my favorite place to read a book and survey the crowd like I always do.

  A few weeks had passed and I hadn’t spoken with either Jake or Isaiah. After the kiss with Jake, I had to distance myself from him totally. Although nothing more happened, I couldn’t be around him—especially, if there would be alcohol involved.

  Isaiah on the other hand, I still couldn’t get over the fact he showed up to my house unannounced! The night Jake was over, he called later that night. I didn’t answer due to my being in an alcohol-induced slumber.

  While I was looking over the menu, I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and…guess who it was?

  Isaiah.

  I took a deep breath and said, “Well, hello, Isaiah. Wait. Are you stalking me?”

  He smiled and said, “I’m fine, Zen. NO! I’m not a stalker.”

  “That’s what all stalkers say,” I said. I was hoping he wasn’t going to invite himself to sit down.

  “You hadn’t returned my phone calls over the past few weeks,” he said.

  “Yes, I know and for good reason,” I said.

  “Zen, I’ve apologized for not showing. What else can I do to show you how sorry I am?” he asked.

  I looked at him. He looked at me with the saddest eyes. I tilted my head and squinted my eyes at him.

  “What? Are you trying to Jedi mind trick me or something?” he asked.

  I laughed and said, “Nope. I’m not.”

  I thought for a second and said, “Have a seat, Isaiah.”

  I knew I’d regret telling him that.

  “I know it seems as though we are always in the same places at the same time, but I assure you, I’m NOT stalking you,” he said.

  I stared at him and didn’t say anything.

  “So, you’re just going to stare at me and say nothing?” he said.

  “Well, I could do that,” I said sarcastically.

  “Come on, don’t be like that. I don’t want you upset with me.”

  “Just FYI, I don’t hold grudges,” I assured him.

  He looked relieved.

  “I love this place. This is the only place I actually don’t mind sitting outside to eat,” I said.

  “Why is that?” he asked.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. I guess it’s how they have things set up out here,” I said as I glanced at him. “So, I come here when it’s nice outside with my book and enjoy the sights.”

  “That’s cool, Zen. So, are we officially having brunch together today since you invited me to have a seat,” he asked.

  “I guess so,” I said with a smirk.

  I waved for my waitress to come over to the table.

  “Can we have one more menu for this gentleman please?” I asked.

  “You’re so formal,” he said.

  I laughed, because it wasn’t the first time I’d heard that.

  “Yeah. Well, you’re in good company. A lot of people think that sometimes. I promise you, I let my hair down at times,” I said smiling.

  We ordered our food and I was on my second mimosa of the hour and I was feeling pretty good. I had to admit Isaiah was good company. Our conversation was flowing and I almost forgot my reservations for him. Then, his phone rang.

  “Excuse me,” he said as he answered the phone.

  I hate when people answer their phone at the table. It’s like what do you do, look the person dead in their face while they’re on the phone having a conversation? Do you then take your phone out and begin or pretend to check for imaginary messages?

  “Hello? Heeeyy there,” he said. Okay. Okay. That sounds good to me. Okay, well, let me call you back, I’m having breakfast with a colleague. Bye”

  I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Colleague huh?” I asked.

  “Yes. Aren’t we colleagues?” he asked.

  “I guess we are,” I said.

  I had to be honest, I did feel some kind of way being referred to as a colleague. But, that’s what we were. That comment also let me know…well… I assumed the person on the other end was another woman.

  By this time our food had come to our tables. I ordered Macadamia and Hazel Nut French Toast with eggs and extra bacon. Isaiah ordered their signature Red Velvet Pancakes.

  “I worked out this morning before getting here and I am starving. This is about to be devoured!” I said putting the French Toast in my mouth.

  Isaiah laughed and shook his head at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Most women wouldn’t tear into their food like that sitting in front of a man,” he said.

  “Yeah, well, I ain’t most women. I love to eat and eat I will,” I said laughing and grabbing for my bacon.

  “Yeah, I see!” he said laughing.

  “Good food, good times.” I said. I can’t afford to eat like a bird, regardless of who’s around me.”

  “That’s good to hear. I hate being around people period who are afraid to be themselves,” he said.

  “The only time I hold back is if I’m out with my bosses or some sit-down, plated event. Then, my etiquette kicks in.” I said.

  “Same here,” Isaiah said.

  I was curious about Isaiah. Since he was sitting across from me unexpectedly, may as well get to know him right?

  “So, Isaiah, what’s your story?” I asked sipping my drink.

  He stopped eating for a second.

  “What do you mean, my story? You keep asking me that.”

  “Like I said, what’s your story? Who’s the real man behind what I see?” I asked.

  “Oh, so, now you want to get to know me?” he said with a smirk.

