Straight No Chaser- The Beginning

by Devin Nishea

  “Chicken and shrimp linguine, bread sticks and molten chocolate cake for dessert,” she said.

  “Whoa, you went all out, didn’t you? What’s the occasion?” I asked.

  “No occasion. I’m just hungry.”

  Yeah right, Amy wasn’t fooling me. She knows I love to eat and she tries to distract me with food when she has something important to say that will more than likely knock me off my feet.

  “Okay…” I said as I gave her the side eye.

  “No, really it’s nothing,” she said.

  “Well, where are these clothes. It’s time for me to show you how to pack for a trip Lucy Pearl,” I said laughing.

  We walked into the living room and she had clothes and suitcase on her couch. I had my work cut out for me.

  “So, all of this is going for sure right?” I asked.

  She yelled from the kitchen, “Yep!”

  Amy strolled back into the living room chomping on a breadstick. I looked up at her and rolled my eyes.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Really? You’re going to come in here with some bread and not bring me any?” I said. Dang ok. I guess I have to get my own?”

  Amy laughed, “Girl, no, I’ll get you some bread. Stop your whining.”

  By the time she came back I had half of her suitcase packed.

  “Wait, you’re almost done,” she asked astonished.

  “Uh yeah, it really isn’t that hard. You were making things more difficult…as usual.” I replied.

  She laughed as she placed the bread on the coffee table.

  “Anyway, here’s your little bread,” she said sarcastically.

  “You know I’m not going to let it go. What’s going on that you’re not telling me about?” I asked. I mean, you ordered food; and a lot of it.”

  Amy was still chomping on the bread and giving me this look. A look I’d never seen before. She had a sparkle in her eyes. There was silence as I was packing her bag and waiting for her to spill the beans.

  “We started looking at rings…” she said smiling.

  I stopped everything and turned to look at her. My eyes and mouth were wide open!

  “SHUT ALL THE WAY UP!” I exclaimed.

  Amy looked at me smiling big from ear to ear and nodding her head.

  “He didn’t even tell me we were going to look. He just drove up to the place one day when we were out. The first weekend we looked, I didn’t get too excited. But after the third time, I got really excited!” she explained.

  “Oh…my…GOSH girl!!!! I’m so excited for you. Well, there you have it folks. No wonder you ordered food.” I said.

  “I mean he has turned into somebody I can’t see myself living without. I know things may be moving faster than I thought,” she said.

  I cut her off mid-sentence and said, “When you know, you know. Girl, I don’t even want to finish packing this bag. All I want to do now is eat and toast to you guys’ happiness.”

  We both laughed as I started to pack again. But, this time, I packed quicker because I was ready to talk more and eat!

  “Alright, I’m done with this bag. All you have to add are your toiletries and you’ll be set and ready to go,” I said.

  We walked into the kitchen to finally eat. My breadstick had already worn off and I was ready for this pasta for the second time in one day!

  I looked in the cupboard for wine glasses so we could really enjoy dinner.

  I toasted to her and her future and we ate until we were delirious. I didn’t even get a chance to tell her about my run in with Isaiah and was fine with that.

  Chapter 22

  I hadn’t worked out in a while so I decided to hit the gym after work. When I walked into the gym, I took a deep breath to take it all in. It was like my second home and it welcomed me back with open arms.

  I normally do my own thing when I go to the gym, but I wanted do something more structured. I looked at the class schedule and saw a strength class was going to start in thirty minutes.

  I rushed to change my clothes and walked into the studio for class to set up everything I would need. As I started to set up my weights, I felt someone’s eyes following me around the room.

  After getting to my spot and waiting for the instructor, I scanned the crowd to see who all was there. This was only my third time taking this class and I was inconsistent with my attendance, so my chances of knowing anyone were slim.

  My eyes stopped and I saw why I felt eyes on me as I was setting up. I shook my head and smiled. It was Isaiah.

