“Whoa, whoa, whoa, …Wait!” he begged, stepping in front of me. “I told you that two of my friends popped up, and now we would have two joining us for dinner. You didn’t get my text?”
“WHAT?” I yelled back at him.
“I texted you, forty minutes ago,” he explained.
I pulled out my phone and touched the screen; nothing happened. I tried to power it up, and the battery symbol popped up on the screen. My phone was dead; I had forgotten to charge it. “Ohhh.” I said.
He stood there, staring at me.
The door attendant opened the door and looked at us. “Is everything alright, Ms.?” he asked.
“Yes, I’ll be right there,” I answered.
“Why?” Jyme asked.
“I need to go and get my other phone . . .”
He interrupted me, “I have a micro USB charger in the truck. You can charge it there.”
“Look, you are seriously shadowing my comfort zone right now. I will meet you at the restaurant,” I snapped back at him.
“I can ditch them if you want me to,” he said.
“It’s not a problem. I would just rather drive myself that’s all.”
“You will be there?” he asked, staring me straight in the eye.
“Yes, I’ve already told you that.”
He ran his fingers through his hair and walked back towards the truck.
I stepped into the building and went straight towards the elevator. “Is everything alright Ms. Hooper?” Randy, the clerk, asked.
“Yes, everything is fine. I just decided to drive myself,” I said.
“Ms. Hooper if you give the valet your valet key, he will bring your car around every time you need it,” Randy stated.
“Oh well, I will have to do that. Thank you, Randy.”
I rushed back to the condo and grabbed the Blackberry off the counter. I clicked on Chelle’s number and listened to the ringing.
“What up, Trick?” she answered.
I explained what I needed, and she was more than happy to oblige.
A few minutes later, I walked into Mondello, and there was a beautiful, plus-size Native American woman waiting at the entrance.
“Ayashe?” I asked.
“Cricket?” We both nodded and smiled.
Chelle couldn’t make it to me in time, so she sent the next best thing: her friend Ayashe, who just so happened to have been from the same reservation Jyme was from. I felt at ease when she put her arm through mine. We both walked back over to the hostess, and I gave her Jyme’s name. She looked a little confused then waived over a waiter. He brought another chair to the table set for four.
Jyme stood, and then his two counterparts did as well. They all greeted Ayashe, well, everyone but Jyme. He didn’t say a word, just stared at me. I asked one of the men next to the empty chair to scoot down. He did so, and then we all sat down.
I was glad for the warmth of the restaurant. It was time for the twins to make a grand appearance. I pulled off my leather jacket, and Ayashe removed hers as well. The waiter was back taking our drink orders. I made sure I would really act this show out. “What types of white wines do you have?” I asked. I unwrapped my infinity scarf slowly, pretending as if I was seriously listening to what the waiter was saying. Once I was done unwrapping, I answered him: “A glass of the Mandrarossa.”
The waiter’s eyes widened and he gave me a cheerful look. The three men at the table were in awe at the showing of the twins. The girls had never let me down before, and I needed them to put on a superb performance tonight. The twins were the only way I knew to take my nerves away.
Ayashe ordered a glass of the Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie.
I held one hand around my neck and the other up, trying to catch the waiter’s attention. “Excuse me. Can we just get a bottle of the Delle Venezie instead? I asked.
The waiter agreed and said we had made an excellent choice.
I turned back around and focused on the menu in front of me. My phone chimed in my clutch; I opened it and pulled out the phone.
“Cricket, this is Kanoke and Loon. You guys, this is Cricket” Ayashe introduced. They both nodded at me, and I smiled at both of them. I touched the screen of my phone; I had a text from Jyme.
“Are you mad at me?”
I hit reply and typed, “No. Why?”
I turned to the man next to me, worked to remember his name, and said, “Kanoke, did you guys already order?”
“No, we just got drinks.”
I finally noticed that the two guys were dressed in almost identical gear. Both wore jeans, t-shirts, and boots. Their leather jackets hung around the backs of their chairs.
My phone chimed again, and I looked up at Jyme. He was staring at me with no expression whatsoever on his face.
I looked down at my phone, and the screen read, “How do you know Ayashe? And why did you bring her?”
I hit reply: “She’s a friend of a friend, and she was bored.”
The waiter was back with our bottle and two wine glasses. He took our orders. I ordered the Pollo Al Cartoccio, and Ayashe got the Braciole. The guys ordered, and once Kanoke was done, I asked him if he’d been here before.
He told me Jyme was the one who went out to these fancy, pansy, restaurants.
“Why?”
“Ever since the breakup, he has been on this ‘learning all types of other cultures’ kick.” My phone chimed, and I turned from Kanoke. The screen read, “You’re making me jealous.”
I felt the warmth all the way down to my toes.
“You’re the one who wanted to have a party tonight,” I texted back.
I turned to Ayashe, “Have you ever been here before?”
“No, but I’ve heard excellent things about it.”
“Jyme, what made you pick this place?” I asked from across the table.
“You don’t like it?”
“No. I think the ambiance is amazing.”
“I came here a few months ago, and I liked the food,” he said.