  “Yeah, I guess.” I said. Okay, I’m listening.”

  “Well, you already know why I moved here. You know I’m separated from my wife and hopefully will be filing for divorce soon,” he said.

  “Have you two tried working it out?” I asked.

  “We did, but…” he said.

  I cut him off.

  “No counseling?” I asked.

  “Yeah that was part of trying to work it out, but things still didn’t change. Everything was my fault. She didn’t want to even look in the mirror at the possibility of anything being her f
ault,” he said.

  I almost felt sorry for him.

  “That sucks when people refuse to look at the man or woman in the mirror. It’s a tough thing to do, but to better oneself daily, I think everyone should do that. Not for others’ sake but for your own sake. We can’t stay the same forever; I don’t think we should stay the same forever. Ever changing, ever evolving—isn’t that what life is about? Changing? Like, I’m not the same person I was in college, or as I was in high school. If I were, I don’t think I’d be as successful as I am today,” I said.

  “Hey, I totally agree with you. But when you’re complacent with where you are in life, what you’re doing with your life, you really can’t do or say much to change their minds,” he said.

  I nodded to agree with him and we sat in silence for a minute as we both took bites of our food. I decided to cut myself off from drinking any more mimosas and ordered coffee to sober up before driving home.

  “I was wondering when you were going to cut yourself off,” Isaiah said with a smile.

  “Ha, ha. Very funny. I know when to cut myself off. I can’t be in public drunk making a spectacle of myself,” I said.

  “Yeah, that would be no good. I’d have to disassociate myself with the likes of you,” Isaiah said, trying to make me laugh. It worked.

  “You’re an okay guy, Isaiah.”

  He looked as much shocked as I was saying it.

  “I’m sorry, can you say that again?” he smirked.

  “Uh, no. I will not.” I said laughing. If you didn’t hear it the first time, don’t count on me repeating myself.”

  Our waitress came to clear our table and I asked for separate checks.

  “No, one check is fine,” Isaiah said cutting me off.

  “I can’t let you do that,” I said

  “You can and you will,” he said.

  “Okay, I’ll be right back with the check,” the waitress said to Isaiah.

  Okay. He’s a gentleman.

  “Thank you, Isaiah. Although you didn’t have to pay.”

  “Yeah, I know, but I got it.”

  I glanced down at my watch to see what time it was. I didn’t realize how long we had been sitting and talking. It was well into the afternoon and I was still in my workout clothes.

  “Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was. I am going to head out and get out of these nasty clothes I’ve been in all morning,” I said.

  “Thank you, Xenia.” Isaiah said.

  “For what?” I asked.

  “Your company…” he said.

  I smiled.

  “I’ll talk to you later, Isaiah…” I said.

  Chapter 21

  On my way to work I realized I hadn’t spoken with Amy in a while. As I went to pick up my phone, it rang. I thought for a brief moment that it was her until I glanced down at it.

  I winced; it was Jake. I hadn’t spoken with him since that kiss and now it had been a few weeks. He had called and left messages, but I accidently-on-purpose deleted his messages.

  I let it go to voicemail…again. I couldn’t talk to him about it, yet. I didn’t mean to let him kiss me. I hated I allowed myself to get in that position with him. It was supposed to be an innocent dinner; that’s all. Nothing more. Nothing less.

  I dialed Amy’s number to get my mind off of Jake.

  “Hello,” she answered.

  “Hey, girl, how are ya?” I asked.

  “I’m good.” She sounded flustered.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “I’m trying to pack for this trip and I’m trying not to go over the weight limit but I don’t think it’s working,” she said.

  “Oh, yes!! The trip is this week. I almost forgot. Well, did you want me to come over after work and help out,” I asked.

  “Could you, could you?” she said sounding relieved.

  “No problem, I’d love to help you for a change,” I said laughing.

  “Yeah, so, what’s good with you this morning? On the way to work?” she asked.

  “Yeppers, indeed I am.” I replied. I let out a deep sigh.

  “Now, what’s wrong with you?” she asked.

  “What are you talking about?” I responded.

  “Why the deep sigh?”

  My mind was racing so fast, I hadn’t realized I let out a sigh.

  “Girl, nothing. So what time did you want me to come by?” I asked.

  “You’re not coming until you tell me what your deal is!” she said.

  “Dang, Amy!!! I am fine,” I said.

  “Mmmhmm, whatever, chick. Mama knows when something ain’t quite right with the milk,” she said.

  “You sound so old saying that,” I said laughing.

  “Yeah, I know; now spill it!” she demanded.

  There was dead air for a few moments. I realized she wasn’t going to let me off the hook.

  “Jake and I kissed…” I said, wincing.