  “Well, well, well. What was that you were saying about NOT being a stalker,” I asked laughing. I had no idea you were a member here.”

  “I’m not a stalker and I didn’t know you belonged here either,” Isaiah said laughing.

  “Well, we have a knack for bumping into each other around town, why not add the gym to the ever growing list?” I shaking my head.

  The instructor came into the class and started the music.

  “Maybe we can catch up after class?” Isaiah asked.

  I nodded and did some quick stretches.

  Class was actually exactly what I needed. It was challenging, but good. It cleared my head and took away the stress of my work day. Of course, I was a sweaty mess half way through class and by the end of class it was even worse.

  Everyone walked out of class a little slower than they walked in, including me.

  Isaiah was waiting for me afterwards. We engaged in a little small talk as we walked towards the treadmills. I wanted to get in a short walk before leaving for the evening. Since I was staying over, he walked the treadmill beside me.

  I wasn’t used to someone talking to me while I worked out. I actually preferred not to talk during workouts, but I guess his company is what I needed because my short walk didn’t seem to take as long.

  We decided to meet in the Café after getting our things from the locker room. I was starving of course, so I couldn’t wait to get there!

  I sat my things down where he was sitting and I plopped down in my seat, exhausted.

  Isaiah looked at me and said, “Tired?”

  I glared at him and said, “DUDE!!! She tried to kill us!”

  He laughed.

  “Yeah, she’s a tough cookie, but I like her class. By looking at her, you wouldn’t think she’s as strong as she is,” he said.

  “Yeah. Okay, I’m hungry. I’m going to order my food,” I said.

  “Wait up, I’m ordering too!” he said, following me.

  We ordered our food and, surprisingly, he paid for us both. I wasn’t expecting him to pay. We sat back down and waited for our order to be prepared.

  It took the staff ten minutes to get our food out to us. I was about to enjoy my bar-b-que pizza I ordered and a salad. The salad looked amazing. The best part about this place was their dressing! It’s the little things that make me smile.

  Isaiah stared at me until I broke the silence.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Even after your workout, you’re beautiful,” he said.

  “Is that a compliment?” I asked laughing.

  “Yeah, it is. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it obviously sounded,” he said.

  “Well, let me bask in my after-workout glow,” I said.

  After finishing up our dinner, we sat and just enjoyed each other’s company. By this time I wasn’t feeling antsy at all. I didn’t feel nervous like I normally did. Is this what it feels like to let loose a little? It had been a while since I had just gotten to know someone like this. I guess I had built a wall taller than I realized.

  In the middle of our conversation, Isaiah glanced over at the door, which made me glance down at my watch to see what time it was.

  “Oh, man, I didn’t realize the time,” I said.

  I noticed he was a little figgity.

  “Umm, are you alright?” I asked.

  “Yep, I am,” Isaiah said.

  He kept glancing at the door, so I turned aroun
d to see what or who he was looking at. It was the gorgeous woman he was with at lunch a few days prior.

  “Listen, why don’t you go speak to your friend. I won’t keep you any longer than I already have. I do have a busy day to get ready for tomorrow,” I said.

  “Oh, umm, well, I guess…” he said.

  Although I knew it then, I knew there was something more with those two than he tried to let on. I don’t know who he thought he was fooling.

  I laughed and shook my head as I was getting up.

  “Hi, Zay…” a female voice said.

  “Heeeyyy, how are you?” Isaiah said, nervously.

  The woman hugged Isaiah kind of tightly. After she let him go, she turned and smiled at me while taking a step closer to Isaiah.

  “Hi…” she said.

  I matched her smile and said, “Hi, how are you?”

  “Oh, I’m great now that I’m seeing this face,” she said, referring to Isaiah.

  “Great! Well, you two have a good evening. Isaiah, thanks again for dinner,” I said.

  As I turned to walk away, I felt the mystery woman’s eyes pierce the back of my head. This situation should have been weird for me, but it wasn’t.

