Page 5 of Serenity

“What is it you do again, Eric?” I probed, fighting against the inclination to get out of my seat and leave.

“I’m a club promoter,” he offered with a grin.

Falling into light banter about his job, he offered more words at that moment than he had the entire night.

“Sounds… exciting,” I quipped, heightening my brows and offering a toothless smile.

“It can be. I make a lot of money,” he nodded.

Broke men always discussed wealth as if it were their long-lost soulmate. Always flourished lies about their accomplishments in the presence of a woman. I saw through it every time. And it wasn’t that I was opposed to dating a man who made less than me. Above all, however, I valued authenticity. Pride came before the fall.

Sighing, I uncrossed my legs and recrossed them, this time with the opposite leg atop the other. In an instant, I hated that I’d even entertained him. Far from an average woman, I didn’t typically entertain the likes. It was far from my usual behavior of obtaining background checks and substantiating my suitor’s claims. In truth, doing so had become so surgical that I opted to do something different for once.

And now look at you.

My head rotated around the restaurant in search of the moment our night would come to an eventual close. Finally, the waitress returned, her anxiety doubled in volume.

“Sorry, sir, we can’t accept any of these cards.”

Such a farce caused me to wonder how difficult it must be to be a man. Eric had gone from pretending to be someone he wasn’t to unmasking before my eyes. I pitied him. Even considered pulling out a bill to pay for our meal. But something told me that might offend.

His face dissolved into frustration at the waitress’ revelation. Reluctantly, he dragged his wallet from a rear pocket. I prayed I didn’t witness the emergence of yet another gift card. I should have left, but curiosity made a home in my bones. Far too entertained, I wanted to see how the evening would unfold.

“Here.”

In annoyance, he freed a wad of cash from his wallet and rolled his eyes at the waitress. His recent transactions caused me to wonder if the money was authentic or just as fake as him. Queued to leave, I rose from my seat and collected my purse.

“Good night, Eric.” With a chuckle, I announced my departure.

“Serenity, hold up. Let me get my change.”

Ignoring the request and accelerating my pace, I left the restaurant in disbelief and amusement. While I agreed that everyone needed love, broke men needed to handle their finances before attempting to date. Second-hand embarrassment for the man posing as someone he wasn’t reigned immense. My pity ran deep, though not enough to entertain him further.

Sean

Sean owned an investment firm. No kids, a widower, and diabetically sweet. He was so sweet that I was considering the lingerie I’d wear on our next date prior to the conclusion of our current one. After candle-making at Foundry Flame, we’d followed up with dinner. Our time spent together was absolutely flawless.

Too perfect.

The coq au vin I’d ordered was delicious. I wasted little time chaperoning the contents of my bowl down my throat and into my waiting belly.

“What?” I asked, pausing mid-fork of chicken, carrots, and potatoes.

“Nothing. I just love to watch you eat. Not on no weird shit. You just let your hair down. No prissy picking around the food. No pretense.”

“Oh. Well, shit. If you bring me to the food, I’ma eat.”

“One of your love languages?”

“It is,” I nodded, loading my mouth with more of the tender chicken paired with mushrooms.

Our night continued with ceaseless but welcome flirting. Sean was a Virgo, explaining his endearing demeanor. Considerate and observant, he left few crumbs for the next potential suitor to pick up from.

I liked him.

“Serenity, you aight?” Concern colored his handsome features. I’d cleared my plate shamelessly while considering Sean for dessert.

“I’m fine, why?” I smiled, feeling a tingle of my lips. He made weird shit happen in my chest and apparently my lips.

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