  “EXCUSE ME!? I knew it was something, but not THAT something!” she exclaimed. How in the world did you let that happen?”

  “Trust me when I say it was an accident. Now I’m avoiding his calls,” I said.

  “When did this happen?” she asked.

  “A few weeks ago. I invited him over for dinner, the day of that big presentation at work. After a few glasses of wine, he kissed me and I let him,” I said.

  “Well, don’t go beating yourself up about it. What’s done is done. So, is something still there?” she asked.

  “Girl…I forgot what it was like to be kissed. It felt good. But, it doesn’t mean it was good for me,” I said.

  “Yeah, I understand that. Well, I’m sure he wants to know what was up with the kiss. You can’t avoid him forever Zen,” she said.

  “I know. When he asks, I’m not going to have an answer for him. I mean not a word,” I said.

  “Dang girl, I don’t have anything for you either. I mean, I wouldn’t have guessed you invited him for dinner let alone kissing him,” she said. Sounds like you may be on your own with this one.”

  I laughed and said, “Yeah, sounds like it. There’s obviously some unfinished business between the both of us. We had a great time at dinner, the conversation flowed well; it was like old times. Then I clear off the table and I’m at the kitchen sink, turn around and he’s right there.”

  At this point, could my life get any more confusing and complicated? Well, it could, but I’m hoping not.

  “Okay, girl, I’m pulling into work, so, I’ll see you after I get off.”

  “Bye, Hun…” Amy said.

  I walked into work ready for my workday, trying to put out of my head my encounter with Jake.

  I finally looked up at the time and saw that it was after 12 noon. I was starving and I needed to get out of the office to see the light of day and to eat lunch.

  I decided to go back to my bar find for something different to eat! As I walked out of my office, I let Sarah know I was going to be out for only a moment and I would be back shortly.

  When I walked in, I headed straight for the bar to take my seat. Too bad I couldn’t have a drink with lunch. I hadn’t really touched much alcohol since the infamous kiss with Jake. The bar tender came over to take my drink order. The only thing I needed was water. While he got my water, I looked over the menu. I placed my food order and, while I waited, I scanned the crowd to see who all was enjoying this place like me.

  As I was scanning the crowd, I thought I saw Isaiah sitting at a table towards the back of the bar. In my attempt to be discreet, I looked in his direction again. As my head turned my heart began to race because he or whomever wasn’t alone. It was him and he was sitting with a woman.

  For some reason, I began to feel some kind of way about it, too!

  “Ma’am, here’s your Cajun Chicken Pasta dish,” the bartender said.

  I turned my head quickly like he caught me doing something wrong. Well, I was being nosey.

  “Thank you so much,” I said. I pulled the plate closer to me so I
could dig in.

  But I couldn’t help myself. I had to look again. As I turned my head, they were walking towards the front of the bar to leave. It was him! She was gorgeous—tall, athletic build, gorgeous hair—gorgeous. Then, I looked at Isaiah and we made eye contact.

  I smiled and looked back at my food and began to eat. This pasta was amazing! It was so amazing I began to do a little happy dance in my seat. I often did that when the food I was eating was great.

  “The food is amazing, right?” the male voice said.

  The voice startled me and I looked up to see who it was.

  “Hey, Isaiah!” I said with a mouth full of food.

  “Hi, Xenia,” he said sitting next to me.

  “I thought you were leaving,” I said.

  “I was, and, then, I saw you and I wanted to speak,” he said.

  “Well, don’t keep your date waiting,” I said.

  Man, why’d I say that? It sounded like I was jealous or something.

  Isaiah laughed.

  “Xenia. It’s not what you’re thinking,” he said.

  “What am I thinking?” I asked him.

  Isaiah gave me this look as he flashed those pretty teeth of his and shook his head.

  “Alright Ms. Xenia, I’m going to head out. I just wanted to speak before leaving,” he said. Hopefully we can link up soon.”

  I matched his smile and said, “We’ll see. Have a good day sir.”

  As he was walking towards the door to catch up with his lunch date, I glanced at the woman he was with. She was standing waiting for him. As he got closer to her, she glanced at me and raised an eyebrow at me, turned and disappeared behind the door.

  Okay, Isaiah, it’s not what I think, huh? Yeah, right!

  I turned around to finish my pasta so I could hurry back to work.

  After work, I almost forgot I told Amy I was going to come by her house. When I remembered, I was almost home. I called her and let her know I was going to change clothes and head over.

  When I finally got to her house and walked in, I smelled food!

  “YOU cooked!? I can’t believe it,” I said.

  “Yep, courtesy of the Italian spot down the street,” she said laughing.

  “I should’ve known better,” I said. Either way, it smells great, what did you order?”