  By the time I reached my car, my text message alert was going off. After settling in the car, I looked at my phone.

  Xenia, I’m sorry about that. I should’ve introduced you. I don’t know what I was thinking.

  Surprisingly, I replied back to Isaiah.

  No worries. It may good you didn’t I don’t need to add her to my list of stalkers LOL

  He didn’t respond.

  Chapter 23

  I had been assigned another major project that I had been working on for about a month. This particular project was more tedious and worth more money to the company. So, it was imperative that I concentrate more than usual.

  This also meant my working like crazy again and my social life taking another hit. I hadn’t really spoken with anyone or hung out. It was starting to take a toll on me, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I was enjoying my job and my new position.

  When I was assigned the project, I wondered if Isaiah would be on the legal side of things, again. I guess the Team doesn’t know until the firm assigns the lawyers. Since it wasn’t time to bring them in, I didn’t bring it up to my team.

  I decided to work remotely over the weekend. I searched the internet all week for different restaurants I could bunker down and put in some major hours. I have it kind of bad for food.

  Before I bunkered down, I decided to take Friday night for myself. That evening, I caught a movie and treated myself to dinner and a movie.

  After the long and stressful week I had, I decided to stop by the bar right after work, to get my party started. Before walking in, I decided to only have one drink.

  I walked into the bar and headed straight to my favorite bar tender. He saw me coming and smiled.

  “Well, hello there, stranger,” he said.

  “Hey, Mike!! I missed you!” I said.

  “I missed you, too, pretty lad,.” Mike said. Your usual?”

  I laughed and said, “You know it!”

  I settled into my seat and Mike slid the glass of whiskey in front of me.

  “There you go. What’s been going on since I hadn’t seen you in awhile?” he asked.

  “Not much, man, just working. Oh, I did get a promotion at work,” I said.

  “Oooh, so, that’s why I hadn’t seen you?” Mike said.

  “Yep, paying my dues. But, I’m definitely not complaining about it. It’s actually better than I thought it would be,” I said.

  “Good deal and congratulations to you. Did you want to look at a menu or are you going to get your usual?” he asked.

  “Ya know, I hadn’t even thought about food, BUT, I will try your spinach dip this time and, instead of chips, can I get the bread with it?” I asked.

  “Coming right up!” he said. He walked away to put my order in.

  It was only fifteen minutes after five and the bar was full of stressed out people who may have had the same week I had at work. I smiled as I scanned the crowd and I took a sip of my drink. Mike brought the spinach dip and bread out to me and I did my happy dance because I was starving. I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch.

  Since I decided on dinner and a movie I went ahead and ordered dinner as well. Since it was so good the last time, I ordered the Duck Confit again.

  By the time I ordered dinner the bar was packed to capacity and they had a pretty long wait time. Glad I got there when I did.

  My Duck came out and looked amazing and I couldn’t wait to tear into it. Just as soon as I picked up my utensils I felt a tap on my shoulder. Given the history of our run-ins, I knew exactly who it was.

  I turned around and said, “Well, well, well…so, we meet again?” My face dropped immediately.

  “Hi, Zen.” Jake said. “What’s wrong!?”

  “Umm, nothing,” I said. I just knew it was Isaiah. How are you?”

  “I’m good. I’m meeting a friend for dinner and on the way to our table I saw you and wanted to say hi,” he said.

  “You’re on a date?” I asked.

  “Yeah…I am,” he said reluctantly.

  “Cool, well, I hope you guys have a good time,” I said.

  Jake smiled and walked over to his date. From what I saw she was pretty. I felt a little jealous. Maybe it was because I was there alone. But, at least I didn’t look like a raga-muffin! So, I felt a little better about that.

  “Hey, beautiful, how’s everything?” Mike asked.

  I mustered up a smile and said, “Yeah, the Duck is amazing and the spinach dip, oh my God, the best I’ve had in a while.”