“Well, after that fabulous lunch today and then that amazing cheesecake, I’m starting to believe you are the food whisperer.”
Kanoke and Loon both stared at Jyme.
Ayashe stood and excused herself for the ladies’ room.
Jyme stood as I was about to join her and walked over to take Ayashe’s seat. He put his hand on my forearm.
Kanoke and Loon both stood and walked away from the table.
The whole scene happened in less than ten seconds, but it was the most intense ten seconds I had ever experienced.
“Leave with me now,” he pleaded. He turned so I could see nothing but him.
“Where do you want to go?” I croaked out. He placed a hand on the side of my face, and then his fore fingers gripped the back of my neck. He pulled me closer to him and dug his face into my hair. I could feel his hot breath on my ear, and then my skin was covered in chill bumps.
“I…” is all that came out of his mouth, and I closed my eyes. “I don’t care where, I want you alone, now,” he whispered.
Everything inside of me melted. I let out a whispered “Oh,” and he chuckled in my ear.
“Shall we?”
“I can’t,” is all I could get out.
“Why not?” he growled in my ear.
“Ayashe,” I answered coherently. Someone behind us cleared their throat, and his hypnotism session on me was released.
I let out the breath I sucked in when he first touched me.
Two waiters stood there with our plates.
Jyme continued sitting in Ayashe’s seat. She came back to the table, went straight to Jyme’s seat, and poured herself another glass of wine. I liked Ayashe. She had this easy air about her. Chelle had been certain of Ayashe’s presence before even speaking with her. She seemed like a ride or die friend.
Jyme had ordered the Fettuccine Di Mare. His platter was full of mussels, calamari, prawns, and claims. Everyone started digging in immediately. After a minute or so, w
e were all gushing over our dishes. Soon after that, the massive sharing session began with everyone eating off of everyone else’s plate. The portions they gave us were so hefty that everyone could share several times.
After we were all stuffed, Jyme ordered everyone coffee and requested a piece of each dessert they offered. We all turned to look at him; he started laughing.
“They only have six; we can all share,” he explained.
I had to excuse myself. My three glasses of wine were running right through me. I placed my napkin on the table and looked at Jyme. “Excuse me I need to get by; I have to go to the ladies room.” I turned in my seat, and he gave me a wicked smile.
He leaned over and brushed my long extensions over my shoulder. He put his lips right up against my ear again. “Can I see you later tonight?” he asked.
“Um, I need to think about that”
“Okay.” He stood and held his hand out for me.
I gave him a smile and grabbed my clutch. I placed my hand into his, and he pulled me up.
We both walked to restrooms, hand in hand, and got a few stares. He walked me to the ladies’ restroom.
Once the door shut, I almost ran to the stall; I had to use it emergency style now. My bladder was at ease, I felt like a new woman. I blotted my face and reapplied my lip gloss.
As I stepped out the ladies restroom, there he stood. He reached out for my hand, and I slid mine into his. The desserts were arriving when we returned to our seats. Once again we all shared, everyone getting a little of everything.
“So Jyme, when was the last time you saw Elle?” Ayashe asked.
Chapter 3
All Hell Broke Loose
Everyone stared at Ayashe, and then their attention went to Jyme. I swallowed a spoonful of the lemon sorbetti, and noticed no one else was enjoying his or her dessert. I put my spoon down with a clank and swallowed slowly, trying not to make a sound. All three guys at the table looked uneasy, and Ayashe looked chilled. She was up to something; it was obvious. She had saved this performance for the ending, and I wondered why.
Jyme sipped on his coffee then turned to her. “I guess seven or eight months now,” he answered. Kanoke and Loon both were looking as if breathing was hard to do now.
“I hear she’s engaged to that guy,” Ayashe told him.
“Cricket, what kind of…what do you do?” Loon asked.
I hadn’t really heard his voice all-night, and he definitely hadn’t addressed my presence before now. “I’m an Auditor.” My boss told me in my interview that I was never to tell anyone outside my department what I did. He told me to find a lie and stick with it.
“How long have you been doing that?” Loon asked.
Everyone’s attention was on me now, and the twins were not even ready for their encore performance. I had my accessible bra on, once I unhook these straps and the twins have full range. It’s all over for anyone who likes breast. I didn’t like this unannounced spotlight. “About two days now,” I answered.
I looked over at Jyme, and he was looking for the waiter. It was obvious Ayashe had hit a nerve, as was obviously her purpose. She would have to dish once we got outside.
The waiter came with the check, and Jyme handed him a credit card. I was going to pay for Ayashe’s dinner since she did me a solid on such short notice. I whispered to Jyme, “I was going to pay for Ayashe’s dinner; I didn’t bring her for-”
His glare silenced me. “I don’t want you to see me like this,” he growled.
“Like what, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“I have to go, right now. I will call you later,” he answered. He stood up, and Kanoke and Loon mimicked him. All three of them left the table, and I saw Jyme meet the waiter halfway. He signed the bill and grabbed his card. He didn’t look back as he left the restaurant.
I felt my eyes burning, and then I pulled myself together. Ayashe was silently finishing her Tiramisu. I moved one seat over and leaned into her.