  “Awesome,” Mike said. He walked away to check on the other patrons at the bar.

  I took another sip of my drink and bit of my duck. When I glanced up I noticed someone looking at me. When I took a closer look, it was Isaiah.

  He smiled. I smiled and I tipped my glass to him. Of course, there was an empty seat next to me. It seemed like he was in the seat in 2 seconds flat.

  “The prettiest thing at the bar, I had to come sit beside you,” Isaiah said.

  I smirked and shook my head.

  “What? You like shaking your head at me…” he said.

  “Nothing. Nice of us to run into each other…again.” I said.

  He let out a big laugh.

  “We have to stop running into each other like this. Why don’t you let me take you out one night?” Isaiah said.

  I was actually thinking about it.

  “Why should I after you stood me up the last time?” I asked. I took another sip of my drink.

  “You’re right and I tried explaining what happened, but you weren’t trying to hear it,” he said.

  “You’re right, I wasn’t,” I said taking another sip. I motioned for Mike to make another drink.

  “How many of those have you had?” he asked.

  “Two. Thanks Mike.”

  “What are you drinking, my man?” Mike said.

  “I’ll have a Scotch on the rocks,” Isaiah said.

  Mike walked away to fix Isaiah’s drink.

  “So, what do you say, Xenia?” he asked.

  “I’ll think about it,” I said.

  I looked at Isaiah and smiled. He matched my smile.

  “Well, we’re getting closer to a yes,” he said sipping his Scotch.

  Isaiah looked over his menu for this dinner choices while I was still working on my dinner.

  “So, where’s your friend this evening?” I asked.

  “Here we go. I told you she’s just a friend,” he said.

  “A friend who made it very clear that she wanted to be more when we met,” I said.

  “Yeah, I talked to her about that,” he said.

  I looked and him and raised my brow.

  “Okay, well moving on. How are you?” I asked. How was the week?”

  “No way, we aren’t talking
about work tonight. I have to work all weekend. Tonight, I clear my head,” he said.

  Mike brought Isaiah’s food and we toasted to a night of letting our hair down.

  “Your food looks good,” I said.

  “Did you want to try it?” he asked.

  “Nah, I try not to eat off people’s plates because I don’t want them eating off of mine,” I said.

  We talked into the evening. The movie I wanted to see, I missed. It was too late for me to go now. Besides, I think I was on the verge of being drunk; I was on my fourth whiskey. I excused myself to the restroom to get myself together because I realized I was indeed drunk!

  When I came back to my seat, I found out Isaiah had paid our dinner bills.

  “Hey, there you go, you okay?” he asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” I said as I sat down.

  “You want to get dessert?” he asked.

  “I could go for ice cream,” I said.

  “Well, since you’ve been drinking, I’m driving and I can drop you off at home,” he said.

  “No, I think I can manage,” I said. I knew I shouldn’t drive, but I didn’t want to be around him alone in close quarters either.

  “Xenia, yeah okay, let’s go,” he demanded.

  We pulled up to the ice cream parlor and walked inside. I was like a kid in a candy store. I lit up as soon as I walked in.

  We ordered and sat at the table in the front window. Although inebriated, I was enjoying Isaiah’s company. Our conversation flowed.

  After we finished our sweet treats, he drove me home. We pulled into the driveway and I had butterflies in my stomach. I felt like I was in high school on my first date.

  “So, here we are,” I said.

  “Let me walk you to the door.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

  “Let me be a gentleman, please?” he said.

  He got out of the car and opened my door. When we got to my front door I put the key in the door. I turned around to tell him good night.

  “Well, thanks for a nice evening Isaiah. You’re an okay dude,” I said smiling. “Thanks for driving me home.”

  “I enjoyed you as well and no problem. I was not going to let you drive your self home,” he said.

  Our eyes connected and I felt a strong, electric force between us. Then he stroked my cheek lightly. I took a step closer to the door. He matched my step.