“Sooo…who’s Elle?” I asked.
“I’m going to let him tell you that one,” she answered.
“How well do you know him?”
“I know of him, but I know his friend Sheen better,” she answered with a giggle.
“Oh, do tell?”
“I met Sheen one summer, when I was visiting my Grandmother on the reservation. He was friends with my cousin, and they hung out together the whole summer. He was my summer of firsts, and I fell head over heels for him. He had a girlfriend, but they were taking the summer off, so to speak. We met up in this small cave and it was nice. I soon found out though, that it was both of our first time. That made it even sweeter, he was gentle.”
I watched her while she talked about him; she had this sparkle in her eye. She smiled and then took another sip from her glass. “And then what happened?”
“Oh, you know…we grow up and moved on.”
“When did you see him last?”
“About three months ago. He works for Jyme now.”
“Oh.”
“That was ages ago, and I happen to know for a fact he’s in a serious relationship now.”
I gave her a small smile, and then my phone chimed. I reached into my clutch and pulled it out. That number I knew well now appeared on the screen and the text read, “Can I please see you tonight?” I couldn’t help but feel all warm fuzzies inside now, after hearing her story.
“When and where?” I hit reply.
I was intrigued by the Elle subject; I had to know more. My phone chimed, and I read the screen. “Where do you feel safe?” I thought about it for a minute and thought of the perfect place. I saw it yesterday on my drive into the city.
I responded, and soon after, Ayashe and I left the restaurant. I thanked her again and made her promise to let me take her out to a real dinner this weekend.
It took me twenty minutes to get to my destination. I unplugged my dying phone, and I had two strong battery bars holding on. I put the phone on vibrate and sat in the back in the shadows. There were a few people up front, and no one gave me a second glance. I should have gone upfront, lit three candles, and said a prayer for all three of them. But my feet wouldn’t let me move. I sat there waiting for him instead. I thought about my old life and then I started feeling sorry for myself. I don’t get like this too often, but Catholic churches are my weakness. I sat there another five minutes or so and then he sat down right beside me; I almost didn’t recognize him. He wore a sweat-suit and sneakers. He left his hood on his head, and he was taking deep breaths.
“Did you run here?” I whispered.
He nodded.
“Where do you live?”
“On the reservation,” he whispered back.
“But why are you in Seattle?” I asked.
“I work here,” he answered.
“You fish here?” I asked.
“I own my own fishing company.” My eyes widened, and I blew out a frustrated breath.
“I wanted to tell you this tonight, but things got a little carried away, and then you showed up with Ayashe,” he said.
“You told me you were a fisherman,” I hissed. A couple of people a few benches up turned around and stared at us. I did the sign of the cross, and then I bent my head.
“Are you Catholic?” he whispered.
“No, I’m Methodist.”
“Why are we here?” he asked.
“Methodists don’t leave their churches open twenty four hours a day.”
“This isn’t right.” He shook his head in disgust.
“God is God, and He doesn’t care what church I’m in.” I whispered.
“I’m sorry about tonight. I’ve never been on a date with someone I don’t know,” he explained. “Kanoke and Loon both work for me, and they wanted to meet you. They didn’t believe me when I told them I was going on a date. I normally go by myself to nice restaurants and watch other people on dates,” he explained.
“Who is Elle?” I whispered.
He swallowed and then l
ooked at me. “My ex,” he whispered.
“Oh,” I answered, I kind of figured that, but I needed him to say it.
“She really messed me over, and it took me a long time to get over her,” he stated. He put his head back down, and two people left the sanctuary. I could hear the door creek open and shut.
“Are you over her?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
I pulled his face toward mine; I needed him to make eye contact with me. “Well, why did you get so upset when Ayashe asked you about her?”
“I wanted to tell you about her myself, and she caught me off guard. She pissed me off,” he explained.
I watched him, and he didn’t blink. His big full lips were moist, and I just wanted to lick them with my tongue. I had to suck both of my lips under my teeth; I bit down hard trying to compose myself. I was in a church for goodness sake.
“Let’s get out of here.”
“Good,” he sighed.
I did the cross thing again and an awkward curtsey thing. He pulled my hand into his and held the squeaky door for me. We walked out into the light mist and headed towards the rental.
“Do you need a ride?” I asked.
“I can walk.”
“Get in,” I demanded. We both slid into the car and buckled up. He pushed the seat back as far as it could go and leaned back.
“How tall are you?”
“6’4.”
“Which way do I go?” I asked him as I approached a stop light.
“Take a right at the light,” he answered.
We rode in silence for a while before he pulled my hand into his. He touched each one of my acrylic nails and he played around with my owl ring.
“You like bold pieces of jewelry,” he said.
“Yes, I do. I get bored quick with regular pieces,” I explained.
“How about people? Do you get bored of them quick?”
“I don’t know,” I lied. I knew the answer to that question far too well. That is why I keep running from people. A house in the suburbs with a white picket fence and the two point five children terrified me. I hate the same old, same daily routine, day in and day out.
“Make a right at the next light,” he said.
Heels of Love (G Street Chronicles Presents From Love to Loathe Series) Page 4